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How to Find the Main Water Valve

Tweed Heads Leak Detection • February 16, 2023

In the event of a plumbing emergency, it’s important to have the knowledge and skills to locate and operate the main water valve. A leak or burst pipe can cause significant water damage to your home in a short amount of time, so knowing how to quickly shut it off can minimise the damage and prevent further costly repairs. In this guide, we will cover the essential steps on how to find and turn off your main water valve. We’ll also provide some helpful tips to make sure you can be prepared for the worst.

A Water Meter Is Sitting In A Hole In The Ground — Tweed Heads Leak Detection in Casuarina, NSW

Reasons Why You May Need to Find the Main Water Valve

There are several reasons why you may need to find your main water valve, including:

In the case of a burst pipe or major leak
To perform maintenance on your plumbing system
To conserve water during drought conditions

Knowing where your main water valve is located and how to turn it off can help you be more prepared in the event of a plumbing emergency.

How to Find the Main Water Valve

The location of the main water valve varies depending on the age and design of your home. In most cases, you’ll find two main water valves on your property—one attached to your water metre and another one connected to your home plumbing system.

Where is the Main Water Valve in Most Australian Homes

The main water valve is located where the water supply enters your home’s plumbing system. This valve controls the entire water supply to your home and can be easily located without any digging or special tools. However, finding it may require some searching:

Check the perimeter: Look for the valve near the exterior wall of your home or near the bathroom.
Path of least resistance: Follow the path of the water line to the house—the valve will likely be where the line meets the house.
Inspection Report: Check the latest inspection report for information on the valve’s location.
Access Panels: The valve may be in an access panel created by plumbing contractors for easy access.

A Person Is Holding A Red Valve Next To A Water Meter — Tweed Heads Leak Detection in Casuarina, NSW

How to Turn Off the Main Water Valve

Once you have located the valve, follow these steps to turn it off:

Prepare yourself: Before you start, make sure you have the necessary tools such as a wrench or pliers. It is also important to know which way to turn the valve (usually clockwise).
Turn off the water supply: Grasp the valve handle or knob and turn it in a clockwise direction until it stops moving. This will shut off the water supply to your home.
Check for leaks: After you have turned off the valve, check for any leaks in your plumbing system. If you notice any leaks, organise to have them repaired by a professional plumber as soon as possible.

It is important to note that turning off the main water valve should be done with caution, as it can cause damage to your plumbing system if not done properly. If you are unsure about how to turn off your main water valve, it is best to consult a licensed plumber.

Plumbing Emergency? Contact the Experts at Tweed Heads Leak Detection

In the event of a plumbing emergency, contact the experts at Tweed Heads Leak Detection. Our team of licensed plumbers have the knowledge and expertise to quickly resolve any leak issues and prevent further water damage to your property. Give us a call on 1300 134 728 or 0419 681 820. For any questions regarding our services, reach out to us via our contact form and someone from our friendly team will get back to you!