Why a written map helps
In a real emergency, the person at home may not be the one who knows where the valves are. A babysitter, a house guest or a teenager home alone needs to find the main shutoff in seconds, not minutes. A one-page map that names each valve, where it is and which way to turn it removes the guesswork.
Most Garden Grove houses follow a similar pattern: the main shutoff where the supply line enters near the front of the house, the meter valve at the curb, and fixture valves under sinks and behind toilets. Older homes often have a few surprises, such as a valve hidden behind a shrub or a water heater tucked into a hallway closet.
Fill in for your house
| Valve | Location in your home | Type (wheel or lever) | Tested on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main water shutoff | |||
| Meter valve at the curb | |||
| Water heater cold supply | |||
| Water heater gas valve or breaker | |||
| Kitchen sink (hot and cold) | |||
| Each bathroom sink | |||
| Each toilet | |||
| Washing machine (hot and cold) | |||
| Irrigation valve or backflow device | |||
| Gas meter (for reference only) |
How to complete the map
Start at the curb
Find the meter box and note what you need to open it, such as a meter key or wrench.
Find the house shutoff
Follow the line from the meter toward the house. Check the front wall, a side wall facing the street and the garage.
Go room by room
Look under every sink, behind every toilet and behind the washer. Count the valves and write each one down.
Test gently
Turn each valve slowly. If one is frozen or drips when moved, note it for repair rather than forcing it.
Post the page
Keep one copy near the main shutoff and one inside a kitchen cabinet.
Note problems for a future service visit
- A main valve that will not turn or does not stop the flow
- Fixture valves that leak when turned
- Corroded or crusted fittings at the water heater
- A meter box buried under soil or blocked by plants
- No visible main shutoff at all
Quick reference
- Close a wheel valve
- Clockwise until it stops
- Close a lever valve
- Quarter turn so the lever crosses the pipe
- Water utility
- City of Garden Grove
- Gas emergencies
- 911 or SoCalGas, from outside
Common questions
How often should I test my shutoffs?
Many homeowners test them once or twice a year. Hard water can stiffen valves that are never moved.
What if I cannot find the main shutoff?
A plumber can locate it and, if needed, install an accessible ball valve.
Should renters fill this out too?
Yes. Ask your landlord or property manager to show you the valves, and note who to call after hours.
General information for Garden Grove, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.