How to Shut Off Your Water on Denman Island — A Practical Guide
On an island, no emergency plumber is going to arrive in 20 minutes. Knowing how to shut off your water is the single most important plumbing skill for an island resident.
Where is the shutoff valve?
Unlike municipal suburban homes where the shutoff is usually right where the city line enters the basement, island properties are different. Your shutoff valve is typically located in one of three places:
- Near the pressure tank: Look in your crawlspace, basement, or utility room. There is usually a main valve right after the line comes in from the well, before it enters the pressure tank.
- In a dedicated pump house: Many older Denman properties have a small shed or insulated box outside covering the well head and pressure system.
- Directly at the well head: For submersible pumps, there may be a shutoff right at the casing (though this is less common for modern winterized setups).
Need a plumber to check your plumbing?
If you're unsure about your shutoff valve location or suspect a leak, let us connect you with a licensed island plumber who can help.
Request a Plumber →Leaving a seasonal property
If you have a summer cabin, never leave the island without turning off the water pump breaker and draining the lines. If a pipe bursts while you're away, the well pump will run continuously until the well is dry or the pump burns out, flooding the cabin in the process.