Do this before you need it
Many Yorba Linda homes have the house main near the front of the house, by a hose bib, or inside the garage where the supply line enters. Others have it somewhere less obvious. The time to find out is on a calm afternoon, not during a leak.
While you are at it, test each valve gently. A valve that has not moved in years can be stiff. If one will not turn, do not force it; note it on the map and ask a plumber to replace it.
Shutoff map
| Valve | Where it is | Type (lever or wheel) | Turns freely? | What it shuts off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| House main | All water to the house | |||
| Water heater cold inlet | Hot water side of the house | |||
| Meter box | Provider's valve | Do not use unless necessary | Water from the street | |
| Irrigation shutoff | Sprinklers and drip lines | |||
| Kitchen sink stops | Kitchen faucet | |||
| Toilet stops | Each toilet | |||
| Washing machine valves | Laundry |
Mapping walk-through
- Find the main.Follow the supply line from the meter toward the house and look for the valve where it enters.
- Find the water heater inlet.It is on the cold pipe entering the top of the heater. Note which handle is cold and which is hot.
- Find irrigation controls.Locate the controller and any backflow device or shutoff for the sprinklers.
- List fixture stops.Check under every sink, behind toilets and behind the washer.
- Photograph and post.Photograph each valve, print the map and tape it inside a garage or utility cabinet.
Also note on the map
- Water heater type
- Gas or electric, and where the gas valve or breaker is
- Seismic strapping
- California requires water heaters to be strapped; note that the straps are present
- Gas meter
- Location only. If you smell gas, leave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside
- Water provider
- Name from your bill, for problems at or before the meter
Household briefing
Common questions
I cannot find a house main. What now?
Some homes lack an accessible one. Ask a plumber to locate it or install one; until then, know where the meter box is.
Is it OK to use the valve in the meter box?
It belongs to the water provider and may need a special key. Use it only as a last resort and tell the provider.
Should I label valves?
Yes. A simple tag on each valve saves time in an emergency.
General information for Yorba Linda, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.