How to Shut Off Water During a Leak in Your Rental Home
Water leaks can happen when you least expect them – and knowing how to quickly shut off the water can help prevent costly damage to your home. Whether the leak is coming from a bathroom fixture, a kitchen appliance or somewhere harder to pinpoint, here’s a simple guide to finding and using your emergency water shutoff valves.
Why Shutoff Valves Matter
Most leaks occur around faucets, toilets and household appliances. That’s why homes are built with emergency shutoff valves near these areas. With a quick turn of a valve, you can stop water at the source and buy yourself time to request maintenance or call a professional.
How to Shut Off Water in Common Leak Locations
Toilets
- Find the small valve on the wall behind the toilet.
- Turn it clockwise (to the right) until the water fully stops.
Sinks
- Look under the sink – usually inside the cabinet – for similar round or oval valves.
- Rotate the valve clockwise to shut off the water.
Washing Machines
- The hot and cold-water valves are typically located directly behind the unit.
- You should be able to reach them without moving the appliance.
- Turn both valves clockwise to stop water flow.
Refrigerators
- The shutoff valve is usually behind the fridge.
- You may need to carefully pull the refrigerator away from the wall.
- Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water.
Water Heaters
Most water heaters have two valves:
- Cold water inlet valve – controls water flowing into the tank
- Hot water outlet valve – controls water flowing into the home
For a leak involving the water heater, turn the cold-water inlet valve (usually above the tank) clockwise to stop water from entering the heater.
What to Do If the Leak Isn’t Near a Fixture
If you can’t locate the source, or the leak isn’t near a sink, toilet, or appliance, you may need to turn off your rental home’s main water supply.
- Look for the main shutoff valve at the front of your home, often near an outdoor faucet.
- Turn the handle so it’s at a 90-degree angle to the pipe. This position means the water is off.
After You’ve Stopped the Water
Once the flow of water has been stopped:
- Place a maintenance request here if you’re a Progress Residential resident or
- Contact a qualified professional to fix the issue.
Acting fast can save you time, stress, and potential water damage.
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