Emergency Plumbing: How (and When) to Shut Off Your Home’s Main Water Supply
When a pipe bursts or a faucet won’t stop gushing, panic can set in (and fast!). In any plumbing emergency, your first move should be to shut off your home’s main water supply. Knowing how and when to do this can save you thousands in water damage - not to mention protect your home and belongings. Abel Plumbing believes a little knowledge goes a long way, and we’re here to help. Here’s what every homeowner should know about shutting off the water during a plumbing emergency.
When Should You Shut Off Your Water?
If you’re dealing with any of the following issues, you should locate your main valve (and do it fast!):
Burst pipe or cracked fitting
Overflowing toilets or sinks that won’t stop
Leaking water heater
Major appliance failures (dishwasher, washing machine, etc.)
Sudden, unexplained water inside your home
If you’re leaving town, it’s also a smart move to turn off your water before a vacation, just in case.
How to Find Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve
Most homes in Minnesota will have the main water shut-off valve located in one of these areas:
In the basement near the front foundation wall
In a utility closet or near the water heater
On the inside wall closest to the street or meter box
Look for a round or lever-style handle attached to a pipe coming from the floor or wall. In cold climates like ours, it's often near where the water line enters the house from underground to avoid freezing.
Pro Tip: Label it now while things are dry and calm. Future you will thank you!
How to Shut It Off
Once you’ve found it, here’s how to turn it off:
Round “wheel” style valve? Turn it clockwise until it stops.
Lever-style valve? Turn it a quarter-turn until it’s perpendicular to the pipe.
This should stop the flow of water throughout your home, giving you time to assess the issue or call in a professional plumber.
Don’t Forget Appliances and Fixtures!
If your issue is isolated (like a leaking washing machine or toilet), you may be able to shut off just the fixture's water supply instead. These are typically small knobs located near the appliance or under the sink.
When to Call a Professional
Once the water is off, the damage control begins—but many plumbing problems require more than just a valve twist. That’s where Abel Plumbing comes in.
Our plumbing services include:
Burst pipe repair
Leak detection
Water heater issues
Sump pump failures
Many other urgent water-related problems
Be Prepared Before There’s a Problem
It’s worth taking five minutes to find your shut-off valve now, before you ever need it. We also recommend:
Showing other family members where the valve is
Keeping a flashlight and wrench nearby, just in case
Scheduling a seasonal plumbing inspection with our team to catch issues early
Need Help Fast? Call Abel Plumbing!
Whether you’re in the middle of an emergency or want peace of mind for the future, Abel Plumbing is here to help. Call us at 763-682-4105 or reach out online. We’re your trusted, local plumbers ready for whatever your pipes throw at you.