Water is an essential element for life, but sometimes we can take for granted how easy it is to turn it on and off. When you’re in a situation where you need to turn the water back on, whether it’s after a power outage or a plumbing repair, it’s important to know how to do it safely and correctly. In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to turn water back on, as well as some tips for troubleshooting common problems.
Before you start, it’s important to locate the main water shut-off valve. This valve is usually located near the water meter or in a utility room. Once you’ve found the main shut-off valve, turn it clockwise to close it. This will stop the flow of water to your home. Next, go to the highest fixture in your home, which is usually a sink or shower on the top floor. Turn on the faucet and wait for the water to start flowing. Once the water is flowing, go to the lowest fixture in your home and turn on the faucet. This will help to purge the air from the pipes.
If you’re having trouble turning the water back on, there are a few things you can check. First, make sure that the main shut-off valve is fully open. If it is, check for leaks at the valve or at any of the fixtures in your home. If you find a leak, tighten the valve or fixture as needed. If you’re still having trouble, you may need to call a plumber for assistance.
Locating the Water Main Shutoff
Locating the water main shutoff valve is crucial for controlling water flow in an emergency. It is typically found in various locations depending on the age and layout of your property. Here are some common places to look:
Inside the Home:
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Basement | Check near the water heater or along the wall near the foundation. |
| Utility Room | Look for the valve near the washer or dryer connections. |
| Crawl Space | Locate the valve along the main water supply line. |
Outside the Home:
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Ground Level | Check outside the foundation wall, often near the street or sidewalk. |
| Box in the Yard | Look for a green or red box marked “Water” in the lawn or garden. |
| Meter Pit | The shutoff valve may be located in a small pit next to the water meter. |
If you cannot find the water main shutoff:
Contact your local water utility company for assistance. They can provide further guidance and may send a technician to help you locate and operate the valve.
Identifying the Valve Type
Identifying the type of valve controlling your water supply is the first step in turning the water back on. There are three main types of valves: gate valves, ball valves, and globe valves.
Gate valves are the most common type of valve used in residential plumbing. They have a straight-through design and are opened or closed by turning a wheel or handle perpendicular to the direction of water flow. When the handle is perpendicular to the pipe, the valve is open; when it is parallel, the valve is closed.
Ball valves
Ball valves are a type of quarter-turn valve that uses a ball with a hole through it to control the flow of water. When the handle is aligned with the direction of water flow, the valve is open; when the handle is perpendicular, the valve is closed.
| Valve Type | Handle Position When Open | Handle Position When Closed |
|---|---|---|
| Gate valve | Perpendicular to the pipe | Parallel to the pipe |
| Ball valve | Aligned with the direction of water flow | Perpendicular to the direction of water flow |
| Globe valve | Parallel to the pipe | Perpendicular to the pipe |
Globe valves are less common in residential plumbing but are sometimes used in industrial or commercial settings. They have a globe-shaped body and a disk that moves up and down to control the flow of water. When the handle is aligned with the direction of water flow, the valve is open; when the handle is perpendicular, the valve is closed.
Shutting Off the Water Supply
The first step in turning the water back on is to shut off the water supply. This will prevent water from leaking out while you are working. To shut off the water supply, locate the main water shut-off valve. This valve is usually located in the basement, garage, or utility room.
Once you have located the main water shut-off valve, turn it off by turning it clockwise. You may need to use a wrench or pliers to turn the valve.
If you are unable to locate the main water shut-off valve, you can turn off the water supply to individual fixtures by turning off the shut-off valves under the sinks and toilets.
Tips for Shutting Off the Water Supply
- Use a flashlight. If you are working in a dark area, use a flashlight to help you see what you are doing.
- Be careful not to overtighten the valve. Overtightening the valve can damage it.
