How Do I Turn Off the Water to My House?

As a homeowner, you will encounter a wide variety of emergency situations that impact your home. Knowing what to do when these situations arise can help you ensure that you, your family, and your home remain safe during emergencies.

Some emergencies, such as when your home’s pipes freeze, can require you to turn off the water to your house. Many homeowners don’t know how to do this. In today’s blog post, we will go over the process of turning off the water to your house in detail, so that you will be prepared if you ever need to shut off your home’s water.

A Step-by-Step Guide for Turning Off Your Home’s Water

In the event of an emergency, you may need to turn off the water to your house. This can be done by shutting off the main water valve. Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to turn off the water to your house:

1. Locate your home’s water shut-off valve – Homeowners should take the time to locate the water shut-off valve for their residence. These valves are usually located near the street, often on the side of a building or in the basement. Your home’s water shut-off valve can be used to cut off your house’s water supply in case of an emergency. Knowing where your shut-off valve is located can help you respond quickly if there is ever a problem with your plumbing, such as a burst pipe or sewage backup. It may not seem important now, but in an emergency, being able to quickly reach your water shut-off valve could prevent major damage and costly repairs. Make sure to also remind family members, especially kids and visitors staying in your home, about your main water valve’s location, so everyone can access it easily.
2. Turn the handle of the valve to the “off” position – Turning the handle of the valve to the “off” position is a critical step in making sure that your house is safe and secure. Not only will this prevent any potential (or further) damage, but it will also ensure that the necessary measures have been taken to keep you, your family, your home, and your belongings safe.
3. If you cannot find your home’s water shut-off valve, call your local water utility company for assistance – Knowing the location of your home’s water shut-off valve is critical. Not only will this information help you quickly shut off your water supply in case of an emergency, but it can also be a major cost saver when dealing with plumbing problems. However, if you’re unsure of where to find the shut-off valve, it’s important to get assistance from a professional. In most cases, your local water utility company can help you locate your home’s water shut-off valve. If not, a professional plumber should be able to help you.
4. Once the water is turned off, open all faucets in your house to release any remaining pressure in the pipes – If you need to turn off your water, it is highly recommended that you open all faucets after doing so to release any remaining pressure from the pipes. This can help alleviate any built up air pockets that could cause further strain on your system and prevent potential damage caused by burst or frozen pipes.

For more information about turning off your home’s water, or to discuss your situation with our experienced plumbers in Boston, give Winters Home Services a call at 617-221-5899 or contact us online today. We’re available 24/7 for plumbing emergencies.