A plumbing emergency can strike at any time—burst pipes, leaks behind walls, a failed water heater, or overflowing fixtures. When that happens, knowing how to turn off water to your house quickly can prevent major water damage and reduce costly repairs.
Whether you live in Reno, Carson City, or the surrounding Northern Nevada areas, this guide will walk you step-by-step through finding and using your water shut off valve, with expert tips for handling an emergency water shut off the right way.
Why Knowing How to Turn Off Water to Your House Matters
If a pipe suddenly bursts or a leak becomes uncontrollable, every minute counts. Water can spread through flooring, walls, insulation, and cabinetry in seconds.
Shutting off your home’s main supply is the fastest way to stop the flow. With a little preparation, you can prevent:
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Flooding
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Mold growth
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Structural damage
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Increased repair costs
Just a few minutes of knowledge now could save you thousands later.
Step 1: Locate Your Main Water Shut Off Valve
Every home has a primary valve that controls the flow of water entering the property. In the Reno and Carson City area, you’ll typically find it in one of these locations:
Inside the Home
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Near the water heater
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In the basement (if applicable)
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In a utility or laundry room
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Close to the foundation wall where the water line enters
Outside the Home
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In a covered utility box near the street
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On an exterior wall
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In the ground near the driveway or sidewalk
If you live in an older home, especially in Reno or Carson City’s historic neighborhoods, the main water shut off valve may be less obvious, so take a few minutes to locate it now—before an emergency happens.
Step 2: How to Turn Off the Main Water Valve
Once you locate the valve, here’s how to turn off main water valve at your house:
Gate Valve (Round Wheel-Style Handle)
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Turn the wheel clockwise until it stops fully.
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This type is more common in older homes.
Ball Valve (Lever-Style Handle)
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Rotate the lever 90 degrees until it is perpendicular to the pipe.
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This is the most common valve type in newer homes and offers fast shutoff.
Once closed, water to the entire house should stop immediately.
Step 3: Test the Shutoff
After turning the valve off:
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Turn on a faucet inside the home.
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Confirm that water flow slows and stops.
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If water continues running, the valve may be partially stuck—or you may be closing the wrong valve.
If the valve is damaged or won’t turn, call a licensed plumber right away.
How to Turn Off Water to a Single Fixture
If the issue is isolated (like a leaking toilet, sink, or washing machine), you may only need to shut off water at the fixture.
Look for a small valve near the fixture:
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Toilet: Under the tank near the floor.
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Sink: Under the cabinet.
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Washer: On the wall behind the appliance.
Turn the small valve clockwise until the water stops.
This is much less disruptive than turning off water to the entire home.
When You Need an Emergency Water Shut Off
Call for emergency service immediately if:
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Water is flooding from a burst pipe
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You smell sewage
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Your main valve won’t turn
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Turning off water didn’t stop the flow
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You aren’t comfortable shutting the system down yourself
Our professional plumbers in Reno and Carson City can respond fast and help prevent expensive long-term damage.
Pro Tip: Label Your Shut Off Valve Now
Don’t wait until water is pouring into your home to figure out where the valve is. Take a few minutes today to:
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Locate your valve
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Tag it clearly
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Show every household member where it is
Preparedness is your best defense against unexpected plumbing emergencies.
Need Help with Your Main Water Shut Off?
Whether you’re unsure how to turn off water to house, can’t locate your water shut off valve, or need emergency service fast, our local plumbing team is here to help. We proudly serve homeowners throughout:
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Reno
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Carson City
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Sparks
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Dayton
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Minden
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Gardnerville
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And the surrounding areas
We offer fast response, reliable repair, and professional plumbing support when you need it most.
Knowing how to shut off water could mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and thousands of dollars in property damage. Take a moment today to prepare—and if you ever need help, our licensed local plumbers are only a phone call away.