Burst & Broken Pipe Repair
Stop the flooding first, then repair the split pipe, cracked fitting or failed valve behind it.
Plumbing guide
How to Shut Off the Main Water Valve in Laveen, AZ
When a pipe bursts, the first move is closing the main valve. The time to find it is today, not while water is spraying.
By the Laveen AZ Plumbing team ·
Where to look
In many Valley homes the shutoff is near the front hose bib, in the garage by the water heater or on an exterior wall where the pipe comes in. A second valve is at the meter, usually in a box close to the street.
The house valve is the one you should use. The meter valve is for the provider, and operating it may not be allowed.
Types of valves
Gate valves have a round handle that takes many rotations, while ball valves have a lever that needs only a quarter turn. Rotate a round handle clockwise until it stops, or move the lever so that it sits across the pipe.
Gate valves can seize with age, so avoid forcing them.
Valve types and how they close
Know your valve before you need it.
| Valve type | How it looks | How to close it |
|---|---|---|
| Gate valve | Round handle | Turn clockwise until it stops |
| Ball valve | Lever handle | Turn it so the lever lies across the pipe |
| Fixture stop | Small oval or round knob | Turn clockwise to close |
Test that it works
After closing the valve, open the lowest tap in the house. The flow should drop to a trickle and then stop. If water keeps coming, the valve is not sealing.
Test it once a year so it does not seize. A valve that moves smoothly is a valve you can count on.
If it will not turn
Never force a stuck handle with a wrench, because a snapped stem makes matters worse. If the valve is frozen or leaks around the stem, ask about valve repair. The meter valve may be a last resort, so call your provider. Phoenix lists 602-261-8000 for emergencies needing field crews.
Fixture valves
Sinks and toilets have small shutoffs. Learn where they are. Closing a fixture valve stops one leak without shutting off the house.
After shutting it off
Opening a low tap drains the pipes and lets pressure off. For a burst pipe, see burst pipe repair. If the water will stay off for long, switch the heater off as well to protect its elements.
Finding the shutoff when it is hidden
If you cannot find the valve in the garage or on an outside wall, trace the supply. Water enters the house from the direction of the street. The pipe often comes up through the slab or the wall near the water heater, a hose bib or the front of the house. A valve usually sits within a few feet of that point. Check closets, behind access panels and inside any utility room.
If you still cannot find it, the valve at the meter is the backup. Be careful with the meter box, since the lid can hide insects or debris. The meter valve is typically operated with a special key or a wrench, and it belongs to the utility in many places, so use it only in an emergency and tell the utility afterward if you do.
When the valve is stuck
Valves that have not moved in years can seize. Do not force a handle with a pipe or a hammer. A gate valve can snap its stem, leaving no way to close it. Try a steady, firm turn. If the handle does not move, stop and use the meter valve instead.
Make a note to have the valve replaced once the emergency passes. A shutoff you cannot trust is a risk, and a ball valve is quick to operate in an emergency. The page on water line repair and replacement covers work on the supply side.
Label it and practice
Put a tag on the valve with a note about direction and how many turns it takes. Show everyone in the house how it works. A quick practice run once a year keeps the valve from freezing in place and reveals whether it still seals.
Shut-off valves at individual fixtures are worth learning too. Under sinks and behind toilets, a small oval or round handle shuts the supply to that fixture only. A leak at a faucet or a toilet can often be controlled this way without turning off the whole house.
After the water is off
Open a tap at the lowest point and one at the highest to drain the lines and relieve pressure. Check the meter dial. If it still moves with the main valve closed and all taps off, the valve is not sealing or the leak is upstream of it. Turn off the water heater or switch off its power if the water will be off for long, so the elements do not run dry.
Call for help, tell the dispatcher what you found and where the water is going, and mention that the main is closed. If a pipe has burst, burst pipe repair describes what happens next.
Gate valves and ball valves compared
Gate valves were common in older construction, and they rely on a wedge that rises and falls with the handle. Over time the wedge can corrode, leaving the valve unable to seal. Ball valves use a rotating ball with a hole and are more reliable, with a lever that gives a visual cue: lever along the pipe is open, lever across the pipe is closed.
If your home has a gate valve and you rarely test it, plan on replacing it when you have other plumbing work done. It is a short job in most cases, though the water is off while it happens.
Teaching the household
Make sure everyone old enough to help knows where the valve is. Visitors and renters should be told on arrival. Put a note near the water heater or on the garage wall. If the valve is in a hard-to-reach spot, clear the space around it so that a person can get to it in a hurry. These small steps can save a floor in an emergency.
Common questions
Main valve questions
Round handles turn clockwise. A lever is closed when it lies across the pipe.
It belongs to the provider. Use the house valve instead.
The stem packing may be worn. A plumber can replace the valve.
Yes. A tag helps everyone in the house.
Related services
Leak Detection
Locate water escaping from walls, floors, the yard or irrigation pipe without tearing things open first.
Faucet & Sink Repair
Drips, stuck handles, balky stop valves, washer boxes and hose bibs.
More plumbing guides
How to find a water leak in your home
Start with the meter, add a few quick fixture checks and read the clues outdoors to learn if water is escaping and where.
Water heater leaking from the bottom
Water collecting beneath the tank usually comes from either a loose connection or a tank that has worn out. Settle which one it is before deciding what to do.
Outdoor spigot leaking
A hose bib that drips can also leak inside the wall. Work out whether the handle, the spout or the wall connection is at fault.
Pipe burst and valve stuck?
Do not wait. Call now and describe what is happening.