Water Line Repair and Replacement
Main water shutoff valve replacement
The main shutoff valve is the valve where the water line enters your home, and it is the one that stops a burst pipe from flooding the house. If it will not turn, drips from the stem or no longer stops the flow, it should be replaced, usually with a quarter-turn ball valve. The water has to be turned off at the street first, which may involve the utility.
- Independent licensed local plumbers
- The plumber gives you a price before work starts
- Free referral, no obligation
Older homes typically have a gate valve with a round wheel handle. Inside, a metal gate lowers on a threaded stem, and after years of sitting open the gate seizes, the stem snaps or sediment keeps it from closing fully. People usually discover this during a leak, which is the worst moment to find out.
A modern full-port ball valve closes with a quarter turn of a lever and has far less to go wrong. Replacing the valve is also a good time to check the pressure-reducing valve, if you have one, and to make sure every adult in the house knows where the shutoff is.
When you need main water shutoff valve replacement
- The handle will not turn, or turns without stopping the water
- Water still runs at the taps with the valve fully closed
- The valve drips at the stem or body
- The valve is a corroded gate valve and you are already having plumbing work done
- You cannot find a working shutoff inside the home at all
How it is done and the choices involved
- 1
Shut off at the curb or meter
Water is turned off upstream at the curb stop or meter. In many areas only the utility is allowed to operate that valve, so the plumber schedules it or requests the shutoff.
- 2
Remove the old valve
The valve is unthreaded, unsoldered or cut out, depending on the pipe: copper, galvanized steel, CPVC or PEX.
- 3
Install a ball valve
A full-port ball valve is soldered, pressed or threaded in, with any needed transition fittings and the electrical bonding jumper restored where one was present.
- 4
Restore and test
Water is turned back on slowly, air is bled from the lines at a faucet and the new valve and joints are checked under pressure.
What affects the cost of main water shutoff valve replacement
Prices vary by market and job. The pro gives you a price before starting; these factors drive it.
- Whether the utility must shut off the water and how that is scheduled
- Pipe material and condition next to the valve
- Access: open basement wall versus a finished wall or a buried valve box
- Adding or replacing a pressure-reducing valve at the same time
- Corroded pipe that has to be cut back further than planned
Main Water Shutoff Valve Replacement FAQ
Where is my main water shutoff valve?
Usually where the water line enters the building: on a basement or crawl-space wall facing the street, in a utility room or garage on a slab home, or outside near a hose bib in warm climates. There is also a shutoff at the meter or curb box near the street.
Can I replace my main shutoff valve myself?
The difficulty is that the water must be off upstream of the valve, at the curb stop or meter, and many utilities do not allow homeowners to operate it. A failed joint on the main line also cannot be isolated. Most people hire a plumber for this one.
Should I replace a gate valve with a ball valve?
Yes, in most cases. Ball valves shut off with a quarter turn, show at a glance whether they are open, and are much less likely to seize or leak after years without use.
How often should I test my main shutoff?
Once or twice a year, close it fully and open it again. This keeps it from seizing and tells you it works before you need it. If an old gate valve feels stiff, do not force it; have it replaced.
Part of water line repair and replacement
Main Water Shutoff Valve Replacement is one job within water line repair and replacement. The main page covers the warning signs, the full process and what you can safely do yourself.
Water Line Repair and Replacement by city
Ownership rules, permits and pipe materials differ from city to city. Local guides:
Somewhere else? Browse plumbing conditions in all 50 states.
Helpful guides
How to Shut Off the Water to Your House
Turn the main shutoff valve clockwise until it stops, or turn a lever handle a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe. It's usually where the water line enters the house, or at the meter near the street.
Read the guide
What to Do When a Pipe Bursts
Shut off the main water valve, turn off electricity to any wet area if you can reach the panel safely, open faucets to drain the lines, and then call a plumber. Take photos before you clean up, and start drying within a day to prevent mold.
Read the guideNeed help with main water shutoff valve replacement?
Call (833) 520-4758 to reach an available local pro.