How to Quickly Turn off Water Supply for Repairs

Table Of Content

• Shutting Off the Water to Specific Appliances
• Check Water Supply Lines
• What should I do if the water comes back on after turning off the main shutoff valve?
• Is your water or power being shut off? You have options
• Step 2: Turn the main water shut-off valve clockwise.
• Ball Valve
• Tips to Prevent Water Damage to Your House While You’re Away

They however have separate shut off valves and water supply houses from the sink faucets. Turning off the water to the entire home will also stop the flow of water into the water heater. However, if you have a tank-style water heater, then the water inside the tank may still flow out of the water heater. Open a faucet on the lowest level of the home to drain any water remaining in the line. If the hot water continues to flow, locate the isolation valve above the water heater and turn it off to stop the flow of hot water.

Video: Maui Resident Tried to Save Home Before the Water Shut Off - The New York Times

Video: Maui Resident Tried to Save Home Before the Water Shut Off.

Posted: Mon, 14 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Shutting Off the Water to Specific Appliances

Not only does this take less time because you don’t need to drain the water from the whole house, but it also allows you to continue using the plumbing in the rest of the home. In households across the United States, one-third of water usage can be attributed to caring for lawns and gardens, which translates to a staggering 9 billion gallons of water per day. If you still have a traditional grass lawn, cut down on water usage by getting an early start. "Water earlier in the morning so that more water is absorbed and less water evaporates in the heat," says Colarulli. She also suggests installing a smart sprinkler system that can adjust based on weather and soil saturation, saving water and money over time. However, it’s important to use caution and, if needed, contact relevant authorities or professionals to assist with shutting off the water supply from outside the building.

Check Water Supply Lines

The shutoff will either be a gate valve, which looks like a circular spigot, or a ball valve, which has a lever-style handle. The water main shutoff valve may be marked (it will be on newer homes,) or you may have to do some deductive reasoning to locate it if it is in your basement. The easiest way to figure out which is the main water valve is to look for the slightly larger pipe that extends out of the basement through the wall. You may find other shutoff valves on exposed supply pipes in a basement, crawlspace, utility room, or access panel behind a bathtub. These will probably be in pairs, one for hot and one for cold water.

What should I do if the water comes back on after turning off the main shutoff valve?

It could be a gate valve (a wheel or lever) or a ball valve (a lever). If your home has a crawl space or a slab foundation, the valve may be located near the water meter. Chances are there will come a time when you’ll have to turn off the water supply to your home. You may need to do so for a scheduled plumbing repair, or before leaving on a long trip. Then there are the emergency situations, such as when a pipe bursts somewhere behind the drywall or your bathroom is flooded with water, when you’ll need to cut the water off, and fast. Even if repairs or emergencies haven’t come up yet, it’s still important to know where your home’s main water valves are and how they function.

Look for the shut-off valves below the sink, nearby where the water supply lines run up to the tailpieces on the faucet. If your sink is in a vanity or cabinet, you’ll need to open up the cabinet doors to find the valves. If you can’t find the shutoff valve, you can turn off the water supply from the water meter valve. This can make it difficult to turn off the water supply in case of an emergency or repair. There are a few different places where you can shut off the water. Water can be shut off to the home at the main valve where the municipal water supply comes into the house.

There are usually 2 shut off valves, one on the city’s side and one on your side as the homeowner. If you have a ball valve, you will need to move the lever perpendicular (90 degrees) to the supply pipe to turn it off. Whenever you are repairing the water heater it is always advisable to first turn off power or gas supply to the water heater. You will also need to drain off some water from the tank to make the water heater safe to work on. When you find it, take some time to inspect the valve for any problems. In addition to having peace of mind that there are no water leak problems, I now have access to exceptional information on water usage and areas where we can conserve more.

Step 2: Turn the main water shut-off valve clockwise.

Downspouts should discharge water at least 10 ft. from the house. If you don’t already have one, it’s worth adding a backup battery to your sump pump so that it functions during power outages, which seem to go hand-in-hand with heavy rainstorms. Before you leave town, test your sump pump by filling the sump pit with water and making sure the pump is actually pumping out the water. If you have a well, shut off the electrical switch for the well when you leave for an extended period so it won’t pump any water while you’re gone. As a former realtor, general contractor and greenhouse operator, Kristi has touched nearly all aspects of homeownership, from the foundation up.

The main shut-off is on the side of the water meter closest to the house. If the sweep hand and leak detector dial are still, no water is running, and you are safe to begin work on your repair. Whether you’re making a repair or there’s a plumbing emergency such as a frozen pipe, clogged water lines, or a burst pipe, it’s important to know how to shut-off the water. If you live in the Portland metro area, here is what you need to know. A water leak can mean excess water usage, higher bills, and possible damage if left unchecked.

Even a water valve as seemingly as a ball valve needs to be handled with care. Being a homeowner means being familiar with the inner workings of your house. Maybe it’s for a simple repair, or there is a water issue at the ground level that you are trying to diagnose.

The key to shutting down the water to your home is to locate the main water shutoff valve. In colder environments, shutoff valves are typically located at the front of the house, street side, or in the basement. In warmer climates, shutoff valves are located outside on an exterior wall, in a box underground with a removable lid, or on a wall protected by an access panel. If you’ve never shut off the main water valve before, test it before you leave on vacation.

If you have a parkway—a narrow strip of land between the sidewalk and the street—the outside shutoff will likely be there. If you cannot find yours, ask your water utility department where to find it. If you’re leaving your home for an extended period of time or if you’re dealing with an emergency, you’ll need to access the main shut-off valve. While we hope that these plumbing emergencies don’t happen, it’s still a good idea to be prepared just in case. Use this ultimate guide to learn how to turn off the water to your house.