Your main water shut-off valve is usually in the crawlspace, utility closet, basement, or near the water heater. In many older Winston-Salem homes, the valve may be hidden behind boxes, under the house, or connected to old pipes that have not been touched in years.

Where to look

In most homes around Winston-Salem and Kernersville, the shut-off valve is in the crawlspace near where the water line comes into the house. It is often close to the water heater.

Some homes have the valve in a utility closet or unfinished basement instead. If your home sits on a slab, the valve may be inside near the water heater or garage wall.

Older homes in places like Ardmore, West End, and Irving Park sometimes have shut-off valves that are hard to reach or covered by storage.

If you cannot find a shut-off valve inside, you may need to turn the water off at the meter near the street.

If you have a well instead of city water, you should also know where the breaker for the well pump is. Turning off the breaker will stop water from being pumped into the house.

What the valve looks like

Older valves: Many older homes in Winston still have gate valves with a round handle that spins several times. These older valves can stick or start leaking when they are finally used.

Newer valves: Newer shut-offs usually have a lever handle. These are called ball valves. They are easier to turn and usually more reliable.

If the valve feels stuck or starts dripping when you touch it, stop forcing it. Older valves sometimes fail after sitting unused for years.

What you can do now

Find the valve before an emergency happens. Most people do not look for it until water is already leaking somewhere.

If you are comfortable doing it, test the valve once a year. Turn it slowly to make sure it works. Then turn the water back on and check for leaks.

It also helps to label the valve or show everyone in the house where it is.

If your home does not have a working shut-off valve inside, you can buy a meter key from Lowe’s for around $20-$30. In many cases, a wrench will also work. Just know that you may need to run outside to the meter before you can stop the water.

When to call a plumber

Call a plumber if the valve will not turn, leaks when you use it, or does not fully shut the water off. Many older homes around downtown Winston-Salem still have original shut-off valves that are worn out.

If water is already leaking, shut the water off at the meter or well first if you can. Then call for help.

What this costs

Replacing a main shut-off valve usually starts around $350. The final cost depends on where the valve is, what kind of pipe you have, and whether any rerouting of the piping is required to install a new one.

Many older homes around Winston still have old shut-off valves connected to aging pipes. Those problems usually show up during an emergency, not before one.

If you need help finding or replacing your shut-off valve, our Winston plumbing team can help. Emergency plumbing service. 336-203-2348