How do I shut off the water to my house?

Your main water shut-off valve is typically located where the water line enters your house from the street, usually in the basement near the front wall or in a utility room. Turn the valve clockwise (righty-tighty) until it stops - this cuts off all water to your home.

Finding your main shut-off valve is crucial for every homeowner. In Ottawa homes, it's most commonly found in the basement along the foundation wall facing the street, often near your water meter. The valve may be a wheel-style gate valve or a lever-style ball valve. If you have a ball valve, turn the handle 90 degrees so it's perpendicular to the pipe. Some newer Ottawa homes have the shut-off located in a utility room or mechanical room on the main floor.

In emergency situations like burst pipes or major leaks, knowing this location can save you thousands in water damage. After shutting off the main valve, open a few faucets throughout the house to drain remaining water from the pipes. This prevents additional water from flowing out of any damaged pipes and reduces pressure in the system.

If you can't locate your shut-off valve or it's not working properly, there's also a curb stop valve at the street (usually requires a water meter key to operate). However, this is typically the city's responsibility and should only be used in true emergencies. Some Ottawa homes also have individual shut-offs for fixtures like toilets and sinks under the fixture itself.

Test your main shut-off valve annually by turning it off and back on to ensure it works when you need it. If the valve is stuck, leaking, or doesn't fully stop the water flow, have it replaced by a licensed plumber - a faulty shut-off valve is a major risk for water damage.

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