How often should you exercise your main water shutoff valve?

Skipping it eventually leads to water damage or an expensive repair.

Staying on schedule matters beyond the repair bill: a consistent maintenance record is one of the factors in a home's Roots Home Health Score, and well-kept homes typically sell faster and closer to asking price.

How to do it

The main shutoff is what stops a flood, but a valve that sits untouched for years can seize. Turning it once in a while keeps it working for the day you need it in a hurry.

1. Find the main shutoff, usually where the supply enters the house or at the meter.
2. Turn it fully closed, then confirm a nearby tap runs dry.
3. Turn it fully back open, then a quarter-turn back from full open so it won't seize.
4. Watch the valve and packing nut for any drips afterward; snug the nut lightly if it weeps.

Alternatives & optional extras

• Old gate valves (round handle) seize most; consider upgrading to a quarter-turn ball valve during any plumbing work.
• Make sure everyone in the house knows where this valve is and which way closes it.

Time: 10 minutes · Typical cost: Free

If you skip it

A seized main valve can't stop a burst pipe when seconds count, turning a contained leak into a whole-house flood.

Related systems to keep on schedule

• Sump pump — start with: test sump pump operation, every 3 months
• Water softener — start with: check and refill water softener salt, once a month
• Water filtration system — start with: replace water filtration cartridges, every 6 months
• Septic system — start with: pump septic tank, every 3 years