How to use this worksheet
Walk the house with a flashlight and a pencil. For each valve below, write where it is in words someone else could follow, such as "garage, left wall behind the bikes, red lever." Then test the water valves gently and write the date.
Newer homes often have more valves than people expect: a main, a pressure regulator nearby, sometimes a PEX manifold with a valve for every line, service valves on a tankless heater and a stop at each fixture. Writing them down turns a stressful search into a ten-second task.
Main valves
| Valve | Where it is | Type (lever, wheel, ball) | Last tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main water shutoff | ____________ | ____________ | ____ |
| Pressure regulator (for reference) | ____________ | n/a | n/a |
| Water heater cold inlet | ____________ | ____________ | ____ |
| Tankless service valves (hot and cold) | ____________ | ____________ | ____ |
| Gas meter shutoff (for reference only) | ____________ | Needs a wrench | Do not test |
| Water heater gas valve | ____________ | ____________ | Do not test |
Manifold and fixture stops
| Fixture or line | Valve location | Labeled? | Moves freely? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen sink (hot / cold) | Under sink | ____ | ____ |
| Dishwasher | ____________ | ____ | ____ |
| Refrigerator ice maker | ____________ | ____ | ____ |
| Each bathroom sink | Under vanity | ____ | ____ |
| Each toilet | Behind toilet | ____ | ____ |
| Washer (hot / cold) | Laundry box | ____ | ____ |
| Hose bibs and irrigation | ____________ | ____ | ____ |
Testing a water valve safely
Close slowly
Turn the handle gradually. Forcing a stiff valve can break the stem.
Confirm
Open a nearby faucet. Flow should stop or slow to a trickle.
Reopen slowly
Open the valve fully, then back it a tiny bit off the stop if it is a multi-turn type.
Watch for drips
Check the stem for a drip for a few minutes after moving it.
Flag problems
Write "stuck" or "drips" in the table and plan to have it replaced.
Before you put the map away
Common questions
What if I cannot find the main shutoff?
Follow the water line from the meter toward the house, and check the garage walls and front hose bib area. If you still cannot find it, a plumber can locate it during any visit.
How often should I test valves?
Many homeowners check once or twice a year. Valves that never move are the ones that seize.
Should I write the gas meter location on the map?
Yes, for reference. Leave operating it to emergencies, and only when you can do so safely from outside.
General information for Amerige Heights, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.