- If you are unable to turn off the water supply, call a plumber. A plumber can help you locate the main water shut-off valve and turn it off for you.
| Fixture | Location of Shut-Off Valve |
|---|---|
| Sink | Under the sink, near the base of the faucet |
| Toilet | Behind the toilet, near the base of the toilet |
| Shower | Behind the shower wall, near the base of the showerhead |
Checking for Leaks
Before turning the water back on, it’s crucial to check for leaks. Over time, pipes and connections can develop cracks or become loose, allowing water to escape. Identifying and addressing any leaks before turning the water back on will prevent further damage and costly repairs.
Here are the steps for checking for leaks:
1. Inspect Visible Pipes and Fixtures
Thoroughly examine all visible pipes, faucets, and other fixtures. Look for any signs of water stains, dripping, or corrosion. Check under sinks, around toilets, and behind appliances that use water.
2. Listen for Running Water
When the water is turned off, there should be no sound of running water. Stand near water sources and listen for any trickling or gurgling noises that could indicate a leak.
3. Check the Water Meter
If you have a water meter, note the reading when the water is turned off. Wait for a few minutes and then check the meter again. If the reading has changed, it indicates a leak somewhere in the system.
4. Perform a Toilet Leak Test
Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. Wait 15-30 minutes. If the colored water appears in the toilet bowl, it indicates a leak in the toilet’s fill valve or flapper.
5. Check for Hidden Leaks
Some leaks may not be immediately visible. To check for hidden leaks, perform the following steps:
|
Step |
Instructions |
|---|---|
|
a) Shut off all water sources |
Turn off all faucets, toilets, and appliances |
|
b) Wait 1 hour |
Allow time for the water pressure to stabilize |
|
c) Check the water meter |
Note the water meter reading |
|
d) Wait another hour |
Do not use any water |
|
e) Check the water meter again |
If the water meter reading has changed, it indicates a hidden leak |
Purging the Air from Water Pipes and Fixtures
After a water outage or plumbing repairs, air can become trapped in the water lines. This can lead to sputtering faucets, banging pipes, and reduced water pressure. To remove the air, follow these steps:
- Identify the highest faucet in your home: This is typically the faucet in the upstairs bathroom or the kitchen faucet.
- Turn on the faucet: Turn the faucet to the “cold” setting and allow it to run slowly.
- Wait for the air to escape: You may hear gurgling or sputtering sounds as the air is released.
- Continue running the water: Keep the faucet running until the water flows smoothly and consistently.
- Repeat for other faucets: Move to the next highest faucet and repeat the process until the water runs clear in each faucet.
For more severe cases of air in the lines, you may need to purge the entire system:
- Turn off the main water supply: Locate the main water shut-off valve and turn it clockwise to close it.
- Open all faucets: Open all the faucets in your home, including outside faucets and any appliances that use water.
- Turn on the main water supply: Slowly turn the main water shut-off valve counterclockwise to open it.
- Let the faucets run: Allow the faucets to run until the water flows smoothly and consistently in all of them.
| Severity of Air Problem | Recommended Purging Method |
|---|---|
| Minor | Purge individual faucets |
| Moderate | Purge entire system |
How To Turn Water Back On
If your water has been turned off, there are a few steps you can take to turn it back on.
1. Check the main water valve. This valve is usually located near the water meter or in the basement. Turn the valve clockwise to open it.
2. Check the individual shut-off valves for each fixture. These valves are usually located under the sink or behind the toilet. Turn the valve clockwise to open it.
3. If the water still does not turn on, there may be a problem with the water main. Contact your local water utility company for assistance.
People Also Ask About How To Turn Water Back On
Can I turn the water back on myself?
Yes, you can usually turn the water back on yourself by following the steps outlined above. However, if you are not comfortable doing so, you can contact your local water utility company for assistance.
What do I do if the water does not turn on after following the steps above?
If the water does not turn on after following the steps above, there may be a problem with the water main. Contact your local water utility company for assistance.
How do I prevent my water from being turned off again?
To prevent your water from being turned off again, make sure to pay your water bill on time and avoid any unnecessary water usage.
