To turn off the water to your whole house, close the main shutoff valve. In most Johnson County homes it's in the basement, on the wall that faces the street, within a few feet of where the water line comes through the foundation. If the handle is a round wheel, turn it clockwise until it stops. If it's a lever, turn it a quarter turn so it sits crosswise to the pipe. Then open a faucet on the lowest floor to confirm the water stops. If you can't find the valve or it won't move, your water utility can shut the water off at the meter near the street.
Where Is the Main Water Shutoff?
WaterOne's frozen pipe guide says that in most single-family homes the shutoff is in the basement or crawl space, on a wall facing the street. Start there and look for the largest pipe coming through the wall or up through the floor. The valve is usually close to where it enters, and near the water meter if your meter is inside.
If it isn't there, check:
Near the water heater or furnace. Some homes group the plumbing in one utility area.
In the crawl space. Some older homes have the only valve under the house.
Behind an access panel. Finished basements sometimes hide the valve behind a small door or in a closet.
At the meter pit by the street. This is the utility's side. In Johnson County, leave it to WaterOne (more on that below).
How to Close It
There are two common kinds of main valves:
Gate valve (round wheel handle). Turn it clockwise, to the right, until it's snug. It can take several full turns.
Ball valve (lever handle). Turn the lever a quarter turn until it's perpendicular to the pipe. That's it.
Next, open a faucet on the lowest level of the house. The flow should slow and stop within a few seconds. Then open a few more faucets to drain what's left in the pipes and take pressure off a broken line.
If the valve won't turn
Older gate valves often sit open for years and get stiff. Use steady hand pressure. Don't hit the valve or put a long wrench on it, because an old stem can snap and leave you with a bigger leak. If it won't move, or water keeps running after you close it, call the utility. WaterOne's guide says to keep your meter pit or curb box accessible and the lid closed, and to call WaterOne in an emergency to turn off the water at the pit or curb box near the street. Their number is 913-895-1800. Once things are calm, have a plumber replace a stuck valve with a quarter-turn ball valve.
Shut Off Just One Fixture When You Can
Toilets, sinks, washers, ice makers and water heaters usually have their own small valve: behind the toilet, inside the sink cabinet, or on the cold pipe at the top of the water heater. Close the valve nearest the leak first. If water keeps coming, or you're not sure of the source, go to the main.
What to Do After the Water Is Off
Stay clear of electricity. If water is near outlets, cords or the electrical panel, keep out of that area and don't reach for the breaker through water.
Take photos before you clean up. Get wide shots of each wet room, then close-ups of the source and anything damaged.
Call a plumber for the repair. Keep the invoice. Your insurance company may ask for it.
If a pipe has split, our post on what to do when a pipe bursts walks through the next steps. If the water heater is the problem, see is a leaking water heater dangerous?
Water already in the walls, ceiling or carpet? Call Blue Valley at (913) 395-8488. Open 7 AM–9 PM, every day.
Test Your Shutoff Before Winter
WaterOne's guide recommends knowing where your shutoff is and testing it regularly, so you're not hunting for it while a pipe is spraying. Before the first hard freeze:
Find it and label it. Hang a tag on it and show everyone in the house where it is.
Clear the way. Move boxes and shelving so you can reach it in the dark.
Test it. Close it, open a faucet to confirm the water stops, then open the valve back up fully. If it drips around the stem afterward, have a plumber look at it.
Disconnect garden hoses. A hose left on an outside faucet can trap water that freezes.
Our post on preventing frozen pipes covers the rest of the winter list.
When to Call Blue Valley
Shutting off the water stops new water, but it doesn't dry what's already wet. Call us when water has gotten into drywall, plaster, insulation, carpet pad, hardwood or the ceiling below. We use moisture meters to find how far it spread, remove only what can't be dried and set air movers and dehumidifiers until the readings are back to normal. See our burst pipe water damage, emergency water removal and structural drying pages.
Westwood Hills Homes
About three of every four homes in Westwood Hills were built before 1940. In houses that age, the main shutoff is often an original gate valve in a small basement, and it may not have been turned in years. That makes it worth testing now. Water service in Westwood Hills comes from WaterOne, which lists Westwood Hills in its service area, so WaterOne is who to call if you need the water shut off at the street. Westwood Hills is served from our Leawood location. See our water damage restoration in Westwood Hills page for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which way do I turn the main water valve to shut it off?
Clockwise, to the right. A round wheel handle takes several turns. A lever handle takes a quarter turn until it sits crosswise to the pipe.
Should I turn off my water when I go out of town?
For a long trip it's a good idea, especially in winter. WaterOne recommends keeping the thermostat above 65 degrees if you'll be gone several days, and offers a precautionary shut-off at 913-895-1800 for extended trips. Trip charges apply.
Call Our Restoration Team
If a leak has already wet the floors, walls or ceilings in your Westwood Hills home, call Blue Valley at (913) 395-8488. Open 7 AM–9 PM, every day. We're IICRC Certified & Fully Insured. We'll find where the water went, explain what can be dried in place and give you a free evaluation.