The answer to 'best shut-off valve' is that the best shut-off valve for a homeowner is typically a ball valve or gate valve installed near the main water supply line. These valves provide a reliable way to quickly shut off the water in case of a plumbing emergency or when performing maintenance or repairs.
Ball valves are a popular choice because they are easy to operate, provide a tight seal, and can be installed in a variety of pipe materials like copper, PVC, or galvanized steel. Gate valves are also a common option and work well for larger pipe sizes, but they may require more turns to fully open or close compared to ball valves.