Emergency Water Shutoff Guide

Q: Which direction do I turn the valve?

'Righty tighty, lefty loosey' - turn clockwise (right) to shut off water. For wheel valves, turn until tight. For lever valves, turn perpendicular to the pipe.

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When water disasters strike, seconds count

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Pipe Burst Panic

Water gushing everywhere and you can't find the shutoff valve.

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Lost Precious Time

Fumbling around your property while water damage spreads.

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Wrong Tools, Wrong Turn

Turning valves the wrong way or using inappropriate tools.

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Expensive Water Damage

Every minute costs hundreds in potential flood damage.

How Loopylist Emergency Guides Save Homes

Photo-Based Directions

See exactly where YOUR shutoff valve is located with custom photos and landmarks.

Crisis-Ready Format

Large text, simple steps designed to work when you're stressed and in a hurry.

Family Accessible

Share with everyone in your household so anyone can act in an emergency.

Post-Shutoff Steps

Know what to do after the water is off—from damage assessment to calling professionals.

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The Peace of Mind

🛡️

Immediate Action

Stop water damage in its tracks with confident, quick response.

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Family Preparedness

Everyone knows what to do, whether you're home or away.

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Protected Investment

Minimize damage to your home's structure, flooring, and belongings.

Start with this Emergency Guide

Customize for your needs: Modify the text on the left / To get the guide on the right

Frequently Asked Questions

Usually near the street where your water line enters your property, often by the water meter. In cold climates, it may be inside your home near where the main line enters. Look for a round wheel or lever-style valve.

"Righty tighty, lefty loosey" - turn clockwise (right) to shut off water. For wheel valves, turn until tight. For lever valves, turn perpendicular to the pipe.

Most valves turn by hand, but keep a water meter key or adjustable wrench nearby for stubborn valves. Some water meters require a special meter key tool.

Turn off electricity to affected areas if there's flooding, open faucets to drain remaining water, start removing standing water, and call a plumber. Document damage for insurance claims.

Emergency Water Shutoff Guide # IMMEDIATE ACTION Locate the main shutoff valve Find your main water shutoff valve - usually near the street by your water meter or where the main line enters your home. Look for a round wheel or lever-style valve. [Anyone] # SHUT OFF WATER Turn valve clockwise to close Turn the valve clockwise (right) until tight. For wheel valves, turn until it stops. For lever valves, turn perpendicular to the pipe. Use water meter key or wrench if needed. [Anyone] # VERIFY SHUTOFF Check that water has stopped Go to a faucet inside and verify water flow has stopped. If water continues, you may have the wrong valve or it may be partially stuck. [Anyone] # IMMEDIATE DAMAGE CONTROL Turn off electricity to flooded areas If there's standing water near electrical outlets or appliances, turn off electricity to those areas at the circuit breaker to prevent electrocution. [Adult] Drain remaining water from pipes Open all faucets (hot and cold) throughout the house to drain water remaining in the pipes and reduce pressure. [Anyone] # NEXT STEPS Start water removal Begin removing standing water with mops, towels, or a wet vacuum. Move furniture and belongings to dry areas. [Anyone] Contact professionals Call a plumber to assess and repair the problem. Call your insurance company to report potential water damage. [Adult] Document the damage Take photos of the damage for insurance claims before cleanup begins. [Adult]

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