If your home's plumbing system freezes in the winter or leaks in the spring, the supply will need to be cut off so it can be repaired. You will also need to stop the flow of water when changing fittings, changing pipes, and performing maintenance. For most homes, the flow of water can be stopped simply by closing the main valve.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Disconnecting the Water to the Fitting
Step 1. Locate the shut-off valve closest to the fitting
Most fittings have a separate cover under the fitting, which is usually a chrome valve. Sinks and showers can have two valves for hot and cold water.
- Some appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators, have a water shut-off switch on the body or a hose connected to the device.
- To find the shut-off switch on the water heater, look for the valve located directly above the heater connected to the pipe.
Step 2. Turn the valve clockwise
This step will cut off the flow of water to the fitting. If there are separate valves for hot and cold water, both need to be turned off. After that, you can still use water from the faucet or other appliances in the house.
- Old and dirty valves will initially be difficult to turn.
- If the valve is difficult to turn, wear work gloves to protect your hands so they can be turned more firmly. If not, use a wrench.
Step 3. Make repairs
When the valve is closed, the water should stop flowing. So, prepare a bucket to drain the remaining water from the pipe between the valve and the fitting. When finished, turn the valve counterclockwise to restore water flow.
Gravity will drain the remaining water. Position the bucket with the pipe or part being fixed. If the lock is loosened, the water will fall into the bucket
Method 2 of 3: Disconnecting Water Supply to Home
Step 1. Locate the main shut-off valve
This valve is usually made of brass with a round handle. In most homes, it is located near the main water pipe that leads directly to the house. Usually this pipe is in the kitchen, ground floor, or utility room.
In warm regions, these valves are usually outdoors, while in cold climates they are located indoors
Step 2. Turn off the valve by turning it clockwise
This step will turn off the water flow to the house. If the valve is hard, wear gloves to protect your hands and increase the power of rotation. After that, all equipment that uses water should not work before the water is returned.
Once the water is disconnected, fittings or equipment with a reservoir can still be used, but on a limited basis. For example, toilets generally can flush once even though the water flow has been cut off
Step 3. Turn on all the taps to drain all the water in the plumbing system
Leave the sink, tub, and shower faucets until the water stops running. When the water is completely drained from the plumbing system, turn off all taps. Now you can safely perform repairs.
When you finish the repair, turn the valve counterclockwise to restore the water supply to the house
Step 4. Turn on all water lines and appliances that use water
After returning the water to the house, open the faucet briefly to drain the water from the pipes. You should also turn on appliances that use water, such as dishwashers and washing machines.
Method 3 of 3: Disconnecting Water Flow to the Property
Step 1. Contact the water supply company you use
Most companies will allow you access to multiple shut-off valves if the reason is good. As long as the valve to be cut is for your property, the following three reasons are usually accepted by water supply companies:
- Your property's shut-off valve has been damaged or has experienced an emergency, such as a burst pipe.
- There is a leak in the pipe between the water breaker on the road and the shut off valve on your property.
- You will be replacing the main water shut-off valve at the property.
Step 2. Locate the shut-off valve outside the house
Many homes have the water meter attached to the shut-off valve, usually in a sealed box. Look for this box in the area between the street and the house.
Step 3. Lift the cover
This cover is quite heavy and is designed to be difficult to open. Use a standard screwdriver to help open it. You may also need a long extension wrench to get to the valve deep enough, especially in cold weather.
Step 4. Look for a small-handled valve
There are two types of shut-off valves that may be installed on your property: one with a handle and called a ball valve, and another in a wheel called a gate valve.
Step 5. Close the gate valve as far as possible in a clockwise direction
Make sure the valve closes completely so that no water flows into the property. This valve can jam if it has not been used for a long time.
- Try inserting a screwdriver firmly into the gear wheel as a lever so that the stuck valve can be opened.
- If the valve won't turn even if you exert a lot of force, don't force it. Contact a plumber or related water company to assist you.
Step 6. Close the ball valve by turning it a quarter circle
If you see a valve with a metal flange, it's a good idea to use a pipe wrench to open it. When the valve is open, the handle will align with the pipe. When the handle forms an L on the pipe, the water will stop flowing.
Step 7. Make repairs while the water flow is cut off
Do not forget that there is still water in the pipes of the house. Drain the water from the pipe to be worked on, then repairs can be done.
To drain water from buildings quickly, open all faucets and fittings that use water, including bathtubs and showers
Tips
- Make sure everyone in the house knows how to access the main shut-off valve in case of an emergency.
- Depending on the condition of the pipeline, this project usually lasts 10-60 minutes.
- If you disconnect and drain the water at home, it's a good idea to remove the aerator (screen) in the faucet when the water returns. Thus, dirt and debris in the pipe will be carried out by the water.
- If water is still flowing into the house after the shut-off valve is closed, there may be another valve that needs to be closed.
- In some cases, the valve may be defective and may not close completely. If so, contact a professional.
Warning
- Never turn on a city water supply valve that is turned off for safety reasons, or for non-payment. This is considered a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the applicable local law.
- You can be legally sued in some areas if you cut water into homes other than your own.
