How do you turn the water off to your house?

Most Americans heavily depend on modern plumbing in their daily lives, yet few have a basic understanding of how their plumbing system works. One crucial thing every homeowner or tenant should know is the location of their home's main water shut-off valve and how to operate it. This knowledge can prevent flooding and significant damage to your home and belongings during emergencies. In Denver and nearby areas, water typically comes from the closest road to your home, entering through a meter in a manhole at the front of your property. It then runs underground to your home, entering through the basement, crawlspace, a wall facing the front yard, or the mechanical room under the basement slab. Homes in these areas usually have a copper water main with a diameter of 3/4 or 1 inch. The shut-off valve is a brass valve with either a round or lever handle parallel to the pipe. A round handle is likely a gate valve, which shuts off by turning it clockwise until it stops. If the valve doesn’t fully close, it may be faulty and should be replaced by a professional plumber. A lever handle indicates a ball valve, which turns off with a simple quarter-turn clockwise. To confirm the water is off, open any fixture, such as a sink faucet, to release the pressure.