Master your home's main water shut-off valve.

We're diving into a crucial topic that everyone living in your home should know: finding and using your main water shut-off valve. 🚰 

Why it matters 

Picture this: You're at home, maybe catching up on your favorite TV show or whipping up a delicious dinner when suddenly, a burst pipe or a leaky faucet turns your day into a watery disaster!  

That's when knowing how to shut off the main water supply becomes a powerful skill. 

The main event: Finding the valve 

So, where's this mystical valve? It could be hiding in various places, such as: 

1. The basement: If you have a basement, check near the front foundation wall. 

2. Utility room: Sometimes, it's tucked away in a utility room, camouflaged among other pipes and equipment. 

3. Crawl space: For homes with crawl spaces, look along the interior perimeter. 

4. Wall Hatch: Keep an eye out for wall hatches, often found in closets or small rooms. Behind one of these, you might uncover the valve. 

5. Entry closet: In some homes, the valve may lurk in an entry closet. Don't overlook this space! 

6. Meter box: For some properties, the valve can be found outside in the meter box on the curb. 

Quick shut offs 

Sometimes you won’t need to shut off water to the entire house, just a specific room or fixture. You can do this with smaller shut-off valves typically found behind your toilets and underneath sinks in the bathroom and kitchen.

There may be a sticker in the cabinet under your sink that marks the kitchen shut-off valve’s location. 

Reminder: An Invitation Homes associate should have shown you where to find your shut-off valves during your move-in orientation.  

How to recognize the valve 

Identifying the valve is the first step, but knowing when to use it is just as crucial. Here are some situations where you should turn off the water ASAP: 

1. Pipe problems: If you spot a burst pipe, don't hesitate. Shut off the water to prevent further flooding. 

2. Treacherous leaks: Got a stubborn faucet or toilet that just won't stop? Time to shut off the water before your bathroom turns into a swimming pool. 

3. Vacation mode: When you're away from home, it's smart to shut off the water. No one wants to return to a soggy surprise! 

4. Appliance amok: If your dishwasher or washing machine goes rogue and starts flooding, kill the water supply to stop the madness. 

The art of shutting off the water. 

Now, you've found the valve, and it's time to shut it down. Here's how: 

1. Turn clockwise: Most valves turn clockwise (righty tighty) to shut off. Give it a gentle twist in that direction. 

2. Don't force it: If it's stuck, don't wrangle it! Use gentle pressure to avoid damaging the valve. 

3. Emergency relief: In dire situations, don't hesitate to shut off the main valve first, then address the issue. Your home's safety comes first! 

We’re here to help! 

Remember, knowing where and how to shut off your main water supply can save you from water-related disasters. It's like having a safety net for your home! 

Stay safe and live freer with this knowledge in your home care toolkit. 

As always, if you need help with a maintenance issue, send us a service request with the Invitation Homes Maintenance app. We’re always happy to help.