Water shut-off valve
Find your water shut-off valve before you start any work near your driveway or front yard.
This helps prevent damage and avoids delays during your project.
On this page:
What is a shut-off valve
Your shut-off valve connects your home to the city’s water system.
The city owns the valve and will repair it if it has heaved, shifted or been damaged over time.
Find your shut-off valve
Keep the valve visible and easy to access so crews can turn off water quickly and avoid costly driveway repairs.
Most valves are:
- near the edge of your front yard or driveway
- under a small round metal cap that says "water"
If the valve isn't visible, crews may need to dig to locate it. We repair the area we dig up, but we do not replace or match the full driveway surface.
Before you start work
At least 2 weeks before you start construction or landscaping:
- Get a free valve inspection – call the city at 519-886-2310
- Get a free utility locate from Ontario One Call – call 1-800-400-2255 or visit ontarioonecall.ca
- Wait for the paint, flags or stakes that show where underground utilities are
- Check your email for your locate map — it’s valid for 30 days
- Check if your project needs a building permit
Watch this short video: Shut off valves in driveways.
Contact us
If you have questions about the water shut-off valve:
- call 519-886-2310
- email utilities@waterloo.ca