Fairfax Home Water Shutoff Locator

Find your main shutoff in under 2 minutes - before you need it in an emergency.

Find Your Main Water Shutoff

Home water shutoff location diagram

Most Likely Locations


Can not find it? Call (571) 708-6074 - a dispatcher can guide you through the search while the crew mobilizes.

Fixture-Level Shutoffs

Every fixture has its own shutoff valve in addition to the main. Knowing these saves you from shutting off water to the whole house for a single fixture failure.

FixtureShutoff LocationValve Type
ToiletBehind toilet, near floor on left or rightOval knob or lever - turn clockwise to close
SinkUnder sink cabinet, on supply linesOval knob - one hot, one cold
Water heaterOn cold water line entering top of tankBall valve (lever) or gate valve (wheel)
Washing machineBehind washer, or in wall behind washerLever valve - often red for hot, blue for cold
DishwasherUnder kitchen sink, on hot water supplyLever or oval knob on hot supply
Refrigerator ice makerBehind refrigerator or under kitchen sinkSmall saddle valve or angle stop valve

The Curb Stop (Exterior Shutoff)

The curb stop is the utility company's shutoff at the street. It requires a pentagon (5-sided) curb key tool - available at hardware stores for about $15. Location: in a metal utility box near the curb, typically in line with the main water entry point of your home.

The curb stop is your last resort if the interior main shutoff doesn't work. Turning the curb stop is technically the utility's responsibility - but in an active emergency with water running, it's an appropriate emergency action.