Know Your Home’s Water Shut-Off — Act Fast is a simple step that can reduce the impact of a sudden leak or burst pipe. Many homeowners first notice an unusual wet patch, a sudden rise in the water bill, or the sound of running water in a basement. Locating and labelling the main shut-off, meter shut-off and curb stop helps you stop flow quickly and reduce damage while you wait for professional help. If you need assistance now, contact us or call (905) 601-9449 for 24/7 response and a free estimate; our teams are licensed, insured, and offer warranty-backed work.
Know Your Home’s Water Shut-Off — Act Fast
This section explains the basic valves you’ll find and what they do. A clear label and a quick test give you faster leak response and lower repair costs compared with searching for the valve during an emergency.
Main shut-off: this valve is usually on the foundation wall where the service line enters the basement. Meter shut-off: found at or within the water meter box; it controls flow through the meter. Curb stop (property line shut-off): typically under a small valve box near the curb or sidewalk where the municipal service meets your supply line.
- Main shut-off — typically inside the basement near the foundation or in a utility area.
- Meter shut-off — inside the meter box; often a small valve or nut near the meter.
- Curb stop — under a round or rectangular box at the property line; access can be limited or buried.
If a valve is stiff or leaking, call a licensed plumber for an on-site estimate; our plumbing services team can test and advise on upgrades or replacements.
Where To Find Main, Meter, And Curb Stop Valves
Knowing typical locations saves time in an emergency. Many Toronto and GTA homes have similar layouts, but every property has nuances we review on-site so the plan fits your home and local code.
Basement shut-offs are often mounted on the foundation wall near where the service pipe enters. Meter boxes are usually visible near the entry point or in a recessed box at grade. Curb stops sit at the property line under a metal or plastic box and may be under soil, sod, or snow in winter.
- Basement: check the floor–wall joint and look for the incoming pipe; the shut-off is commonly nearby.
- Meter box: open the box cover carefully and look for the valve or a square nut that turns the shut-off.
- Curb stop: look at the curb, boulevard, or sidewalk line; the box may be flush with the ground and sometimes requires light digging to access.
Paint marks or flags may indicate recent locates; do not remove them. If access is unclear or the curb stop appears buried, contact a professional to avoid damaging the service or nearby utilities.
How To Test And Maintain Shut-Offs
Routine testing keeps valves operable and gives you confidence in an emergency. A short monthly check takes 5–15 minutes and can reveal a stiff or leaking valve before a problem becomes urgent.
Monthly Test Steps
Follow simple, low-risk steps each month to check valve function and label condition.
- Locate the main shut-off and turn it off fully; check taps and fixtures to confirm water pressure drops.
- Turn the valve back on slowly and watch the meter for unexpected flow; note any continuous movement when all fixtures are off.
- Label each valve with date-tested and condition; keep a short record in your home files or with your property manager.
Upgrades To Consider
Certain upgrades make emergency shut-off quicker and reduce future service work. We review options on-site and give realistic timeframes and costs.
- Replace old gate valves with ball valves—typical replacement time is 1–2 hours and gives a firmer, faster shut-off.
- Install an accessible emergency shut-off or recessed box near the meter; planning and installation are often completed in 1 day depending on access.
- Schedule professional curb stop location and excavation when the curb stop is buried; this may require locates and can take a few hours to a day depending on site conditions.
Regional Requirements And When To Call A Licensed Plumber
This section covers local rules, safety steps, and the situations where a licensed plumber is the right call. Every property has nuances; we talk them through so you feel informed and comfortable before any work.
Locates And Digging (Ontario One Call)
Before any excavation to access a curb stop or service line, request utility locates to identify buried services. In Ontario, homeowners should contact Ontario One Call and allow at least 5 business days for locates to be completed.
- Call or submit a request online to Ontario One Call; work cannot proceed safely until locates are marked.
- Locates reduce the risk of hitting gas, electrical, or other buried services and protect the repair schedule.
- If a curb stop is under hard surfaces or deep soil, professional excavation is typically required and may take several hours to a full day depending on access.
Municipal Curb Stop Policies (City Of Toronto)
Municipal practices vary across the Toronto & GTA region, and some cities offer curb stop turn-off services through their public works or 311 system. We check local policy and municipal procedures before planning work that involves the property line valve.
- City staff sometimes operate curb stop shut-offs; fees and lead times vary by municipality.
- When the curb stop is buried or damaged, a licensed plumber coordinates locates, excavation, and any required municipal requests.
- Typical contractor timelines: same-day emergency response may be available; planned valve replacements are often scheduled within 1 business day after an on-site estimate.
Common cost examples (illustrative and reviewed on-site): ball valve replacement in a basement often ranges from $150–$600 depending on access and materials. Locating and excavating a buried curb stop can range roughly $300–$1,200 depending on depth, surface type, and city permit needs. Exact pricing is provided after an on-site assessment.
When to call a licensed plumber: the valve is stiff or leaking, the curb stop is buried or under hard surfaces, the meter box is damaged, or you suspect a service line break. For urgent issues, our teams offer fast 24/7 assistance and warranty-backed repairs.
Next Steps And A Short Homeowner Checklist
This final section gives clear next steps you can take now and a short checklist for regular maintenance. These actions are quick to perform and help reduce response time if a leak occurs.
- Monthly test: turn the main shut-off off and check fixtures to confirm pressure drops, then turn the valve back on slowly (5–15 minutes).
- Label valves: attach a durable tag or marker with the valve name and last test date so anyone can find them quickly.
- Inspect meter box: look for corrosion, standing water, or a damaged cover; schedule service if the box does not allow easy access.
- Before digging: request locates through Ontario One Call at least 5 business days ahead of any excavation work.
- Schedule professional help if the valve is stiff, leaking, or buried; a licensed plumber can replace gate valves with ball valves, install an accessible shut-off, or locate and excavate a curb stop.
Mini-case example: a homeowner who tested their main valve monthly found a slowly seeping valve. Replacing the valve took about 1 hour and stopped an estimated 2–4 hours of unnoticed water loss each week. After the work, the homeowner reported relief and a clear maintenance plan for future checks.
Related systems: if you have concerns about sewer backup or basement flooding, we can review backwater valve and sump pump options as part of a site visit to make the overall plan fit your home and local code.
For a free estimate or emergency assistance, contact us or call (905) 601-9449. Before any work, we review grading, foundation details, and plumbing so the plan fits your home and local code. Every property has nuances; we talk them through so you feel informed and comfortable.
This article offers general information for homeowners and is not engineering, legal, or plumbing advice. Assessments and solutions are reviewed during an on-site visit by licensed professionals. If you’re considering waterproofing or drain work, feel free to contact us or call — we’ll discuss your goals and outline a plan that feels comfortable and right for your home.
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