How to check your ball valve on off position

Finding the correct ball valve on off position is something you'll want to figure out long before a pipe bursts and starts flooding your basement. It's one of those tiny details in home maintenance that seems insignificant until the moment it becomes the most important thing in your life. Most of us walk past these valves every day—near the water heater, under the sink, or by the main water shut-off—without giving them a second thought. But understanding how they work and how to read them at a glance can save you a massive amount of stress and a potentially huge repair bill. ...

February 12, 2026 · 7 min · Hinman Gionta