You might be asked to turn off your main water shutoff valve in several situations, most commonly to prevent water damage from leaks or during plumbing repairs. It's also a good idea to shut it off when leaving home for extended periods to avoid potential issues like burst pipes or appliance malfunctions.
When you turn it back on, remember to turn slowly. This helps prevent sudden pressure surges and potential damage to your pipes and fixtures.
If you need help locating your shutoff valve, check out this Ginny on the Job video. Ginny will show you how to locate and tag it. Please note: The main water shutoff valve will not look the same in every situation. See examples below.