When a pipe bursts or a major leak starts, every second counts. Knowing how to turn off your water supply quickly can be the difference between a minor repair and thousands of dollars in water damage.

Where Is Your Water Meter?

In most Melbourne homes, the water meter is located:

• At the front of your property near the footpath or nature strip
• In a rectangular pit with a concrete or plastic cover
• Near the boundary line between your property and the street

If you’ve never located yours, do it now — before an emergency happens.

How to Shut Off the Water at the Meter

Step 1: Find the Meter Box

Look for a small rectangular cover in your front yard or nature strip, usually labelled “water meter.”

Step 2: Open the Cover

Lift the cover. You may need a flathead screwdriver to pry it open if it’s stiff.

Step 3: Turn the Main Valve

You’ll see a tap or valve on the pipe coming from the street side:

• Tap handle: Turn it clockwise until it stops
• Ball valve (lever): Turn the lever so it’s perpendicular to the pipe (90 degrees)
• Gate valve (round handle): Turn clockwise several full turns until tight

Step 4: Check It Worked

Turn on a tap inside your home. The water should stop flowing within 30 seconds.

Using Isolation Valves Inside Your Home

Most modern Melbourne homes have isolation valves that let you shut off water to specific fixtures without turning off the entire supply:

• Under sinks - Small tap or lever on the water lines
• Behind toilets - Usually on the wall near the base
• At the hot water system - Both cold inlet and hot outlet valves
• At the washing machine - Taps on the wall behind the machine

When to Use Isolation Valves

Use these when the leak is isolated to one fixture. This lets you keep water running to the rest of your home while you wait for the plumber.

Emergency Shut-Off Checklist

When a leak or burst pipe happens:

1. Stay calm - Panicking leads to mistakes
2. Turn off the water - At the meter or isolation valve
3. Turn off the hot water system - To prevent damage to the unit
4. Turn off electricity - If water is near electrical outlets or the switchboard
5. Mop up standing water - Prevent further damage to floors and belongings
6. Call a plumber - An emergency plumber can usually arrive within the hour
7. Document the damage - Take photos for your insurance claim

Be Prepared Before an Emergency

Take these steps now so you’re ready:

• Locate your water meter and practice turning it off
• Label your isolation valves so anyone in the household can find them
• Keep a meter key or spanner near your front door
• Save your plumber’s number in your phone contacts
• Know where your switchboard is in case water reaches electrics

What If the Valve Won’t Turn?

Old valves can seize up from lack of use. If your shut-off valve is stuck:

• Don’t force it — you could break the valve or pipe
• Try a pair of pliers or an adjustable wrench for extra grip
• If it still won’t budge, call your water authority for an emergency shut-off
• In Melbourne, you can contact South East Water, Yarra Valley Water, or City West Water depending on your area

Call Hankook Plumbing for Emergencies

If you have a plumbing emergency in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, call Hankook Plumbing on 0407 756 172. We provide fast emergency response to minimise damage to your home.

Available 24/7 — because plumbing emergencies don’t wait for business hours.