Why map your shutoffs now
When a supply line bursts, the damage grows every minute the water runs. In many La Palma tract homes the main shutoff sits low on the supply pipe near the front hose bib or in the garage, sometimes behind shrubs or storage. Finding it in the dark while water spreads is how small leaks become big claims.
This worksheet turns a quick walk-through into a record you can tape inside a garage cabinet and share with everyone in the household, including house sitters and older children.
Worksheet: water shutoffs
| Shutoff | Location (write it in) | Valve type | Turns freely? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main house shutoff | Ball / gate / other | Yes / No / Stiff | |
| Meter valve at the street | Needs meter key? | Yes / No | |
| Water heater cold inlet | Ball / gate | Yes / No | |
| Kitchen sink stops (hot, cold) | Multi-turn / quarter-turn | Yes / No | |
| Dishwasher supply | Tee or separate stop | Yes / No | |
| Each bathroom sink | Multi-turn / quarter-turn | Yes / No | |
| Each toilet | Multi-turn / quarter-turn | Yes / No | |
| Washing machine valves | Two handles / single lever | Yes / No | |
| Irrigation valve | Ball / gate / backflow device | Yes / No | |
| Refrigerator ice maker line | Saddle / angle stop | Yes / No |
How to fill it in
Start at the main
Follow the supply pipe from where it leaves the ground near the house. Note the exact spot, for example 'left of the front hose bib, behind the planter'.
Test it gently
Close it partway and reopen it. If it is stiff or weeps at the stem, write that down and plan to have it replaced.
Find the meter
Locate the meter box near the curb. Note whether its valve needs a special key.
Walk room by room
Open each sink cabinet, look behind each toilet and pull out the washer enough to see its valves.
Label the valves
Hang tags or use a paint marker so anyone can find the right valve later.
Also record on the same page
- The breaker numbers for the water heater (if electric), washer, dishwasher and disposal.
- Where the gas meter is located.
- Where the sewer cleanout is, usually a capped pipe in the yard near the house.
- The water provider's number from your bill, for problems on the street side of the meter.
- Any tool needed to turn a valve, and where it is kept.
Questions to ask a plumber after mapping
- My main valve is stiff. Should it be replaced with a quarter-turn ball valve?
- Can you replace the old multi-turn stops throughout the house in one visit?
- Is there a good place to add a shutoff where I do not have one?
Common questions
What if I cannot find my main shutoff?
Check near the front hose bib, in the garage near the water heater and along the front wall. If you still cannot find one, a plumber can locate it or install one.
Is it safe to test old valves?
Turn them gently. Old valves can start dripping at the stem after moving. If that happens, close the next valve upstream and plan a replacement.
Should every fixture have its own shutoff?
Sinks, toilets and appliances normally do. Tubs and showers often do not, so the main is used for them.
General information for La Palma, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.