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How to Locate Your Emergency Shut Off Valve

Look for your shut off valve in the following places:

May contain: indoors
  • In the crawl space or basement, where the water line enters the home.
  • In the garage where the water line enters the wall or ceiling, near the water heater or laundry hookup.
  • Outside near the foundation, often protected by a concrete ring or clay pipe.

Your Water Meter 

Your water meter is located in a concrete or plastic box in the ground, generally in front of your house and near the side property line. It’s important to keep the box free of plants and roots that can obstruct or hide the meter or damage the service line.

Can't Find Your Shut Off Valve? 

You may want to have a shut off valve installed if you can’t locate one. If you have an emergency and need help shutting off your water at the meter or locating your water meter, please call OLWS at (503) 654-7765.

Example of an emergency shut off 

Here is an example of what an emergency shut off valve may look like at your house.

In the instance that you have a water leak and need to turn the water off you may check for one of these valves in the following areas of your home: the garage, laundry room, basement, or it may also be located near your hot water heater.

Not all homes have an emergency shut off valve, so if you are uncertain please call our office at 503-654-7765 and we would be happy to come turn the service off at the meter for you.

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