01
Main shut-off
Near the meter where the line enters. Lever handles close with a quarter turn; round wheel handles take several turns clockwise.
INTERACTIVE
A typical Canadian house, cut in half
Select a point to see where it usually is and what it controls. Layouts vary — use this as a guide to find yours.
SELECT A POINT
Start with the main shut-off
It stops water to the entire house and is the first thing to close in almost every leak.
Main shut-off
Where the water line enters the home, usually near the meter on the basement or crawl-space wall. Turn clockwise (a lever valve turns a quarter turn so the handle crosses the pipe).
Stops water to the whole house.
HEATERWater heater cold valve
On the cold-water pipe entering the top of the tank. Close it to stop a tank leak without shutting off the whole house.
Also turn the heater off (gas control to off/pilot or the breaker).
HOSEBIBOutdoor tap isolation valve
Inside the house on the line feeding the outdoor tap. Close it and drain the outdoor tap in fall.
Prevents a frozen, split outdoor line.
TOILETToilet supply stop
The small oval valve behind the toilet. Turn clockwise to stop an overflowing toilet.
Fixture-only — the rest of the house keeps water.
SINKUnder-sink stops
Two valves under kitchen and bathroom sinks (hot and cold).
Useful for faucet and supply-line leaks.
SUMPSump pit
Not a valve — the pump that removes groundwater. Check that it has power and is running during heavy rain or snowmelt.
A battery backup helps during storm power outages.
BWVBackwater valve
On the main sewer line, under an access cover in the basement floor. It closes to stop city sewer water flowing back in.
Don’t use fixtures while it’s closed.
THREE VALVES
The three valves everyone in the home should know
02
Water heater cold valve
On the cold line into the tank. Close it, then turn the heater off, if the tank leaks.
03
Fixture stops
Behind toilets and under sinks. They isolate one fixture so the rest of the house keeps water.
PRACTISE
Do a two-minute valve drill
- 1Find the main valve and clear access to it.
- 2Tag it with bright tape so anyone can find it in the dark.
- 3Check it turns — gently. If it’s seized or leaks at the stem, have a plumber replace it before an emergency.
- 4Show everyone in the home, including older children.
CONDOS & APARTMENTS
Your unit may not have its own main valve
In many condos and apartments, suite shut-offs are behind an access panel or in a utility closet — or only building staff can close the riser. Find out from your building manager now, and keep their after-hours number handy.
Frozen or damaged water meter? That usually belongs to the municipality — contact your city (often 311).
NEXT STEP
Valve won’t turn or won’t close?
A seized main valve is worth replacing before the next emergency.