How to Find Your Main Water Shutoff Valve and Check Your Water Service Line

Do you know where your home’s main water shutoff valve is — and would it actually work in an emergency?

Most homeowners don’t give it much thought until a pipe bursts or the basement starts flooding.

Knowing where your shutoff is, what kind of valve you have, and what material your water service line is made of can prevent major damage (and costly repairs).

At DBS Plumbing Solutions, we help Northern Kentucky homeowners stay prepared and protected — from locating shutoff valves to upgrading old plumbing lines.

💧 Why Finding Your Main Water Shutoff Valve Matters

Your main shutoff valve controls all the water entering your home. If a pipe breaks or a fixture leaks, this valve is how you stop the flow fast. In most Northern Kentucky homes, you’ll find it:

• Near where the main water line enters the foundation wall

• In a basement, crawlspace, or utility closet

• Occasionally behind an access panel or access door in the wall or floor
  

Take a moment to locate it now — so you’re ready before an emergency happens.

🔩 Globe Valve vs. Ball Valve: What’s the Difference?

Older homes often have globe or gate valves with round handles that take several turns to close. These valves can seize up or fail to shut off completely as they age.

Modern ball valves have a lever handle that turns just one-quarter turn — quick, reliable, and easy to operate when you’re in a hurry.

If your valve is stiff, corroded, or takes multiple turns to shut off, it’s worth upgrading. DBS Plumbing Solutions installs new ball valves that give you confidence your home’s water can be shut off instantly when needed.

🔍 Check Your Water Service Line Material

Your water service line is the pipe that brings water from the city connection into your home. In Northern Kentucky, older homes may still have lead or galvanized steel service lines, which can corrode and affect water quality.

Here’s what to look for:

• Copper: Orange-brown, long-lasting and safe

• Plastic (PEX or HDPE): Flexible, durable, corrosion-resistant (blue, red, white or black in color)

• Galvanized Steel: Gray metal that may rust or restrict flow

• Lead: Dull gray metal that scratches shiny silver — should be replaced

  
  

Northern Kentucky Water District is actively encouraging homeowners to identify their service line material. If you’re unsure, DBS can inspect it and recommend safe replacement options.

🛠 Water Line Replacement Options

When it’s time to replace a water line, there are two main methods:

1. Traditional Excavation: The old pipe is dug up and replaced with new copper or polyethylene.

2. Trenchless “Pulling” Method: A new line is pulled through the old one, reducing yard disturbance and cleanup costs.

   
   

Both provide a long-lasting, lead-free, code-compliant water connection to your home. When the time comes DBS Plumbing Solutions is happy to discuss these options and recommend the best method for your home.

🏡 Stay Prepared with DBS Plumbing Solutions

A few simple plumbing upgrades can protect your home from flooding, improve water quality, and give you peace of mind.

DBS Plumbing Solutions proudly serves Campbell, Boone, and Kenton Counties — offering expert plumbing inspections, water line replacements, and main shutoff valve upgrades.

Contact us to:

• Locate and label your main water shutoff

• Upgrade to a reliable ball valve

• Identify and replace outdated or lead water lines

  
  

Be ready before an emergency strikes.