Plumbing & kitchen

Shut off water safely

Use a clearly identified, easy-to-reach fixture valve to limit active water flow while help is requested.

About 3 minutesNo special tools

Safety first

Never search for or operate a building-wide valve. Do not force a valve that is stiff, corroded, or leaking.

Written steps

  1. If water is flowing rapidly, move belongings away and submit an urgent maintenance request.
  2. Only if the fixture valve is visible and clearly associated with the leaking toilet or sink, turn it clockwise by hand.
  3. Stop as soon as the water flow stops; do not overtighten.
  4. Leave the fixture off and tell maintenance which valve you used.

Stop and request maintenance if

  • The valve is not obvious, is behind an appliance, or requires tools.
  • The valve leaks, will not turn easily, or the water does not stop.
  • Water is near electrical equipment.

Request maintenance

Optional video

Shows common shutoff locations. Use only a clearly identified resident-accessible fixture valve.

How to Shut Off Water in an Apartment

Loading shares data with YouTube. The written guide works without the video.

Video summary

Shows common shutoff locations. Use only a clearly identified resident-accessible fixture valve. Follow the written DRG guidance above, which defines where residents should stop.