To turn off the water to a single fixture, find the small shut-off valve on the supply line that feeds it and turn the handle clockwise until it stops. These valves let you stop a leak at one sink or toilet without cutting water to the whole house.
Where to Find Fixture Valves
- Sinks: under the sink, on the hot and cold lines coming out of the wall or floor.
- Toilets: behind the toilet, near the floor, on the line that feeds the tank.
- Dishwashers: often under the kitchen sink.
- Washing machines: on the wall behind the washer, with separate hot and cold valves.
- Water heaters: on the cold line that feeds the heater, usually near the top.
How to Close Them
Oval or round handles usually turn clockwise to close. Lever-style handles turn a quarter turn so the lever sits across the pipe. Turn slowly and firmly. Once closed, open the fixture’s faucet or flush the toilet to confirm the water has stopped. A faucet may drip for a few seconds as the line empties.
If a Valve Will Not Turn
Valves that have not been used in years can stick. Do not use a long wrench or a lot of force, since old valves can snap or start leaking at the stem. If a fixture valve will not close, shut off the main valve for the house instead.
A Good Habit to Build
Once a year, gently close and reopen each fixture valve. This keeps them moving and shows you which ones need replacing before an emergency. Some homeowners label each valve with a small tag. If you have kids or guests staying over, show them the toilet valve, since toilets are a common source of sudden overflows.
If water is spreading and no valve will stop it, urgent plumbing help is the next call. For replacing stiff or leaking valves around the house, you can have the old valves swapped out. JPR Plumbing answers at (833) 603-1840.