Start where the water comes in
The main shutoff is the valve that stops all water to the house. In many Yorba Linda homes it sits on the line where it enters the house, often near the front wall or in the garage, with another valve at the meter box near the curb that belongs to the water provider.
Old shutoff valves can seize, drip or fail to close fully. A repipe is a natural time to replace the house-side main valve, so ask whether it is included.
Find and test your main shutoff
Look where the line enters
Check the front exterior wall, the garage and near the water heater for a valve on a larger pipe.
Identify the type
A lever handle is usually a ball valve; a round wheel is usually a gate valve, which can be harder to close fully.
Test gently
Close it slowly and open a faucet to confirm the water stops. Do not force a stuck valve.
Label it
Tag the valve so everyone in the house can find it in an emergency.
Pressure symptoms and likely directions
| Symptom | Possible cause | Who to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Weak flow at every fixture | Narrowed old pipe, a failing regulator or a partly closed valve | Licensed plumber |
| Weak flow at one fixture | Clogged aerator, cartridge or local pipe issue | Clean the aerator, then a plumber |
| Banging pipes or dripping relief valve | Pressure that may be too high | Licensed plumber |
| Sudden drop across the neighborhood | Work or an issue on the supply side | Your water provider |
Useful terms
- Pressure regulator (PRV)
- A valve that reduces incoming street pressure to a safer level for the house.
- Static pressure
- Pressure measured with no water running.
- Ball valve
- A quarter-turn valve that is usually reliable to open and close.
- Gate valve
- A multi-turn valve common in older homes that can stick or leak over time.
Questions to ask
- Is the main shutoff included in the repipe, and what type will replace it?
- Do I have a pressure regulator, and is it working?
- What pressure did you measure, and is it in a normal range?
- Is the line from the meter to the house part of this job?
Common questions
Who owns the valve at the meter?
The meter and curb-side valve generally belong to the water provider. Contact the provider named on your bill about that side.
Will a repipe increase my water pressure?
If old narrowed pipe was restricting flow, new pipe often restores it. Incoming pressure and the regulator still set the limit.
Does every house have a pressure regulator?
Not every house. Ask a plumber whether yours has one and whether it is needed.
General information for Yorba Linda, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.