Main water shut off valve Sooner or later your shut off valves under your kitchen or bathroom sinks will not operate and will not shut off the water. Also you might have a water line to burst unexpectively. Knowing where you main shut off valve is important so you can turn off the water during an emergency and prevent further damage. Most main water shut off valves are located 12 inches above the floor either in your coat closet as you enter your house or your food pantry. If they are not located in these common places you should have a shut off valve on the right side of your water heater. It will be either a gate valve (round knob) or a ball valve (hand lever). You might want to test your main shut off valve to see if it works. Over time they get "stuck" in the open position, especially the gate valves, and will not shut off the water. If they do not work you need to have it replaced which will cost a few hundred dollars or you can purchase a shut off wrench from Home Depot for around $11 dollars. Your water meter is located in front of your house near the street with a metal lid. Put your wrench on the valve and turn it a quarter turn clockwise to turn off your water.