Unexpected plumbing issues or water leaks can cause significant damage if not addressed promptly. Knowing how to shut off your water during an emergency can help prevent costly repairs, reduce water waste, and protect your home. The City of Whitesboro encourages all customers to familiarize themselves with their personal shutoff valves and individual supply valves so they can respond quickly and effectively when needed.
If you experience a water emergency outside of regular business hours, please contact our After-Hours Emergency Line at (903) 564-3585 for immediate assistance.
Understanding the different shutoff options - whether your personal shutoff valve, individual supply valves, or the city's main water meter - can help you manage water emergencies more effectively. Below, you will find helpful information on locating, using, and maintaining your shutoff valves.
Personal Shut-Off Valve
Your personal shut-off valve completely stops the flow of water to your home and is the most effective way to shut off water during a leak or emergency. It is important to know where this valve is located and how to operate it before an emergency occurs.
Common locations for a personal shut-off valve include:
- Crawl Space: Where the water line enters the home
- Garage: Near the water heater or laundry connections, or where the water line enters the wall or ceiling
- Outside: Near the foundation, often protected by a concrete ring or clay pipe, and sometimes located in flower beds
Can't find your personal shut-off valve?
If you are unable to locate your personal shut-off valve or if it is not functioning properly, we recommend having one installed or repaired by a licensed plumber.
In the event of an emergency and you need assistance shutting off water at the meter, please contact us at (903) 564-3311 during regular business hours. After hours, call our emergency line at (903) 564-3585.
Supply Valves
Supply valves are installed on water lines serving individual appliances and fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines. These valves provide a convenient way to shut off water to a specific item without interrupting water service to your entire home or business.
Keeping supply valves in good working conditions is important, as they can help prevent water damage during minor repairs or in the event of a small leak.
City of Whitesboro Shut-Off Valve
The City of Whitesboro's main water shut-off valve is located inside a plastic or concrete meter box in the ground, typically near the front of the property along the street. This valve is positioned between the water meter and the street and is accessible only to authorized City personnel. Unauthorized access to the meter box may result in tampering fees.
To ensure clear and safe access to the meter box, residents and businesses should not plant trees or flowers near it or allow debris to accumulate that could obstruct access. If you suspect an issue with your water meter or require assistance with an emergency shut off, please contact Utility Billing at (903) 564-3311 during regular business hours. After hours, call (903) 564-3585.
By understanding these essential water shut-off options, you can be proactive in protecting your property, conserving water, and reducing potential damage during emergency situation.
Ordinance 51.064 TURNING ON OR OFF AT METER.
(2) No person, other than authorized employees of the utility department, shall turn water on or off at the curbstop in the meter box. A charge, as prescribed in § 16.00 of the Fee Schedule, as set forth in Appendix 1 of this code, shall be assessed for turning water off or on at the4 customer's request. Unauthorized operation of the curbstop, or any interference with or tampering of utility-owned equipment, is prohibited and constitutes a violation subject to penalties as provided in § 10.99. In addition to such penalties, the customer or responsible party shall be liable for the full replacement cost of any damaged meter box, meter, antenna, wiring, curb stop, or related appurtenances, including all labor, materials, and administrative costs incurred by the utility. Failure to pay such costs shall be grounds for discontinuation of service and the pursuit of any other remedies available under this code or applicable law.
Updated Ordinance and Passed by City Council on 14 April 2026.
Updated: 05.29.2026