Why write it down
In an emergency, people forget what they know. A house sitter, a teenager or a guest has no idea where your valves are. A one-page map with each valve's location, type and condition turns a frantic search into a thirty-second walk.
Most Fullerton homes have more valves than owners realize: a main at the house, a curb valve at the meter, a cold inlet at the water heater, two washer valves, an irrigation shutoff and a small angle stop at every sink and toilet.
How to build your map
- Start at the meter.Find the meter box near the street, note whether the curb valve needs a meter key, and write down where the box is.
- Follow the line to the house.Walk the likely path to where the pipe enters the house and find the main shutoff. Note whether it is a wheel or a lever.
- Test the main gently.Close it and reopen it with hand pressure only. Record whether it turned easily, stiffly or not at all.
- Do the water heater and laundry.Locate the heater's cold inlet valve and both washer valves. On a gas heater, note where the gas control knob is.
- Walk every room.Check each sink, toilet, dishwasher and ice maker line for an angle stop and note any that are missing or crusted.
- Find the irrigation shutoff.Note whether irrigation branches off before or after the house main.
Valve map to fill in
| Valve | Where it is | Type (wheel or lever) | Turns freely? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curb valve at meter | |||
| House main shutoff | |||
| Water heater cold inlet | |||
| Washer hot and cold | |||
| Irrigation supply | |||
| Kitchen sink stops | |||
| Each bathroom sink and toilet | |||
| Dishwasher and ice maker |
Keep with the map
- A meter key or a note on where to borrow one
- A flashlight that lives next to the main shutoff
- The City of Fullerton water utility's contact details, taken from your water bill
- A note on how to turn the water heater gas control to off or pilot
- The CSLB lookup address, cslb.ca.gov, for checking a plumber
- A reminder: if you smell gas, leave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside
What your test results mean
- IfThe main turned easily and stopped the waterThenYou are set. Re-test once a year.
- IfThe main was stiff but workedThenPlan to have it replaced with a quarter-turn ball valve before it seizes.
- IfThe main would not turnThenDo not force it. Note the curb valve as your backup and have a plumber replace the main.
- IfSome fixtures have no angle stopThenAsk a plumber to add stops so a single fixture can be isolated without shutting down the house.
Common questions
How often should I update the map?
After any plumbing work, and whenever you test the valves, which once a year is a sensible habit.
Where should I keep the printed map?
Near the main shutoff or water heater, and a photo of it on your phone.
Is it okay to close and reopen the main to test it?
Yes, using hand pressure only. If it starts to leak at the stem, leave it open and call a plumber.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.