Each type of water valve turns on and off differently. 1. Ball Valve A ball valve contains a ball with a hole through the middle and a straight handle that runs parallel to the pipe when open ...

And it's easier to see the on/off state of a ¼-turn valve: The handle of a ¼-turn valve will be parallel to the flow of water when open (on), and perpendicular to the pipe when closed (off).

If you can’t locate the shut-off valve inside your home, head outdoors. This applies particularly for older homes or in warmer climates where water valves freezing isn’t a concern.

THE 2" MODEL RSV-1 RESIDENTIAL SHUT-OFF VALVE is designed for use in dual-purpose residential water supply systems. After sprinkler activation the valve automatically shuts off water flow to the ...

To shut the water off, give the handle a one-quarter turn so that it is no longer in line with the pipe. In older homes, you may have what's called a gate valve instead of the yellow ball valve.