Where Is My Main Water Shut-Off? An Arizona Home Guide
In many Arizona homes, the main water shut-off is on an outside wall where the water line comes up from the ground, often near the front hose bib or in the garage near the water heater. Turn a round handle clockwise until it stops, or turn a lever a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe. Test it once a year.
When a pipe bursts, every minute of running water adds to the damage. The fastest way to stop it is the main water shut-off valve. Many people do not know where theirs is until water is already on the floor. Take five minutes today to find it. This guide shows where to look in an Arizona home and how to use it.
Reading this with water on the floor? Get help first.
Need Help Now? Tap Here(833) 937-0179Where is the main water shut-off in an Arizona home?
Most Arizona homes are built on a concrete slab with no basement, so the shut-off is usually outside or in the garage. Check these spots in order:
- Outside wall near the front of the home, where a pipe comes out of the ground, often next to a hose bib.
- In the garage, near the water heater or water softener.
- Near the water softener or filter loop, if your home has one.
- In a utility closet in some newer homes and condos.
Many homes also have a valve at the water meter, in a box set in the ground near the street or sidewalk. That valve belongs to the water provider. Use the valve at your home first, and call your water provider if you cannot find it.
How do I turn off the main water?
| Valve type | How to close it |
|---|---|
| Round wheel handle (gate valve) | Turn clockwise until it stops. It may take several turns. |
| Lever handle (ball valve) | Turn a quarter turn so the lever sits across the pipe. |
After closing it, open a faucet inside. If the water slows to a stop, the valve works. Turn it back on slowly when the leak is fixed.
What if the valve is stuck or will not close?
Older valves, especially round wheel types, can seize from Arizona's hard water and mineral buildup. Do not force a stuck valve with a large wrench, because the valve or pipe can break and make the leak worse. Instead:
- Close the small valves under sinks, behind toilets or at the appliance that is leaking, if that is where the water is coming from.
- Call your water provider's emergency line to ask about closing the meter valve.
- Call a plumber to fix or replace the stuck valve once the water is off.
Some homes in rural parts of Pinal and Pima County use a private well. On a well, turn off the well pump at its breaker, then close the valve near the pressure tank.
What other water valves should I know?
- Toilet: the oval handle on the wall behind the tank.
- Sinks: two small valves in the cabinet below.
- Washer: hot and cold valves behind the machine.
- Refrigerator ice maker: a small valve behind the fridge or under the sink.
- Water heater: the cold water valve at the top of the tank.
Closing the right small valve lets you stop one leak and keep water on in the rest of the home. See our guide to washer, dishwasher and fridge leaks.
What should I do after the water is off?
Turn off power to wet rooms if you can reach the breaker from a dry spot. Move belongings out of the water and take photos for insurance. Call a plumber for the pipe and a restoration crew for the water. Wet materials should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to help prevent mold, according to the EPA. Our burst pipe guide walks through the first hour.
How can I get ready before a leak happens?
Find your main valve now and make sure everyone in the home knows where it is. Test it once a year. Keep a tag or note on it. If you leave for the summer, turn the main water off before you go. Read how to protect your home while you are away.
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Get Expert Help 24/7(833) 937-0179Frequently asked questions
Is it OK to turn off the main water myself?
Yes. The valve at your home is there for you to use in a leak. Leave the valve at the meter box to your water provider if you can.
Will turning off the main water turn off my water heater?
It stops new water going in. If you will be without water for a while, set gas water heaters to vacation or pilot and turn off power to electric ones.
How long can I leave the water off?
As long as needed for the repair. Toilets will not refill and taps will not run until it is turned back on.
Why does my water still drip after I close the valve?
Water left in the pipes drains out for a short time. If flow keeps going, the valve may not seal fully and should be checked by a plumber.
Should I install an automatic water shut-off?
Smart shut-off valves with leak sensors can close the water for you. They can be helpful for homes that sit empty in summer.
About the author
Noah Miller founded AZ Water Damage Help in Queen Creek to give Arizona homeowners fast, honest water damage help. He writes and updates these guides using public guidance from the EPA, the IICRC, the National Weather Service and Arizona state agencies. More about Noah.
Sources
- EPA WaterSense: Fix a Leak Week
- EPA: Mold
- IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification)