When a pipe bursts or a tap suddenly lets go, every second counts. Water can cause serious damage fast - flooring, cabinetry, walls, and even electrical systems can all be affected if the water isn’t stopped quickly.
One of the most important things every homeowner should know in a plumbing emergency is how to turn off their water main. It’s simple, but in a stressful moment, not knowing where it is or how it works can make a bad situation worse.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do, using examples that apply to Hastings, Napier, and wider Hawke’s Bay homes.
Why Turning Off Your Water Quickly Matters
Water damage adds up fast. A burst pipe can release hundreds of litres of water in minutes. The sooner you stop the flow, the more damage — and cost — you avoid.
Turning off your water main:
limits damage to your home
gives you time to assess the problem
makes emergency repairs safer and faster
often reduces repair costs
It’s the first thing we’ll ask you to do when you call us about a major leak or burst pipe.
What Is a Water Main (and Why Every Home Has One)?
Your water main is the valve that controls all water entering your property from the council supply. When it’s off, no water flows to taps, toilets, hot water cylinders, or appliances. It's sort of like the electrical mains switch on your switch board.
In most NZ homes, this valve is called the toby.
Where to Find Your Water Main in Hawke’s Bay
In Hastings, Napier, and surrounding areas, water mains are usually located in one of these places:
1. Near the front boundary
Most commonly, the toby is just inside your property line, near the footpath or driveway. It’s often a blue or black plastic lid or a square metal lid flush with the ground.
2. Near the driveway
Especially in newer subdivisions, the water main is often close to where your driveway meets the road.
3. Older homes
In older Napier or Hastings homes, the valve may be:
slightly buried
hidden by grass or garden beds
metal rather than plastic
If you’re not sure where yours is, it’s worth finding it before you have an emergency.
How to Turn Off the Water Main (Step-by-Step)
Once you’ve located the valve, follow these steps:
Step 1: Lift the cover
Use a screwdriver, key, or even a sturdy stick if needed. Be careful, sometimes there’s dirt or spiders inside.
Step 2: Identify the valve
You’ll usually see a small metal tap or wheel.
Step 3: Turn clockwise
Turn the valve clockwise (to the right) until it stops. This shuts off the water.
You don’t need to force it - firm pressure is enough.
Step 4: Check inside
Go and turn on your outside hose tap. You will probably see a bit of water flow as the pipes drain themselves, it should stop after a short while.
What If the Valve Won’t Turn?
This is common, especially in older homes.
If:
the valve is stuck
it spins freely
it’s damaged or buried
Don’t force it. You can break the valve, which makes things worse.
In this case:
turn off water at the closest internal valve you can
catch or divert leaking water where possible
call a plumber as soon as you can
We deal with seized and broken tobies regularly.
What to Do After You’ve Turned the Water Off
Once the water is off, you’ve bought yourself time. Next steps:
Turn off electricity if water is near power points
Open taps to relieve pressure
Avoid using toilets or appliances
Take photos if insurance may be involved
Call a plumber and explain what’s happening
If it’s after hours, let us know exactly what you’re seeing - we can advise whether it needs immediate attention or can safely wait.
Common Emergency Situations Where This Matters
Knowing how to turn off your water main is especially important if you experience:
Burst pipes
Leaking or failed hot water cylinders
Taps or mixers blowing out
Water coming through ceilings or walls
Overflowing toilets caused by plumbing faults
These are some of the most common emergency callouts we see across Hawke’s Bay.
Final Thoughts
Plumbing emergencies are stressful, but knowing how to turn off your water main puts you back in control. It’s a simple step that can save thousands in damage and make emergency repairs quicker and safer.
If you’re unsure about anything, it’s always better to ask than guess.
Need help with an urgent plumbing issue?
If you’ve turned your water off and need advice or emergency help, give APlus Plumbing & Gas a call. We service Hastings, Napier, and surrounding Hawke’s Bay areas.
