Close and reopen the main water shutoff valve

Why It Matters

Valves that never move can seize. You'll discover this during an emergency, typically with water spraying somewhere.

How to Do It

1. Find the main shutoff valve where the water supply line enters your home, typically near the foundation, in a utility room, or in a crawl space.
2. Identify the valve type: a round-handle gate valve closes by turning clockwise until it stops; a lever ball valve closes with a quarter turn so the lever sits across the pipe.
3. Close the valve fully using the method for your type.
4. Reopen the valve fully by reversing the motion: turn the gate valve counterclockwise until it stops, or rotate the ball valve lever back so it runs parallel to the pipe.
5. If the valve is stiff, difficult to turn, or won't move freely, schedule a plumber to replace it before you need it in an emergency.

Related Tasks

• Clear sink and shower drain buildup Every 3 months
• Inspect toilets for leaks and worn flappers Once a year
• Insulate exposed pipes in unheated spaces Once a year
• Run water in unused fixtures and drains Every 3 months
• Shut off and drain exterior hose bibs Once a year