The main shutoff stops the water for the whole house in the emergency. Every adult in the home should know where it is.
The find
The main shutoff sits where the water enters the home. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Boston, the entry is the location.
The look
Check the basement, the crawlspace, or the garage. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Boston, the look is the search.
The meter
The shutoff often sits near the water meter. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Boston, the meter is the marker.
The mark
Mark the valve so the family can find it fast. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Boston, the mark is the help.
The test
Test the valve turns before the emergency. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Boston, the test is the prep.
The teach
Teach every adult the shutoff location and the turn. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Boston, the teach is the care.
The call
Can't find your shutoff? Call 888-217-3585 and Boston Plumbing Helpers will match you with a Boston pro for the help.
Plumbing in Boston: what to know
In Boston, freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.
Across Suffolk County — from Winthrop Town, Chelsea and Everett to ZIP codes like 02127, 02210, 02128 — homeowners deal with the same kinds of issues. The tips above apply locally, and when a job goes beyond a quick fix, a vetted local pro is only a call away.
Need a hand in Boston?
If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and Boston Plumbing Helpers will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in Boston.