How do I turn off my water meter?

Why You Need to Know How to Turn Off Your Water Meter

When a pipe bursts, a fitting fails, or a tap won't stop running, the first thing you need to do is stop the water. Every minute water is flowing freely through a failed pipe or fitting is water damaging your walls, floors, ceilings, and belongings. Knowing where your meter is and how to turn it off can be the difference between a manageable repair and a major restoration job.

This is one of the most important things a Melbourne homeowner can know — and it takes about two minutes to go and find your meter right now.

Where Is Your Water Meter?

In Melbourne, water meters are almost always located near the front boundary of the property — typically set into the ground under a small rectangular plastic or concrete lid near the footpath or front fence line. The lid is usually marked "WATER" or has a water drop symbol on it.

In apartments and units, your individual meter may be in a shared meter box — usually in a common area, car park, or utility room. If you're not sure where yours is, ask your building manager or check your water bill which sometimes includes a meter location description.

How to Turn Off the Water Meter

Step 1 — Find the lid and lift it. The lid should lift with your fingers or a flat tool like a screwdriver. There may be a small amount of water or debris inside the pit.

Step 2 — Locate the stopcock or ball valve. You'll see a pipe with either a tap (stopcock) or a lever handle (ball valve). This is the main isolation valve for your property.

Step 3 — Turn it off. For a stopcock (round handle), turn it clockwise — right to tighten, just like a tap. For a ball valve (lever handle), turn the lever 90 degrees so it sits perpendicular (crossways) to the pipe. When the lever is parallel to the pipe, water is on. When it's perpendicular, water is off.

Step 4 — Check it's worked. Open a tap inside the house. The flow should stop within a few seconds. If water continues to run, the valve may not be fully closed or may be faulty. Call ATC Plumbing on 1300 282 758 immediately.

What If the Valve Is Stiff or Stuck?

Meter isolation valves that haven't been touched in years can be stiff or seized. Do not force it with a spanner or excessive pressure — you can damage the valve or the pipe. If you can't turn it, call ATC Plumbing immediately. We carry valve replacement equipment on every van and can isolate your supply quickly.

After You've Turned It Off — Call ATC Plumbing

Once the water is off, the emergency is contained. Take a breath, then call ATC Plumbing on 1300 282 758. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for plumbing emergencies across Melbourne's south-east. We'll give you an honest ETA and a clear quote before starting any work.

While you're waiting: open all taps to drain the system and relieve pressure, put towels down to limit water damage, and take photos for your insurance claim if the damage is significant.

Related reading: https://www.atcplumbing.com.au/post/plumbing-emergencies-101-5-urgent-issues-and-how-to-respond (5 plumbing emergencies and how to respond), https://www.atcplumbing.com.au/post/case-study-burst-water-main-in-murrumbeena-2am-emergency-call-out (burst water main case study), https://www.atcplumbing.com.au/post/hidden-water-leaks-5-signs-you-need-leak-detection (signs of hidden water leaks), https://www.atcplumbing.com.au/post/diy-vs-professional-plumbing-5-jobs-you-should-leave-to-an-expert (jobs to leave to the professionals). 24/7 emergency service at https://www.atcplumbing.com.au/services/emergency-plumbing.