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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/dad-toilet-ball-valve-lever

The toilet shutoff under the tank has a lever handle. Where does the lever point when the water is off?

Across the pipe, a quarter turn from open.

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  1. Along the pipe, in line with the flow
  2. Straight down at the floor
  3. Across the pipe, at a right angle ✔

Why: A lever-handle shutoff is a ball valve. The City of Hamilton, Ohio says it stops the water when the handle is perpendicular to the pipe, and it should stop at a quarter turn.

Huh, didn't know that: The City of Hamilton says a toilet's shutoff valve is often obvious just beneath the tank.

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References

Answer: Across the pipe, at a right angle. A lever-handle shutoff is a ball valve. The City of Hamilton, Ohio says it stops the water when the handle is perpendicular to the pipe, and it should stop at a quarter turn.

  1. City of Hamilton, OH: Operating Water Shut-Off Valves www.hamilton-oh.gov/water-shut-off-valves
    stop water flow by turning the handle until it is perpendicular to the pipe. Ball Valves should stop at a 1/4 turn.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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