Water shutoff valve

Turning off water to your property

Sometimes, you may have to turn off the water coming into your house. For plumbing installations or repairs, or in the case of a flood or back-up, you'll want the water off. Two valves can do this: the main water shutoff valve and the EPCOR water shutoff valve. Most of the time, you'll just need to use the main water shutoff valve.

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Common reasons to use the main water shut off valve:​

• Home renovations or repairs
• Emergencies, such as leaks, back ups, floods, etc.
• Going on vacation (to help prevent frozen pipes and/or potential water damage)

Common reasons to turn off water with the EPCOR shut off valve:​

• Repair or replace the main shutoff valve in your home
• Moving the water line to a new location
• Repairing or replacing sewer lines
• Home renovations and repairing water leaks in your home may also require the EPCOR shut off valve to be turned off

Main water shut off valve vs. EPCOR water shut off valve

Main water shut off valve

Who is responsible for main water shutoff valve?

Homeowners are responsible for the main water shutoff valve. You're responsible for fixing any plumbing issues with pipes, fixtures, and water lines within your home and property. That includes the pipe going from your home to the curb stop valve to the city water line. If the shutoff valve leaks, needs repairs or needs to be replaced, it's your job to get it fixed.

The water utility owns the water meter

The water meter itself is our responsibility. If it needs fixing or replacing, the water utility will take care of it. We are also responsible for the curb stop (cc) valve, also called the EPCOR shutoff valve and the water lines that lead to your property line.

Our crews will repair faulty main lines outside of your property line that may be the cause of flooding or damage. If you're losing water pressure and think the main line is the culprit, we can check for a few things. Soil slumping on the line, tree roots growing through it, leaks, or nearby construction activities can cause issues with your water line or water quality. Contact EPCOR at 780-412-4500, and we'll be happy to troubleshoot the problem and send our maintenance team if needed.

How to fix or replace the main water shutoff valve

Over time, mineral deposits and grit can clog the shutoff valve and cause leaks. It can also make it difficult to turn the valve on and off. It is your responsibility to fix it, and we suggest hiring a professional plumber. It requires skill, expertise, and specific tools to do it correctly. Because it's an essential part of your home's plumbing system, you want to make sure to do it right.

Before they get to work, call EPCOR at 780-412-4500 to turn the water off at the curb stop valve. After the repair, contact us again, and we'll turn it back on for you.

​EPCOR water shut off valve

Where to find your curb stop valve

Typically, the curb stop (CC) valve is found near the property line on your driveway, front lawn or in the back alley.

Here are examples of what the CC valve may look like and where it may be situated on your property:

​Curb stop valve

Where to find your curb stop valve

Typically, the curb stop (CC) valve is found near the property line on your driveway, front lawn or in the back alley.

Here are examples of what the CC valve may look like and where it may be situated on your property:

Keeping your curb stop (CC) valve clear and visible

EPCOR needs access to the EPCOR shutoff valve in the event of an emergency, such as a fire, frozen service line or water main break. We will also use it to shut off water to your home as per your request (e.g. renovations or repairs). The property owner is responsible for ensuring the curb stop valve remains accessible.

• Make sure any landscaping, décor and/or vehicles don’t block the CC valve.
• Take care not to damage the CC valve when mowing your lawn or shoveling your driveway or back alley.
• Try not to drive vehicles over the CC valve.
• Ensure new driveways are not poured overtop the CC valve.

NOTE: The CC valve can raise up in spring when the ground begins to thaw. Contact us to restore it to ground level so that it’s not a safety hazard.

Process to shut off your curb stop valve (CC)

If you need a temporary water shut off at the property line for home renovations, repairs or other reasons, below are important tips to help you understand the process. This will help you plan for the turn-off timeframes that may occur:

Contact EPCOR at 780-412-4500 to arrange a site visit to your property

• A technician will come to your address and inspect your CC valve, assessing if it is accessible and in good condition. The area around the CC valve must be clear in order for us to inspect it.
• This inspection can take up to three business days. You will receive a call from our team to share the outcome of the site visit.
• If a plumber has instructed that the CC valve must be turned off, please do not book another appointment with a​ plumber until we can confirm when the water can be turned off from the CC valve.​​

Get in touch

Call us if you need your water turned off or with any concerns.
Contact EPCORPhone: 780-412-4500