Why map your shutoffs now
In older houses and small buildings, valves end up in odd places: behind a crawlspace access panel, buried in a planter by the front wall, or tucked behind a water heater that was replaced twice. Some still work smoothly, some have seized, and some no longer control what they used to after past remodels.
Walking the building with this worksheet takes about an hour. The result is a single page that tells a family member, tenant or visiting plumber exactly where to go first.
How to fill it in
Sketch the floor plan
Draw a rough outline of each floor, the crawlspace or basement if there is one, and the yard between the building and the street.
Start at the water meter
Mark the meter location near the street, then follow the line toward the building and mark the main house shutoff.
Walk every fixture
Note each sink, toilet, tub, washer and water heater, and whether it has its own shutoff valve.
Find drain access
Mark any sewer cleanouts outside the foundation, in the crawlspace or inside the building.
Locate the gas meter
Mark the gas meter and the shutoff valve at each gas appliance. Do not operate the meter valve unless there is an emergency and it is safe to do so.
Test gently and record
Note whether each water valve turned and closed. Stop if an old valve resists hard and write that down for a plumber.
Worksheet: valve and access record
| Item | Location | Valve type | Works? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water meter | Utility side; check with the City of Fullerton before operating | |||
| Main house water shutoff | Gate / ball | |||
| Water heater cold inlet | ||||
| Kitchen sink stops | ||||
| Bathroom sink and toilet stops | ||||
| Washer valves | ||||
| Hose bibs | ||||
| Sewer cleanout(s) | Cap | |||
| Gas meter | Emergency use only | |||
| Gas appliance valves |
Before you put the map away
- Tag the main water shutoff with a bright label
- Keep a valve key or wrench near the main if the valve needs one
- Share a copy with everyone who lives or works in the building
- Note any valve that failed to close so it can be replaced
- Photograph each valve and keep the photos with the map
Questions to bring to a plumber
- Can you replace the valves that would not close on my map?
- Is my main shutoff in a sensible, reachable location?
- Do I need a cleanout added where there is none?
- Are any gas appliances missing their own shutoff valve?
Common questions
What if I cannot find a main shutoff at all?
Some older buildings have the only valve near the meter. Check with the City of Fullerton about meter-side shutoff, and ask a plumber about adding a house valve.
Should tenants have a copy?
Yes. In a rental or multi-unit building, tenants are often first to notice a leak, so they need to know where the shutoff is.
How often should I update the map?
Update it after any repipe, remodel, water heater replacement or valve change, and review it once a year.
General information for Downtown Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.