Where Is My Main Water Shutoff? (Philadelphia Homes)
If your water heater fails before you can close its dedicated valve, your main shutoff is the backup. In Philly homes it's almost always in one of four places.
Philadelphia row homes
Almost always in the basement, on the front foundation wall, near where the water service enters the house from the street. Look for a single brass or chrome valve on a pipe coming up through the concrete floor.
Townhomes
Typically in a utility closet on the lowest level — often near the water heater itself, or in a closet under the stairs. Newer townhomes sometimes hide it behind an access panel in the garage.
Split levels
Lowest finished level, usually in the laundry or utility room. The valve is on the cold supply just before it splits to the water heater and the rest of the house.
Basements (single-family)
Front foundation wall, on the supply line entering the house. In older homes (pre-1960) it may be a gate valve with a round handle — these can seize. Test yours twice a year by closing and reopening it.
Can't find it?
Look for your water meter — the main shutoff is usually within 5 feet of it, on the house side. If you still can't find it, the curb stop in the sidewalk is your last resort (PWD shutoff key required).
We label your shutoffs for free
Every install includes plain-English tags on your gas, water, and electric shutoffs. The next emergency is just a flick of the wrist.