how to turn off water main

How to Turn Off Your Water Main in Australia

The water main, or water valve, controls the water flow to your property. In Australia, water mains come in a variety of designs, most commonly ball valves, T-top isolation taps, or gate valves.

Your water main should never be used to regulate the volume of water flow. It is designed to be completely open (to allow full flow) or totally closed up (to stop water flow entirely). If you try to use your water main to adjust water flow, it may result in corrosion and increased wear-and-tear, leading to a water leak.

The majority of water mains will stay on or open to allow consistent water flow throughout the year. However, there may be instances where shutting off your water main is necessary.

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Understanding Your Water Main

Understanding your water main is crucial for maintaining a safe and efficient plumbing system. The water main, also known as the water valve, controls the water flow to your property. In Australia, water mains come in various designs, most commonly found as a ball valve, gate valve, or T-top isolation tap.

Knowing the type of water main you have is essential to ensure you can turn it off correctly in a plumbing emergency. Whether it’s a ball valve, which requires a simple quarter turn, or a gate valve that needs to be turned multiple times, being familiar with your system can save you precious time and prevent extensive water damage.


 

When Would You Need to Turn Off Your Water Main During a Plumbing Emergency?

 It’s not every day that you would just decide to turn off your water main. However, there are a couple of scenarios where you might find yourself in need of knowing. Examples of this would be if you:

  • Suspect there is a water leak in your property.
  • Observe signs of water pooling in your yard.
  • See water dripping out from under your kitchen sink.
  • Find water gushing uncontrollably through your house.
  • Discover inconsistencies in your water meter readings.

The quick conclusion to such situations would be that there is a damaged or burst water pipe somewhere within your property. Shutting down the main water valve is a vital step in preventing any further damage from occurring when a pipe bursts.

Other instances where cutting off the water supply line to your property is required include:

  • Plumbing-related renovation work.
  • Plumbing replacement, repair or maintenance.
  • Replacing plumbing fixtures.

For in-house jobs, turning off your water valve isn’t necessary. Simply turning off an indoor supply valve is sufficient. However, in the other cases mentioned above, shutting off the water supply is necessary to prevent flooding and to minimise water damage and wastage.

But the question lies — do you know how to turn off a water main? And do you even know where to find it?

 


Where to Locate and How to Turn Off Your Water Main

When you need to stop the water supply in your property, your first task is to find the shut-off valve and the water main location.

water main shutoff valve


How to Find Your Water Main Inside Your House

In Australia and other warmer regions, the main shut off valve is commonly found at the front of the house, protected by a local council cover plate. In places with colder climates, water mains are often located inside the house, such as in the kitchen or utility room.

When you find the water shut-off valve, all you have to do is turn it clockwise so the water supply can be immediately cut off from your house. Sometimes, the valve can be a bit too stiff to move.

If you’re having difficulty, try wearing protective gloves or use a pair of pliers to help turn the valve. Make sure that you turn the valve very slowly and apply an even amount of force to avoid potential damage.

Once you have successfully cut off the water supply, you can begin whatever plumbing work that needs to be completed. If you are in the midst of a plumbing emergency, such as a burst water pipe, call an emergency drainage plumber right away.


How to Find Your Water Main On Your Property Using the Water Meter Box

To shut off the water supply going to your property, you first need to inform your state’s government water agency. Reasons that are deemed acceptable are:

  • You have a plumbing emergency and the water shut-off is failing.
  • The pipe running between the street shut off and your property is leaking.
  • The main shut-off valve needs to be replaced.

After you have notified your government water agency, you can then go about locating the shut-off valve. As mentioned earlier, the property shut-off valve is most often found at the front of a property under a council cover plate or within water meter boxes. You can remove the cover plate by prying it open with a screwdriver, or if it’s loose enough, simply lift it off.

The valve will have a small handle. It may be a T-shaped handle, a single handle (as in the case of ball valves) or be wheel-shaped (if it’s a gate valve). All you have to do is turn the valve clockwise as far as possible to ensure it is closed.

Again, if turning the valve proves difficult, you can use a screwdriver or pliers to help (whichever applies to the type of valve you see). If the valve won’t budge, definitely do not try to force it. Instead, call a licensed plumber such as Tunnel Vision for assistance.


How to Find the Water Main of Shut-Off Valve For a Household Fixture

If you only need to turn off the water supply to a fixture, for instance, if your kitchen mixer tap is leaking, the process is certainly easier. The majority of household fixtures will have dedicated water shut-off valves located nearby or within cabinetry.

Once you find the shut-off valve, all you need to do to cut off all water going to the fixture is to turn it clockwise. If your mixer tap or shower has two valves (one valve each for hot water system and cold water system), make sure you close both off.

When you need to shut off the water flowing to your water heater, look for the valve located on a pipe above your system and shut it off the same way. Again, if you have a hard time turning a valve, use work gloves to protect your hands as you apply more force.

If it won’t budge, see if using a wrench will help. If you’re still unable to turn it off, get in touch with a professional plumber such as Tunnel Vision to close the valve for you.


Testing and Maintenance

Regular testing and maintenance of your water main is essential to ensure it’s working correctly and efficiently. Here are some tips to help you test and maintain your water main:

  • Check the Water Meter Box: Regularly inspect your water meter box to ensure it’s clean and free from debris. This helps in accurate meter readings and prevents potential blockages.
  • Test the Shut-Off Valve: Periodically turn the shut-off valve to ensure it’s not stuck. This simple test can save you from a lot of trouble during an emergency.
  • Inspect for Leaks: Look for signs of leaks or water damage around the water main and shut-off valve. Early detection of a water leak can prevent costly repairs.
  • Install a Water Leak Detector: Consider installing a water leak detector to alert you to any potential leaks. These devices can provide peace of mind and early warnings.
  • Professional Inspection: Have your water main inspected by an experienced plumber, such as Tunnel Vision, every 5-10 years to ensure it’s in good condition. A professional can spot issues that might not be visible to the untrained eye.

By following these tips, you can help ensure your water main is working correctly and efficiently, and prevent costly repairs and water damage. Regular maintenance is key to a reliable water supply system.


Get in Touch With the Experts at Tunnel Vision

The water main is a plumbing fixture that you will most likely not interact with much, however, there are situations where you may need to use it to cut off the water supply to your home.

If you’re unable to turn off your water main yourself due to a plumbing emergency, get in touch with the drainage experts at Tunnel Vision.

We can also provide a variety of other plumbing services, including unblocking drains and sewers, pipe relining, tree root control, and many more. Give us a call on 1800 631 799 or book an appointment online!

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