Turn off Your Water Supply Quick and Easy

Should your plumbing freeze in winter season or if you locate a drip in your home, you will have to stop the water supply to undertake any repairs. You would also need to cut off the water provide to carry out work for instance changing a faucet or perhaps changing a kitchen sink. Note that the method for turning off the water supply can vary depending on which supply you possess and at exactly what stage you have to cut the supply off. For most jobs throughout the home switching off the supply indoors will be sufficient.

Steps

Shutting Off the Water Supply to a Plumbing Fixture

  1. Look for the valve closest to the fixture. Most fixtures will have an individual shut off located beneath the fixture.[1] It will likely be a chrome valve. Sinks and showers may have two valves, one for hot and one for cold. Turn each of the valves off to shut off all the water.
    • Some appliances such as washing machines, dish washers or refrigerators may have a water shut off switch on the body of the appliance or on the hose that connects to wall.
    • To shut off water to a water heater, look for a cold water valve directly above the water heater on a connected pipe.
  2. Turn the valve clockwise. This will cut off the water to the fixture. You will still be able to use running water in other fixtures or appliances throughout the rest of the home.
    • Tip: If the valve seems difficult to turn you may want to wear a work glove to protect your hand. You can also use a wrench if necessary.
  3. Make any necessary repairs. The water will no longer run to the specific appliance. You may need to drain a little bit of water that is remaining in the pipes of the fixture, so it is a good idea to keep a bucket handy. When you are finished, turn the valve counter-clockwise to turn the water supply back on.

Shutting Off the Water Supply to Your House

  1. Identify the main shut off valve. This is usually a brass valve which has a round handle. In the majority of homes is located near to the point where the water pipe makes its way into the property - often in the kitchen, downstairs WC or even utility room. In warmer areas this valve may be found outside, in colder climates it will be inside the home.[2]
  2. Turn the valve clockwise. This will cut off the stream of cold water into the home. All appliances that use water will no longer work until the water is turned back on.
  3. Turn on all of the faucets to empty the existing water in the system. Run your sinks and showers until the water stops flowing. Turn off the faucets. Now you can begin your plumbing repairs safely. When you are finished turn the valve counterclockwise to restore water.

Shutting Off the Water Supply to Your Property

  1. Contact your water company first. Most companies will allow you to access the shutoff valve. There are only three main reasons[3] to shut off the street water cutoff:
    • Your inside water shutoff fails and you have an emergency, such as a burst pipe.
    • There is a leak in the pipe between the street shutoff and the house shutoff valve.
    • You are replacing the main shutoff valve inside your home.
  2. Locate the outdoor shutoff valve. Many houses have a water meter and shut off valve located together, generally in a box with an access cover between the street and the home.
  3. Lift off the cover. These covers can be quite heavy and difficult to open by design. You may need a wrench with a long extension to access valves that are deeper. This is common practice in the north where the weather is colder.
  4. Look for a valve or small handle. These are the two possible types of shutoffs that you may encounter. The type of valve with a handle is called a ball valve. The kind with a more circular handle is called a gate valve.
  5. Turn a gate valve handle clockwise as far as possible. Make sure the valve is all the way closed so there is no more water flowing to house. These valves can lock up if they have not been used recently.
    • If a valve will not turn with a reasonable amount of pressure, do not force the valve. Call a licensed plumber or public works to assist you.
  6. Turn the ball valve off by spinning it a quarter of a turn. If you see a valve with metal flange, you may have to make use of a pipe wrench to turn it. When the valve is on, the handle will be aligned with the pipe. When the handle is at a right angle to the pipe the water is off.[4]
  7. The water supply should now be cut off. However, keep in mind that there will still be water inside the house. You will need to drain simply by turning on every one of the faucets. This procedure should include shower or bath fixtures as well.



Tips

  • Approximate time for you to complete: This may be determined by the method you need to use, but anything from 10 minutes to an hour is usual.
  • Advanced to beginner can do this.
  • Make sure everyone in your house knows how to access the main shutoff in case of a plumbing emergency.
  • If you shut off and drain the water to your house it is a good idea to remove the aerators or screens inside the faucet when turning them back on. This will allow any loose dirt or debris to be flushed out and help prevent clogging of your fixtures.

Warnings

  • Never turn on a city water shutoff that has been turned off for safety reasons or non-payment. This is considered a misdemeanor or felony depending on your jurisdiction.

Things You'll Need

  • Spanner
  • You may need a pipe wrench if turning off the supply outdoors
  • Gloves (if you don't want to get messy)

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.hometips.com/repair-fix/water-shutoff-valve.html
  2. ↑ http://www.lowes.com/projects/bed-and-bath/shutoff-homes-water-supply/project
  3. ↑ http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/main-cutoff-water-valve-street/
  4. ↑ http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/finding-the-main-water-shutoff-valve.html
Retrieved from "https://kipkis.com/index.php?title=Turn_off_Your_Water_Supply_Quick_and_Easy&oldid=363770"