wrote in message
...

How much will it cost to have a plumber come out and install one.. I dread
to
think. But I will have it done if I can not find a shut off.


You may be overestimating what it will cost to get the valve installed.
Unless your pipes are in an unusual configuration where they enter your
house, or are particularly inaccessible, you are looking at less than one
hour's labor for a plumber plus any trip fees, plus the cost of the valve.
That should be well under $100 in most places. For something as important
as a main water shut-off valve, it is more than worth the price.

By the way, I commend you for even looking for the valve. Too many people
buy houses and don't bother to find the important utilities until a problem
occurs. Don't forget your smoke detectors and fire extinguishers...

C.

PS: If you have a neighbor who is experienced with such things (this is not
a high-skill task), you might get off with the price of a pizza and the
valve.