Plumbing · checked 5 Oct 2026
How to shut off the house water
Safety, right now
- Stay out of standing water; keep children and pets away.
- Do not touch wet switches, outlets, appliances, or electrical panels.
- Close the house water valve only from a dry, safe location.
Fix it nowEight steps
- Check your route; stay out of water near electrical equipment.Water can carry electrical current.
- Find the private main valve where the water pipe enters your house.Check the garage, utility area, or exterior wall.
- Use only an identified house valve; leave city meter valves alone.Longview restricts city valve operation to authorized staff or licensed plumbers.
The other five steps
- For a lever handle, turn gently one-quarter turn, perpendicular to the pipe.A lever across the pipe indicates closed.
- For a wheel handle, turn gently clockwise until closed; never force it.Wheel valves may need several turns.
- Open a cold sink faucet; confirm flow fades and stops.Residual water drains; steady flow means shutdown failed.
- Close the test faucet after flow stops.Avoid an unattended open faucet when water returns.
- For leaks, leave water off; call a plumber for repairs.Shutting off water limits damage but does not fix leaks.
When to stop
Stop and get a plumber if:
- Water touches electrical equipment: stay clear; call the electric utility. For sparks, smoke, or shock, leave and call 911.
- The valve is stuck, corroded, leaking, or requires force: stop and call a plumber.
- You cannot identify or safely reach the house valve: call your water utility for emergency shutoff.
- Steady faucet flow continues after closing: call your water utility and a plumber.
- Water continues escaping from walls or ceilings: stay clear of sagging areas and call a plumber.
What it probably is
Burst or leaking supply pipeWater sprays from a pipe or runs from walls or ceilings.For a pro
Failed appliance hose or fixture connectionWater escapes near a washer, toilet, sink, or water heater.For a pro
Failed main shutoff valveThe valve sticks, leaks, or fails to stop steady faucet flow.For a pro
Time and parts
- Time
- 1–5 minutes once the valve is located
- Parts
- $0; no parts needed for a working hand-operated valve
Get it done
More than a quick fix? Vora gets quotes privately and recommends one plumber.
The plumbers we’d call in Tyler & Longview · Leak: what to do
Checked against
- CDC: Safety Guidelines—Reentering Your Flooded Home
- WSSC Water: Find and Operate Your Main Water Valve
- Western Municipal Water District: How to Turn Off Your Water
- City of Longview: 2026 Rates and Fees—Meter Tampering Restrictions
Written for Vora from these public sources and checked on 5 Oct 2026. General guidance, not a substitute for a pro on site. In danger, leave and call 911.