The main shutoff at the house
This is the valve you want first. It’s where the water line enters the house: often on an outside wall near a hose bib, in the garage, or near the water heater. Many newer homes have a lever handle: turn it a quarter turn so the lever sits across the pipe, and the water is off. Older homes may have a round wheel handle: turn it clockwise until it stops. Find yours now, and turn it off and on once so you know it works.
The meter box at the curb
The meter box holds the utility’s meter and a valve on the street side of it. Inside the City of Houston, KPRC reported in 2025 that the City’s newer meter boxes lock: a flathead screwdriver goes into the marked slot, you press gently to release it and lift the lid slowly. Don’t force the lid or touch the electronic reader on top, and report damage through 311. Use the meter valve only if the house has no working valve. In February 2021, Houston Public Works said customers who couldn’t turn off their water could call 311 for help.
On a MUD or another city’s water?
Many homes around Houston get water from a municipal utility district (MUD) or another city. Your provider’s name and number are on your water bill; call them about the meter box or a leak at the meter or in the street.
Fixture stops: shut off one spot, keep the rest
Most toilets have a small valve on the wall or floor behind them, and most sinks have two under the cabinet, one hot and one cold. Turn them clockwise to close. For a leak at one fixture, closing its stop keeps water on everywhere else.
The water heater
A tank heater has a cold-water valve on the pipe at the top; close it to stop water going into the tank. If the tank is leaking or you’re going to drain the pipes, also turn the heat off: gas control to OFF or PILOT, or the breaker off for an electric heater.
Old valves can fight back
A valve that hasn’t moved in years may be stiff or drip at the stem. Use steady hand pressure, not a long wrench; a snapped valve makes things worse.
Once the water is off
Open a faucet at the lowest point in the house to let the pressure and the water in the pipes drain out. Move valuables away from the water and take photos for your insurance company before you clean up. EPA says to dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold.
Sources: KPRC 2, how to open Houston’s new water meter boxes (May 2025) · ABC13, Houston Public Works help shutting off water (Feb. 2021) · EPA, a brief guide to mold, moisture and your home. Checked November 2026.
