Where To Find My Main Water Valve
Don’t wait until the crisis to find your main water valve
Don’t wait until this type of situation to figure out where is the main shutoff valve to your home’s water supply.
When your plumbing suddenly springs a leak and water is flowing everywhere, that is when you realize the importance of knowing where the main water shutoff valve is located in your home. Of course, it’s a good idea to work all of those details out well before the crisis ever hits. So let’s explore this subject a bit and provide some key information to prepare you in advance.
Learn about secondary valves
The details of each home’s plumbing system can vary significantly. There may be a network of secondary valves in and around your home that can isolate different parts of your system. It can be quite useful for a homeowner to learn all the ins and outs of such a network. That way, if a break occurs in one area – say, at an outdoor irrigation fixture – you won’t have to shut off the water supply to your entire home to fix it. Exploring the various valves in your home’s system, and knowing what they control, can be helpful down the road.
Where is the main shutoff valve?
Most Moapa Valley households have a main shutoff valve that has actually been previously installed by MVWD crews. This ball valve-style mechanism is usually located underground at about 6-10 feet away from the meter box on the customer’s side of the meter. Once located, the customer need only turn the valve handle a quarter turn (90 degrees) until it is perpendicular to the pipe, to shut off water flow to the property.
Most Moapa Valley homes are equipped with a main shutoff ball valve like this one. This valve, usually l located just a few feet from the meter box, is the preferred spot to shut off water to your property.
Remember to turn the valve handle gently and with steady pressure. Excessive force or jolting on the handle can damage the valve.
If the handle is jammed, don’t try to force it. You may need a wrench or pliers to gain more leverage.
To avoid ball valves seizing up that way, make a regular practice of opening and closing them at least once per year to keep them operational.
Though these main shutoff valves were originally installed in conspicuous places, over time they can become overgrown with foliage or buried in landscaping. Eventually their locations can be completely forgotten. It is up to you, the property owner, to maintain this important valve and make sure it stays accessible when needed.
If you are having trouble finding your main shutoff valve, we recommended calling a certified plumber to help.
Meter box is the last resort
There is a curb valve shutoff in the MVWD meter box near the street. But because of the sensitive nature of the metering equipment, it should only be used as a last resort.
In a situation where the main valve becomes inaccessible, customers in a bind will sometimes go straight to the meter box where the curb valve is located. This should only be done as a last resort. The meter and all of its parts are the property of MVWD and there is sensitive equipment residing in the meter box. Repairs to damaged valves or meter equipment can involve an
extended process requiring MVWD crews to address it. That might mean your house is out of water longer than expected while repairs are made.
If you must shut off your water at the curb valve, we encourage employing a gentle hand. It’s best if you have a curb valve key to do the job, so it’s not a bad idea to have one of those on hand in your home. They can be purchased at just about any hardware store.
Carefully lift the valve box lid being cautious not to damage any wires connected to the electronic meter.
Inside the box, you will see a pipe coming from the street into a meter, and continuing toward your home. On the street side of the meter will be the curb valve. Using your valve key, gently give the valve only a quarter turn so that it is perpendicular to the pipe. Remember to turn the valve slowly and avoid jerking or forcing the valve which can cause additional leaks or breakage. This will shut off all water to your meter.
When in doubt about any of this, call a licensed plumber to help.