How to Find and Turn Off Your Water Main

Knowing how to shut off your home’s water supply can help prevent costly damage during a plumbing emergency. Whether a pipe bursts, a tap won’t stop running, or a water appliance leaks, quickly turning off the water main can minimise flooding and property damage.

Why You Should Know Where the Water Main Is

The water main controls the flow of water into your home. In an emergency, turning it off can:

• Prevent water damage to floors, walls and belongings.
• Reduce repair costs.
• Make it safer for plumbers to carry out repairs.
• Stop leaks from getting worse while waiting for assistance.

Common Reasons to Turn Off the Water

You may need to turn off the water if:

• A pipe has burst.
• A tap or toilet is leaking uncontrollably.
• A hot water service is leaking.
• A washing machine or dishwasher hose has failed.
• You notice water flowing where it shouldn’t be.

Where to Find the Water Main

The location varies between properties, but it is commonly found:

Houses

Look for the water meter near:

• The front boundary of the property.
• The nature strip.
• A front garden bed.
• A meter box set into the ground with a small lid.

Townhouses and Units

The water meter may be:

• In a communal meter bank.
• Near the driveway or front entrance.
• Along a side passage.
• Inside a utility cupboard or service area.

If you cannot locate the water meter, contact your property manager for guidance.

How to Identify the Water Main Valve

The shut-off valve is usually located next to the water meter and may appear as:

• A tap-style handle.
• A lever handle.
• A small valve requiring a meter key.
• A wheel-shaped valve.

How to Turn Off the Water Main

Tap-Style Valve

1. Turn the valve clockwise (to the right).
2. Continue turning until it stops.
3. Check that water flow has stopped by turning on a tap inside the home.

Lever Valve

1. Rotate the lever 90 degrees.
2. The lever is usually off when positioned across the pipe rather than in line with it.
3. Test a tap inside the property to confirm the water is off.

How to Check That the Water Is Off

After closing the valve:

1. Turn on a cold water tap inside the property.
2. Water should flow briefly before slowing and stopping.
3. If water continues to run normally, the incorrect valve may have been turned off.

What to Do After Turning Off the Water

If there is a plumbing emergency:

• Move valuables away from affected areas.
• Take photos of any damage if safe to do so.
• Contact your property manager as soon as possible.
• If the situation is urgent and causing ongoing damage, follow our emergency instruction on this page

Things You Should Not Do

• Do not force a stuck valve.
• Do not attempt plumbing repairs unless qualified.
• Do not remove water meters or fittings.
• Do not turn off neighbouring meters or valves.

A Good Tenant Tip

Take a few minutes when you first move into a property to locate the water meter and shut-off valve. In an emergency, knowing exactly where it is can save valuable time and help prevent significant water damage.

When to Contact Your Property Manager

Contact your property manager if:

• You cannot locate the water main.
• The valve is damaged or seized.
• You suspect a hidden water leak.
• The water cannot be shut off.
• A plumbing emergency has occurred.

Being prepared before an emergency happens can help protect both your belongings and the property. A quick response to a water leak can make a significant difference in reducing damage and repair costs.