Water is a precious resource, and knowing how to control its flow in and out of your home is a fundamental skill for any homeowner. Whether you’re facing a plumbing emergency or planning routine maintenance, understanding how to shut off the water mains in your home is not something that everyone is taught. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of shutting off your water supply. Whether you want to know how to handle unexpected water issues or want to embark on DIY plumbing renovation projects, here’s what you need to know when it comes to locating and turning off the water supply to your house.
Step 1. Locate the water metre
The first step is finding your water mains box. In most Australian residential houses, the shutoff valve that controls your water supply is located right next to your water metre which is usually located at the front of your property. However, you may find it in a different location in older homes such as in the backyard near the garden tap. In a unit or apartment, you’ll find a dedicated isolation tap just for your specific unit. This is usually placed in either your laundry or under your kitchen sink. If you can’t find it, don’t hesitate to call one of our plumbers for assistance.
Step 2. Turn the shutoff valve
Once you’ve located the water metre, you should be able to see a shutoff valve. You’ll need to use this to turn off your water supply. Carefully turn the valve clockwise to avoid any damage. If the valve is stiff or challenging to turn, use gentle pressure and consider applying a lubricant to make the task easier. If you’re struggling with bare hands, tools such as wrenches or pliers may help you further. If despite this you still cannot get the valve shut, it’s best to call in a licensed plumber to avoid any damage.
Step 3. Check the water shutoff valves have correctly turned off
To check that you’ve managed to successfully shut off the water supply to your home, you can now go and test some appliances or fixtures in your house to ensure no water comes out.
Step 4. Turning the water back on
Once you’re ready for the water to come back on, you turn the valve back anti-clockwise to turn the water mains back on.
Need help from a professional plumber? Call Swan’s Professional Plumbing!
Whether you need to turn the water off for an upcoming renovation or suspect a water leak, our friendly team is happy to help. As your local plumber servicing the entire Perth and Peel region, Swan’s Professional Plumbing is dedicated to providing prompt and reliable plumbing services.
