When water starts to flow uncontrollably in your home, it's important to act quickly. To shut off the water in an emergency, locate the main valve and turn it all the way to the right (clockwise) until it's completely shut off. The main valve is usually located in the basement, under the kitchen counter, in a utility room, or by the water meter. If you can't find the main valve right away, you can turn off local shutoff valves under the sink or toilet to limit damage while you seek help.
Where do you find the main tap to shut off the water?
The main water shut-off valve is most often found in the basement, in a utility room or storage room, under the kitchen counter, by the water meter, or outside the building in a manhole cover. In apartments, it is often located in a cabinet in the bathroom or in the hallway. The location varies between older and newer homes, but the valve is always installed where the water line enters the home.
The main faucet typically looks like a red or blue valve with a handle that you can turn. In newer homes, it is often a ball valve with a lever-like handle that stands parallel to the pipe when the water is on. In older homes, it may be a spindle valve with a round rotating wheel that resembles an old water faucet.
To identify the main valve among other valves, look for the largest valve closest to where the water line enters. It is often larger than the water heater shutoff valves or other local valves. Many homes also have a small nameplate or marking that shows where the main valve is located.
It pays to mark the main tap with a clear sticker or colored tape in advance. When a water leak occurs, it's easy to get stressed and lose valuable time searching. By marking the tap and showing others in the household where it is, everyone can act quickly when needed.
How do you turn off the water at the main tap step by step?
To shut off the water at the main faucet, turn the valve all the way to the right (clockwise) until it stops. The number of turns varies, but most stem valves require 5-10 full turns, while ball valves only need a quarter turn (90 degrees). You can confirm that the water is completely shut off by opening a faucet in your house and checking that the water stops flowing.
Here is the step-by-step procedure:
- Find the main tap by following the water line into the home.
- If it is a spindle valve, grip the handle firmly with both hands.
- Turn the handle clockwise (to the right) until it stops completely.
- Open a water tap inside the home to check that the water is turned off.
- Leave the tap open to drain any remaining water in the pipes.
Ball valves are easy to close because the handle only needs to be turned 90 degrees. When the handle is across the pipe, the water is shut off. Spindle valves require more turns and can be harder to turn if they haven't been used for a long time.
If the faucet is stuck or difficult to turn, try using a cloth for better grip. Do not use too much force, as you may damage the valve. Feel free to spray some WD-40 or similar lubricant around the valve and wait a few minutes before trying again. If the faucet still does not turn, contact a plumber for assistance. We are available 24/7 to help with emergency water problems.
What do you do if you can't find the main tap quickly enough?
If you can't find the main faucet right away, you can turn off local shutoff valves to limit damage. Under most sinks, toilets, and by the water heater, there are small shutoff valves that shut off the water to that specific area. These valves are also turned clockwise (to the right) to shut off the water.
Local stopcocks are typically found:
- Under the sink in the bathroom, usually two small taps on the pipes that go up to the mixer tap
- Behind the toilet, a small tap on the water line for the cistern flush
- At the water heater, both on the cold water supply and the hot water outlet
- Under the kitchen sink, similar to under the washbasin
While you are looking for the main water tap or waiting for help, you can limit water damage by using towels, mops, or old blankets to absorb water. Place buckets or large tubs under the leak if possible. If the water is coming from the ceiling or a wall, try temporarily sealing the area with plastic and tape.
Call us on 401 24 700 if you are faced with an acute water leak and cannot get the situation under control. We can have a qualified plumber at your location within one hour for urgent assignments. Our technicians are familiar with the most common problems in Norwegian homes and can quickly identify the main tap if you cannot find it yourself. The call is free, and our customer service can often guide you over the phone until you can turn off the water.
Why is it important to know the main crane in advance?
Knowing the location of your main faucet in advance can save you from major water damage and costly repairs. When a water leak occurs, every second counts. Water can quickly penetrate floors, walls, and furniture, and the damage progresses exponentially the longer the water is allowed to run. A small leak can turn into extensive water damage in just minutes.
Typical emergencies where you need to shut off the water urgently include:
- Burst pipes due to frost or wear
- Water leaks from washing machines or dishwashers
- Defective mixer taps that cannot be closed
- Flooding from a toilet with a clogged drain
- Leaks from the water heater
- Damage to water pipes during drilling or renovation work
Water damage often develops faster than people think. In just 15 minutes, water can penetrate the floor covering and into the subfloor. After one hour, the water can have spread to several rooms and begun to damage the structure. Therefore, stopping the water quickly is the most important measure to minimize the extent of the damage.
Preparation also involves letting your entire household know where the main water tap is. If you are not home when the leak occurs, others need to be able to act quickly. Take the time to show your partner, teenage children or other people living in the house where the tap is located and how it works. It only takes a few minutes, but could save you from extensive damage and insurance claims.
It is a good idea to test the main tap once a year by closing and opening it again. This keeps the valve in good condition and ensures that it does not get stuck. It also confirms that you know where it is and how it works. If the tap is difficult to turn or leaks when you open it again, you should have it checked by a plumber before an emergency situation arises.
Call 401 24 700 for emergencies or visit 24center.no for scheduled visits. We offer a wide range of services from emergency water leaks to preventative maintenance of the main tap and other important installations in your home. See our contact information for more ways to reach us.
Vanlige spørsmål
How often should I test the main faucet to make sure it is working?
You should test your main faucet at least once a year by closing and opening it again. This will prevent the valve from sticking and ensure that it works when you really need it. If the faucet is difficult to turn, leaks, or appears faulty during the test, you should contact a plumber for service before an emergency occurs.
Can I damage the main tap if I use too much force when it is stuck?
Yes, there is a risk of damaging the valve if you use excessive force. If the main tap is stuck, spray on a little WD-40 or similar lubricant and wait 5-10 minutes before trying again. Use a cloth for better grip and turn carefully. If the tap still won't turn, contact a plumber rather than risk further damaging the valve.
What should I do after the water is turned off and the leak is stopped?
After the water is turned off, you should document the damage with photos for your insurance, remove as much water as possible with mops and towels, and contact a plumber to fix the cause of the leak. If there is extensive water damage, you should also contact your insurance company quickly. Dry out damp areas thoroughly to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Will the water pressure in the neighboring apartment be affected if I close my main tap?
No, when you turn off the main tap in your apartment or home, it only affects the water supply to your own unit. Each home has its own main tap that only controls the water supply to that particular home. Neighbors and other apartments in the building will not notice any difference in their water pressure or access to water.
Do I have to drain the water heater when the main tap is closed for a long time?
If the main tap is going to be closed for more than a few days, you should consider draining the water heater and turning off the power to it. This prevents stagnant water from becoming a hygiene problem, and it protects the heater from damage if the temperature drops below freezing. For shorter periods (under 24 hours), it is usually not necessary to drain the heater.
How can I prevent pipes from freezing when the water is turned off in the winter?
When the water is turned off during cold periods, it is important to drain all remaining water from the pipes by opening all the water taps in the house, including outdoor taps. Also open the stopcocks under sinks and toilets to let the water drain out. You should also consider keeping the heating at a minimum of 10-15 degrees inside to protect the pipes from freezing, even when the water is turned off.
Are there smart solutions that can automatically shut off the water in the event of a leak?
Yes, there are smart water shut-off systems that can be installed on the main tap and will automatically shut off the water when they detect a leak or abnormal water usage. These systems use sensors placed around the home and can be controlled via an app on your phone. This is a good investment for vacation rentals or if you travel a lot, but requires professional installation by a plumber.
