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EMERGENCY WATER SHUT-OFF GUIDE

Locate the City Water Meter

The water meter is probably located close to the front yard street curb. Some neighborhoods in Dallas and Castle Hills will have them located in the back alley.

Identify Sprinkler Shut-Off Valve

Next to the water meter is the sprinkler shut-off valve. It’s a GREEN RECTANGULAR BOX typically located within 5 feet of the water meter.

Shut Off the Water

Pop open the green lid and turn either one of the handles 90 degrees perpendicular to the body of the valve. If your system has a PVC Ball Valve – we suggest turning this first.

Still Having Trouble Getting The Water Off?

Take a deep breath and consider a few more options

Double Check Valve

  1. Grass may have grown over the valve box. If you take a shovel and tap the area around the water meter, it will make a hollow sound. Clear the grass and pop the lid – there will probably be some dirt to clear as well.
  2. If one of the handles is rusted or broken, try the other handle. Only one handle is required to shut off the water – it doesn’t matter which one.
  3. If both handles are broken try gripping onto the bonnet bolt with a pair of channel locks and gently turn 90 degrees until you feel the water stop rushing.
  4. Often times these valves haven’t been touched in 20+ years. They are covered in mud and the handles are corroded.
  5. Still can’t find the sprinkler shut off valve?
    • Stand at the water meter – looking at the house with a bird’s eye view to the outdoor water faucet and draw an imaginary line. There’s a good chance this is the direction the house water line runs, and the sprinkler shut off valve is likely tied in close to this line.
    • If you find the valve box close to the house, there is a better chance this is the secondary house cut-off and not the sprinkler cut-off valve. This box typically has a black cover. Still open and inspect.
    • There’s a 1% chance the builder never installed one.

City Water Meter

  1. If the valves are completely corroded you may have to open the water meter and turn off the city water meter. This will also cut off the house water.
  2. Try popping open the circular lid with a screwdriver, or you may need an actual meter key (any hardware store).
  3. Locate the shut off valve inside the meter box – place the meter key or a pair of channel locks on the valve and turn (typically righty-tighty) until the 2 holes line up.

Alternate Less Common Shut Off Valves – RPZ (Reduced Pressure Zone) & PVB (Pressure Vacuum Breaker)

  1. These valves are above ground and typically installed close to the house. It will probably be under a fake insulation rock. DO NOT confuse this with the gas meter.
  2. Lift up the rock and remove the insulation bag if there is one.
  3. There should be an accessible handle to turn off.