To stop water in a plumbing emergency, close the fixture’s own shut-off valve if the leak is at a sink, toilet or appliance. If it isn’t, close the home’s main shut-off, usually where the water line enters the house (often the garage in Boca Raton homes) or at the meter near the street. Then turn off the water heater and call a plumber.
Step 1: Try the closest valve first
Most fixtures have their own shut-off valve, which lets you stop the leak without cutting water to the whole house:
- Sinks: two small valves (angle stops) under the sink, one for hot and one for cold. Turn clockwise.
- Toilets: one valve on the wall or floor behind the toilet.
- Washing machine: two valves in the wall box behind the washer.
- Water heater: the cold water inlet valve on the pipe entering the top of the tank.
- Ice maker and dishwasher: often under the kitchen sink.
Old multi-turn valves sometimes won’t close fully or start leaking at the stem when turned. If that happens, go straight to the main.
Step 2: Find and close the main shut-off
Single-family homes
In many Boca Raton houses the main shut-off valve is where the water line enters the house, commonly in the garage, near the water heater or on an exterior wall facing the street. It may be a lever (quarter-turn ball valve) or a round wheel handle (gate valve). Turn a lever 90 degrees so it’s perpendicular to the pipe; turn a wheel clockwise until it stops.
At the meter
If you can’t find a house valve, the water meter box is typically near the street or sidewalk. The utility side of the meter usually has a valve that needs a meter key or adjustable wrench to turn. In many areas, operating the utility-side valve is meant for the utility, so use the house-side valve if there is one, and contact your water provider if you’re unsure.
Condos and apartments
Condo units usually have a shut-off for the unit in the water heater closet, utility room, near the kitchen or behind an access panel. If you can’t find it, call building maintenance or security right away. They can shut off a riser if needed.
Step 3: Turn off the water heater
With the water off, a water heater can be damaged if it keeps heating. Switch off the breaker for an electric heater, or set a gas heater’s control to “pilot” or “off.”
Step 4: Make it safe and limit damage
- Keep away from water near outlets or appliances; shut off breakers to wet areas if safely reachable.
- Open a faucet at the lowest point of the house to drain remaining water from the lines.
- Move furniture and valuables, and start drying.
- Photograph the damage for insurance.
Step 5: Call a plumber
For burst pipes, sewage backups and leaks you can’t isolate, see our page on emergency plumbing in Boca Raton. Call (561) 794-0131 and we’ll connect you with an independent local plumber.
Do this before an emergency happens
The best time to find your shut-off is on a calm day. Locate it, make sure it’s reachable, and test that it turns. If it’s stuck, corroded or leaking, have a plumber replace it with a quarter-turn ball valve, which is a small plumbing repair that pays for itself the first time you need it. Tell everyone in the household where it is.
For more ways to protect your home, our homepage covers the full range of plumbing services available in Boca Raton.
Frequently asked questions
Which way do I turn a water shut-off valve?
Turn a round wheel handle clockwise (“righty-tighty”) until it stops. Turn a lever handle a quarter-turn so it sits across the pipe instead of in line with it.
What if my main shut-off valve won’t turn?
Don’t force it with excessive leverage, which can break the valve. Try the house-side valve at the meter or contact your water utility, then have a plumber replace the stuck valve.
Should I turn off the water heater when the main water is off?
Yes. Turning off power or gas protects the heater from damage while there’s no water flowing in.
Where is the water shut-off in a condo?
Usually inside the unit in the water heater closet, utility room or behind an access panel. Building maintenance can help if you can’t locate it.