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Find Your Water Meter & Shut Off Your Water
Knowing where your water meter and shut-off valve are located- before an emergency - can help prevent costly water damage and unnecessary water loss.
If you experience a leak, burst pipe, or plumbing issue inside your home, shutting of your water at the meter or customer valve is the fastest way to stop the flow.
How to shut off your water
Your customer shut-off valve is typically the easiest and safest way to stop water to your home.
Customer Shut-Off Valve
- Usually located just behind the meter, on the customer side.
- Covered by a 6' round green lid
- Commonly, a 1/4 turn ball valve
How it Works
- ON: Valve handle is in line with the pipe
- OFF: Valve handle is perpendicular to the pipe
** If your home doesn't have a customer shut-off valve, Texas Water strongly recommends contacting a licensed plumber to have one installed. Having a valve can significantly reduce water damage and water loss during a leak.
Location of meters
Water meters are typically located in front of the house near the street. Our main water lines are underground, so the meters are too. Meters are housed in meter boxes for protection. We have several types of meters available here.
About meter placement
The Texas Administrative Code §24.86-1(a)(3) states, “meters shall be located on an easement, readily accessible for maintenance and reading; therefore, the meter shall be at a location mutually acceptable to the customer and the utility. The meter shall be installed so as to be unaffected by climatic conditions and reasonably secure from damage.”
Customers are advised to use caution when removing a meter box lid. A variety of insects and reptiles like to take refuge in cool, dark places, such as meter boxes.
Here Are Some Safety Precautions:
- Wear heavy gloves while lifting the lid.
- Open the lid slowly so you don’t startle any inhabitants in the meter box.
- Consider using a tool such as a screwdriver, if possible, to lift the lid.