Why Knowing How to Shut Off Your Water Supply Matters

If you’re a homeowner in Murrieta, CA, knowing how to shut off your home’s water supply could save you thousands in water damage during a plumbing emergency. Whether you’re dealing with a burst pipe, overflowing toilet, or major leak, being able to act fast and stop the water flow is essential.

In this quick guide, we’ll explain:

• How to shut off your water supply step-by-step
• Where to find the main water shut-off valve
• California’s shut-off valve law
• Why some homes are out of compliance
• And what Prestige Plumbing offers to protect your home

How to Shut Off Your Water Supply in Murrieta

Here’s how to locate and turn off your water supply in a residential home:

1. Locate Your Main Shut-Off Valve

In most Murrieta homes, the main shut-off valve is typically located:

• Outside the home near the front hose bib
• In a water meter box in the ground near the curb
• In the garage (less common in California)

Look for a round or lever-style valve attached to a pipe coming out of the ground or wall.

2. Turn It Off Safely

• If it’s a wheel valve (round): turn clockwise until it stops.
• If it’s a lever handle: turn the handle 90 degrees (it should now be perpendicular to the pipe).

You’ve successfully shut off your main water supply when no water comes out of your faucets.

☑ Tip: Test it by turning on a hose bib or indoor faucet—if water stops flowing, you’ve shut it off.

Indoor Shut-Off Valves for Fixtures

Sometimes, the leak is isolated to one appliance. Here are a few other shut-off points you should know:

• Toilet shut-off valve – located under the toilet tank
• Sink shut-off valves – under the bathroom or kitchen sink
• Washing machine valves – behind the washer (usually hot and cold)
• Water heater shut-off valve – above the heater on the cold line

These local shut-offs can help you stop a leak fast without turning off water to your entire home.

California Law Requires a Main Water Shut-Off Valve

California Plumbing Code requires every home to have a main water shut-off valve that is accessible and functional. However, many older homes in Murrieta don’t meet this requirement due to:

• Inaccessible valve locations
• Faulty or corroded valves
• Missing shut-off valves altogether

Without a working valve, you’re at risk of delayed response times during a leak, potential code violations, and more severe water damage.

Our Solution: Main Water Shut-Off Valve Installation

If you’re unsure whether your home’s shut-off valve is working—or if you need one installed—Prestige Plumbing offers a professional solution. We provide:

• Quick inspections to verify valve accessibility and condition
• New code-compliant shut-off valve installations
• Emergency shut-off upgrades for peace of mind

📍 Serving Murrieta, Temecula, and surrounding areas, we help you stay protected, code-compliant, and ready for anything.

👉 Learn more about main water shut-off valves in Murrieta.

When Should You Shut Off Your Home’s Water?

You should turn off your main water supply when:

• You suspect or see a major water leak
• A pipe bursts inside or outside your home
• You’re leaving town for several days
• You’re performing DIY plumbing repairs
• You notice your water bill has spiked suddenly

If you can’t find your valve or it’s not functioning, contact a licensed plumber in Murrieta, like Prestige Plumbing, immediately to avoid further damage.

Need Help? Call Your Local Plumber in Murrieta

At Prestige Plumbing, we help Murrieta homeowners stay safe, prepared, and protected with:

☑ Emergency shut-off support
☑ Fast inspections & installations
☑ Code-compliant upgrades
☑ Friendly, local service from trusted pros

If you don’t have a working shut-off valve or need help locating yours, we’re just a call away.