Know Your Controls: The Critical Switches and Valves That Could Save Your Home

When emergencies strike your home, seconds matter. A burst pipe flooding your floors, an electrical fire starting in a wall, or a gas leak threatening your family's safety—these disasters require immediate action. That action depends on knowing exactly where your home's main controls are located and how to operate them quickly.

Main water shut-off

Your main water shut-off valve can prevent thousands of gallons of water from flooding your home when pipes burst or fixtures fail catastrophically. But if you don't know where it is or how to turn it off, that burst pipe will continue dumping water into your house while you frantically search for help. Most main water valves in West Tennessee are located where the service line enters your home, often under a bathroom or kitchen sink, but every house is different. And not all homes have a main water shut-off valve inside. Some older homes must be turned off near the street meter.

Example Main Water Shut-off: Blue Handle

Main Electrical Disconnect

The main electrical disconnect lets you cut power to your entire home during electrical emergencies. Whether it's sparks from damaged wiring, flooding that threatens electrical systems, or the need to safely work on electrical components, knowing how to shut off your home's power can prevent electrocution and fires. Your main electrical disconnect may be in a box next to the electric meter at the exterior of your home, or it may be a main circuit breaker at the top of your electrical service panel.

Example Main Electrical Disconnect

Main Gas Shut-off

Gas shut-off valves control one of the most dangerous utilities entering your home. Natural gas leaks can create explosive conditions that threaten entire neighborhoods. The main gas valve, typically located at your meter outside, requires a wrench to operate and should only be turned off during genuine emergencies—but you need to know where it is before you smell gas. Plus, each gas-fired appliance in your house should have a readily accessible gas shut-off valve nearby.

Example Main Gas Shut-off

Service switches 

Service switches for HVAC systems, water heaters, and other major appliances give you even more control over individual systems without affecting the rest of your home. These switches are often located in unexpected places that only become obvious during emergencies, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the control switches throughout your home.

Home inspectors identify and document these critical controls during every inspection, creating a roadmap for homeowners to reference during emergencies. As a qualified inspector, I can show you where these controls are located and explain how to operate them safely. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI®) trains inspectors to locate and explain all critical home controls. For a professional inspection of your main shut-off valves and switches, and an overall home maintenance check, contact your local InterNACHI® certified home inspector, Apple Property Inspections LLC.

Knowing where your home's controls are located isn't just helpful—it's essential for protecting your family and property during emergencies.