How to Turn Off Your Water Mains in an Emergency

Plumbing emergencies can strike without warning—burst pipes, overflowing toilets, or major leaks can cause extensive damage to your home in minutes. In these situations, knowing how to quickly turn off your water mains can prevent costly repairs and give you control when you need it most.

Whether you own or rent, understanding where your water shut-off valve is located and how to operate it is an essential part of home maintenance. This guide from Pro-Action Plumbing will walk you through the process.

What Is the Water Mains Shut-Off Valve?

Your water mains shut-off valve controls the flow of water from the main supply into your property. Turning it off stops water from entering your home entirely, which is critical during emergencies or when plumbing repairs are required.

In most Melbourne homes, the shut-off valve is located:

At the front of the property, near the water meter
Just inside the property boundary line
Under a metal or plastic cover marked “WATER” or “METER”

When Should You Turn Off the Water Mains?

You should know how to shut off your water mains for the following situations:

Burst pipes
Major water leaks inside walls or ceilings
Overflowing toilets or sinks that won’t stop
Hot water system leaks
Renovations or plumbing upgrades
Leaving your home for extended periods (e.g., holidays)

Being able to act quickly could save you thousands in water damage and restoration costs.

How to Locate and Turn Off Your Water Mains

Follow these steps:

Locate your water meter
Walk to the front boundary of your property (often near the driveway or footpath) and look for a small box or hatch cover labelled “WATER.” Lift the lid to access the water meter.
Identify the shut-off valve
The shut-off valve is typically a small tap or lever located next to the meter.
- If it’s a tap-style valve, turn it clockwise to close.
- If it’s a lever-style valve, turn it a quarter turn so it’s perpendicular (at a right angle) to the pipe—it should feel firm when fully closed.
Check that water has stopped
Turn on a tap inside your house (like in the kitchen or laundry). If no water comes out after a few seconds, the shut-off was successful.
Turn the mains back on when safe
Once repairs are complete or the emergency has passed, turn the valve back on slowly to avoid sudden pressure shocks to your plumbing system.

What If You Can’t Find or Turn It Off?

In some older homes or rental properties, shut-off valves may be buried, rusted, or difficult to access. If you can’t turn off your water:

Call Pro-Action Plumbing immediately—we offer fast emergency plumbing support.
In severe cases, contact your water supplier (e.g., Yarra Valley Water) for urgent shut-off assistance.

A Pro Tip for Every Homeowner

We recommend all homeowners:

Test their water mains shut-off once a year to ensure it works.
Label the valve clearly so all family members know where it is and how to use it.
Keep a water key or spanner handy if your valve is hard to turn manually.

Trust the Experts When You Need Help

While shutting off your water mains is a vital skill, permanent solutions should always be handled by a licensed professional. At Pro-Action Plumbing, we specialise in emergency plumbing, pipe repairs, leak detection, and long-term system upgrades.

We service Melbourne’s eastern suburbs including Ringwood, Croydon, Lilydale, Doncaster, and beyond. Whether you need help in an emergency or want peace of mind with a system inspection, we’re here to help.