Everyone in your home should know where your main water shut-off valve is and how to use it. You’ll find it in a basement, crawlspace, garage or utility closet, depending on your home’s setup. Most homes have one of two valve types.

Ball valve (lever handle): When the lever runs in line with the pipe, your water is on. Turn the lever a quarter turn so it sits crosswise to the pipe, and the water shuts off.

Gate valve (round handle): This older style looks like the handle on your outdoor hose spigot. Turn it clockwise several full turns until it stops.

If you can’t turn a valve by hand, pliers, channel locks or vice grips will do the trick. It never hurts to be prepared!