How to Find and Test Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve (Altoona Homes)

Quick answer: In most Altoona homes, the main shut-off valve is in the basement, on the wall closest to the street, where the water pipe comes through the foundation. Turn it clockwise (right) to close it. Test it twice a year so it works when you need it.

A burst pipe can pour out a huge amount of water in minutes. The fastest way to limit the damage is to shut off the water to the whole house. But many homeowners do not know where their main valve is — or find out in an emergency that it is rusted stuck. Take ten minutes today to find and test yours.

Step 1: Find the Main Shut-Off Valve

1. Look in the basement on the street side. The water line from the street usually comes through the front foundation wall. The valve is normally within a few feet of where the pipe enters.
2. Look near the water meter. If your meter is inside, the main valve is usually right before or after it.
3. No basement? Check a crawl space access, a utility closet, near the water heater, or in the garage.
4. Still cannot find it? Follow the cold water pipe back from the water heater or the kitchen sink toward the front of the house.

When you find it, put a bright tag on it and show everyone in the house where it is.

Step 2: Know Which Type of Valve You Have

Valve type	How it looks	How to close it
Gate valve	Round wheel handle, common in older homes	Turn clockwise until it stops — several full turns
Ball valve	Straight lever handle, common in newer or updated homes	Turn the lever a quarter turn so it is across the pipe

Old gate valves are the ones that most often get stuck or leak when you finally use them. If yours is an old gate valve, consider having it replaced with a ball valve. It is a small job and it makes emergencies much easier.

Step 3: Test the Valve (Twice a Year)

1. Turn on a cold water faucet somewhere in the house.
2. Slowly close the main valve. Do not force it.
3. Check that the faucet stops running. If water still trickles, the valve is not sealing fully.
4. Open the valve again slowly, all the way. On a gate valve, turn it back a quarter turn from fully open so it does not stick.
5. Check the valve stem for drips after you open it again.

If the valve will not turn, do not use a big wrench or a hammer on it. Old valves can snap and cause the very leak you are trying to prevent. Call a plumber to replace it.

What About the Curb Stop Outside?

There is also a valve outside, usually near the sidewalk, called the curb stop. In Altoona it belongs to the Altoona Water Authority (AWA). Under AWA’s rules, AWA has the right to turn the curb stop on or off. The customer or a plumber may close it only for repairs to the pipes on the property. AWA rules also prohibit tampering with the curb box or the meter.

For most Altoona homes, AWA puts the water meter in an outdoor meter pit near the curb box. In some homes the meter is inside, close to where the water line enters the building. If your inside valve fails and water is pouring out, call AWA’s 24/7 line at (814) 949-2540 — and call a plumber.

Source: Altoona Water Authority Water Rates, Rules & Regulations. Logan Township, Hollidaysburg, Duncansville and Bellwood may have different water suppliers and rules.

Other Shut-Off Valves Worth Knowing

• Fixture valves under sinks and behind toilets. Use them for small leaks so the rest of the house keeps water.
• Water heater cold inlet valve on top of the tank. Close it if the tank is leaking. See water heater repair.
• Outdoor spigot valves inside the basement. Close these and drain the spigots before winter. See frozen & burst pipes.

If a Pipe Has Already Burst

1. Shut off the main valve.
2. Turn off the power to any area where water is near outlets or appliances, if you can do it safely.
3. Open a faucet on the lowest floor to drain the pipes.
4. Call a plumber. See our 24/7 emergency plumber page.

Frequently Asked Questions