How To Turn Off Water Mains In Australia

Most of the time, you probably don't think much about where your water main is.

But there are a few scenarios where it's important to know where it is so that you can turn it off:

In this article, we'll explore how to locate and turn off the water main in your property in Australia.

Before you turn off the water main, it's important to equip yourself with the tools you'll need.

This includes:

You may find that you don't need all of these tools, but it's better to equip yourself with them in advance to ensure that you can quickly and efficiently turn off the water mains when you need to.

To turn off the water mains on your property, follow the steps below:

The first step to turning off the water mains on your property is locating the water meter. Your property's water meter might be located in a different area depending on the type of property you live in.

If you live in a house, the water meter is usually located at the front left or right of your property, and there may be a metal or plastic lid covering the meter.

In a unit or apartment, you might not have an individual water meter. You can ask your complex manager about the location of your complex's water meter and shut-off valve.

The next step is to remove the cover plate from the water meter and clean out debris from the water meter box.

You can make this easier for yourself by:

• Wearing gloves to keep your hands clean and protected
• Using a cup to scoop out any dirt, leaves or other debris
• Bail water out of the water meter box using the cup

Once the water meter box is cleaned out, you should be able to see the shut-off valve either near the meter or integrated with the water meter itself.



There are a few different types of shut off valves that you might find in your water meter box:

• A ball valve, which is a lever that you turn to the right to shut off the water supply
• A wheel valve, which is a wheel that you turn clockwise to shut off the water supply
• A T-isolation tap, which is a T-shaped handle that you turn clockwise to shut off the water supply

To turn off the water supply using either type of valve, simply turn the valve all the way to the right until it won't turn any further.

In most instances, if you're turning off the water mains on your property you may be experiencing a plumbing emergency. If there's a leak on your property or you're about to undergo serious plumbing renovations, it's important to contact a professional plumber as soon as possible.

If you're looking for a professional plumber in Byron Bay or Northern Rivers, our qualified plumbers at Cape Byron Plumbing can help.

You can find out more about our professional plumbing services or get in touch with us to speak to one of our expert advisors.