How to Shut Off Your Water in a Plumbing Emergency

A burst pipe, a failed supply line, a toilet that will not stop filling — these are the moments where knowing where your water shutoff is can mean the difference between a plumber visit and a full floor replacement. Most Tucson homeowners have never tested their shutoffs. This guide changes that.

Your Main Shutoff: Find It Before You Need It

In most Tucson homes, the main shutoff is located at one of three places: near the water meter at the street (usually in a covered box flush with the ground near your curb), where the supply line enters your home through the foundation or wall, or in your garage near the water heater.

Turn it clockwise to close. Give it a slow full turn to confirm it seats completely. If it has not been turned in years, it may be stiff — use a wrench or shutoff key. After closing it, open a faucet to drain pressure from the lines before you start assessing the damage.

Fixture-Level Shutoffs: Stop Flow Without Killing the Whole House

For isolated problems — a toilet running over, a supply line leaking under a sink — you do not need to shut off the entire home. Every toilet and every sink has its own angle stop valve, usually a small oval-handled valve on the wall behind the fixture. Turn it clockwise to close.

• →Toilet: angle stop on the wall behind the base, left side
• →Sink: two angle stops under the cabinet (hot and cold)
• →Dishwasher: angle stop under the kitchen sink, typically a smaller valve
• →Refrigerator ice maker: valve on the wall behind the fridge or under the sink
• →Washing machine: two hose bibs on the wall behind the unit — turn both

Water Heater Shutoff

If your water heater is leaking, turn off the cold supply line entering the top of the tank first. Then turn off the gas valve (clockwise to close) or flip the circuit breaker for electric units. Do not leave a gas water heater burning with a shutoff supply line — the tank can overheat.

After the Shutoff: What to Do Next

• →Open a low faucet to drain pressure from the lines
• →Move valuables and electronics away from the affected area
• →Take photos of any visible damage for your insurance claim
• →Do not turn the water back on until the source of the problem is identified