Short answer
The main water shutoff is usually where the water line enters the house: in the crawl space near the front foundation wall, in a garage, utility closet or near the water heater. Ball valves close with a quarter turn; gate valves turn clockwise several times. Find it before you need it.
Where to look
- Crawl-space homes: inside the crawl space near the wall facing the street
- Slab homes: garage, utility closet, near the water heater or an outside wall
- Newer homes: often in the garage where the line enters
- Curb valve: inside the meter box near the street (needs a meter key)
How to close it
- Ball valve (lever handle): turn a quarter turn so the lever is across the pipe
- Gate valve (round wheel): turn clockwise until snug; don't force it
- Old gate valves may not fully close; have a plumber replace them with ball valves
Test it once a year
Close it, check that a faucet stops running, then reopen it fully. Valves that never move can seize.
Where to look, by home type
| Home type | Where to look first |
|---|---|
| Crawl-space home (common in older Gastonia) | Crawl space near the front foundation wall, in line with the meter |
| Slab home | Garage, utility closet, or near the water heater |
| Home with basement | Basement front wall where the pipe enters |
| Newer subdivision home | Garage wall or near the water heater |
| Any home | Curb valve in the meter box at the street |
Make it ready before you need it
- Tag the valve so everyone in the house can find it
- Turn it closed and open once a year so it doesn't seize
- Keep a meter key in the garage if the indoor valve is hard to reach
- Replace an old gate valve with a quarter-turn ball valve
- Know how to shut off each fixture and the water heater too
When to call a plumber
If the steps above don't solve it, or anything involves sewage, gas, electricity near water or a leak you can't stop, call a licensed plumber. Related help: emergency plumbing in Gastonia, burst pipe repair in Gastonia, pipe repair in Gastonia.
Where this comes up most in Gaston County: Willow Creek, York-Chester, Loray Mill Village, Downtown Gastonia, Forest Heights, Highland, Belmont, NC, Mount Holly, NC. See all Gastonia and Gaston County service areas.
Frequently asked questions
Can I turn off water at the meter?
The curb valve in the meter box can stop water, but it normally needs a meter key and belongs to the utility side. Use it in an emergency if the house valve fails.
Editorial note: this guide gives general safety and maintenance information for homeowners. It doesn't replace an on-site diagnosis by a licensed plumber. Codes and permit rules can change; check with your local inspections office.