Locating Your Main Water Valve
If a pipe bursts on a frozen January night, you'll want to close the main in seconds. Find and test it now.
Request a plumberWhere to look
In most Regina homes it's in the basement, on the wall facing the street where the service line comes in, near the water meter.
Developed basements
In a finished basement, the valve may be behind an access panel or inside a utility room. Keep the way to it clear.
Open or closed
A lever handle is closed when it sits across the pipe. A round handle closes clockwise.
Test it
Close the valve, open a tap and wait. If water keeps running, the valve isn't sealing.
Fixture valves
Toilets, sinks, the washer and the hot water tank should each have a shut-off.
If it won't close
Contact the city and see emergency plumbing.
Show everyone
Show everyone in the house where the valve is and how it closes. Tie a tag to it and keep a flashlight nearby. A house sitter should know too, especially if you travel in winter.
Upgrade a stiff valve
If your main is an old gate valve with a round handle that's stiff or weeps at the stem, ask a plumber about a quarter-turn ball valve. It closes in one motion, which helps when water is pouring out.
Going away for winter
If you'll be away for weeks in winter, close the main, drain the lines by opening the lowest taps and set the hot water tank to vacation or off, while keeping the heat on at a safe level.
More plumbing guides
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