How to Shut Off Your Home’s Water in an Emergency
Plumbing emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time—they happen fast, often without warning, and can cause serious damage in a matter of minutes. Whether it's a burst pipe, overflowing toilet, or major leak, knowing how to shut off your home’s water can save you from a plumbing disaster and thousands of dollars in repairs.
At Marv’s Plumbing & Heating, we’ve seen it all, and trust us—being prepared is everything. Here's a quick guide every Cheyenne homeowner should keep in their back pocket.
Why It’s So Important to Know Where Your Shut-Off Valve Is
In an emergency, your first step should always be to stop the flow of water. The longer water continues pouring into your home, the greater the risk of damage to floors, walls, appliances, and personal belongings. Shutting off the water quickly can:
Prevent structural water damage
Reduce the risk of mold and mildew
Minimize repair costs
Give you time to call a professional and properly address the issue
🧭 Finding Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve
Your home’s main water shut-off valve is typically located where the main water line enters your house. Depending on your home's layout and age, the valve could be in a few common places:
In the basement or crawl space, near the front foundation wall
On an exterior wall of the home in warmer climates
Near the water heater or utility area
Occasionally, it might be in a garage or closet
The valve itself is usually a round wheel (gate valve) or a lever-style handle (ball valve).
🛠 Gate Valve – Turn the wheel clockwise (right) until it stops.
🛠 Ball Valve – Turn the lever a quarter-turn until it’s perpendicular to the pipe.
Tip: If you’re not sure where it is, take a few minutes now to locate it, and show other household members too—it could save a lot of panic later.
🚽 Shutting Off Water to Specific Fixtures
Sometimes the emergency is limited to a single fixture—like a leaky sink, overflowing toilet, or faulty washing machine. In these cases, you can shut off water just to that appliance and avoid cutting off water to your whole home.
Toilets: Look for a silver valve near the base behind the toilet. Turn clockwise to shut off.
Sinks: You’ll usually find two valves under the sink—one for hot and one for cold. Turn both clockwise.
Washing machines: Valves are typically behind the washer—turn both clockwise to stop the water.
This approach gives you time to fix the issue or call in the pros—without disrupting the rest of your home.
🧊 Winter Tip for Cheyenne Homes
In Cheyenne’s cold climate, frozen pipes are a common cause of plumbing emergencies. If you suspect a frozen or burst pipe, shut off the water immediately and leave faucets open to relieve pressure. Then, call a plumber right away to inspect and repair the damage before it spreads.
🧰 Keep the Right Tools Handy
While many shut-off valves can be turned by hand, some older or corroded valves may need a wrench or water shut-off tool. Keep one near your plumbing emergency kit, along with:
A flashlight
Towels or rags
A bucket
The phone number for your trusted plumber (we know a good one 😉)
💧 When to Call a Professional
If you’ve had to shut off your water due to a leak, flood, or burst pipe, it’s time to call in the experts. DIY can only go so far—some issues need experienced eyes and the right tools to be fixed safely and permanently.
At Marv’s Plumbing & Heating, we’ve been helping Cheyenne families handle plumbing emergencies for decades. Whether it’s an urgent repair or a routine check-up, we’re here when you need us most.
✅ Final Reminder
Don’t wait until water is pouring onto your floor—take five minutes today to locate your shut-off valves and make sure everyone in your home knows what to do. In an emergency, those five minutes of preparation can make all the difference.
For fast, reliable plumbing repair in Cheyenne, keep Marv’s Plumbing & Heating on speed dial. We’re ready to help when emergencies strike.
