
If it’s time to turn off your outside water, then follow along these steps:
- Begin by removing the hose and/or splitter from your outside faucet (s).
- Locate your water shut off valve (s) which are typically in the basement. Sometimes each outdoor faucet or spigot can be connected to its own water shut off valve.
- Close the water shut off valve. ...
- Go to the faucet or hose bib outside and open it to let out the remaining water. ...
How do I Turn Off my outside water?
If it’s time to turn off your outside water, then follow along these steps: Begin by removing the hose and/or splitter from your outside faucet (s). Locate your water shut off valve (s) which are typically in the basement. Sometimes each outdoor faucet or spigot can be connected to its own water shut off valve. Close the water shut off valve.
How do you turn off a water shut off valve?
Water Shut-Off. Turn the water off inside; if the valve is a gate valve, turn the handle clockwise until it is tight. If it is a ball valve, rotate the handle until it is perpendicular to the pipe.
How do you turn off the water to a water spigot?
If you have more than one spigot, each one will have its own shutoff valve. Now, open the valve to allow water to flow to the spigot. If you have loosened the bleeder valves to allow water to drain when you shut the water off, tighten them now to help prevent leaks.
Where is the water shutoff valve in my house?
Locate your water supply valve and disconnect it from the outside faucet. Most homes have more than one supply water valve. It could be in the garage, basement or might even be closely located to the outside faucet. Where is My Home’s Shutoff Valve?

Where is the water shut off valve on a hose?
1:274:27How to Find the Main Water Shut Off Valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf yours seems to be coming into a finished room look for a panel. Cover on the wall or on theMoreIf yours seems to be coming into a finished room look for a panel. Cover on the wall or on the ceiling. And see if you can remove it and find the valve. And the pressure regulator.
How do you turn off the water supply to an outside hose bib exterior faucet?
Shut off the water supply to your outside faucet by turning the round knob clockwise until it stops turning. Pull the handle of a lever-style valve a quarter turn to the "Off" position. If the "Off" position is not marked on the faucet, pull the handle clockwise until it stops.
How do I turn off the main water supply outside?
0:074:51How Do I Turn Off the Water Main Supply to My House? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're gonna need to open it with a meter key. And quickly look this wrench in on top of the valve.MoreYou're gonna need to open it with a meter key. And quickly look this wrench in on top of the valve. And turn it it should turn 90 degrees 180 degrees somewhere in there depending.
Where is the outdoor water shut off valve?
If you have municipal water service, here's how to find your outside water shut-off valve: Look for a rectangular or round cover that will be near the edge of your property, often between the curb and the sidewalk. Some water main valves are located along an alley, rather than the street.
Is there a separate shut off valve for outside faucet?
Exterior faucets should have a separate shutoff valve inside the house, but not all of them do. In older homes, these valves are typically located at the ceiling somewhere close to the outside faucet. In newer homes, the valves are typically located right next to the main water valve, and they're also usually labeled.
Why is my water still running after I turned it off?
If the water still runs after shut off, it's most likely because of a problem with the seal. This occurs from issues with the hardware inside the faucet. There 3 common reasons why a faucet will leak. A gasket or washer needs to be replaced.
Can't find my main water shut-off valve?
0:041:43How to Find Your Water Shut-Off Valve & Use It - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn warmer climates the shut-off valve is likely just outside the house and near an outside faucet inMoreIn warmer climates the shut-off valve is likely just outside the house and near an outside faucet in newer homes you'll find a valve that looks like this to turn off the water.
How do you know if a water valve is open or closed?
To determine if a water valve is open or closed, there is a simple general rule you can usually follow. Basically, if the handle is turned 90 degrees to the flow, the valve is switched off.
How do you turn off outside water spigot for winter?
Preparing for winter: How to properly drain outdoor faucetsTurn off your water supply valve. ... Head outside and remove any hoses or connections to your faucets (you can store them away in your garage or basement for the rest of the season).Turn the faucet on full blast and let it run until it trickles to a stop.More items...•
How do you winterize an outside faucet without a shut-off valve?
If your outdoor faucet does not have a shut-off valve, first disconnect any hoses or attachments from the faucet. Then, turn off the main water for your home and open the faucet to purge any remaining water in the line. Once this is done, close the faucet valve and turn the water back on.
Which way do you turn a spigot to turn it off?
0:481:46Water Shutoff Valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo stop the flow of water turn the valve clockwise.MoreTo stop the flow of water turn the valve clockwise.
Do you leave outside spigot open in winter?
With outdoor faucets, it's exceptionally important to remember to detach your garden hoses at the end of the season, close the inside shut-off valve(s) and drain the faucet fixture before it freezes. Water expands when it freezes, and nothing changes that. How much does frozen water expand?
How to keep neighbors from running hoses?
To keep the neighbor kids from running your hose when you're on vacation, or to keep the pipes from freezing over winter, it is necessary to shut off the valve to the outside faucet. It's simply a matter of locating the outside faucet, which is the point where the water is accessed outside of the house. That is the best place to look ...
Where is the water shut off valve in a basement?
Look for a water pipe near the foundation wall, near the ceiling of the basement. Follow this pipe until you find the shut-off valve.
How to shut off water from a faucet?
Close the water shut off valve. This is usually done by rotating the handle to the right or in a clockwise direction . Make sure the handle is turned until it cannot turn any further. Go to the faucet or hose bib outside and open it to let out the remaining water. Leave it open for about a minute to be sure. Now that the water between the water shut ...
When to turn off water for outside faucet?
Turn Off The Water for Outside Water Faucets or Hose Bibs During Winter. Most homes have at least one outside faucet or hose bib. Usually these water outlets are connected to hoses or splitters or can be part of an outdoor sink.
Is It Enough to Turn Off and Drain Just the Outside Water?
If you’re planning on heading south for the winter and turning off the heat, then you’d need to make sure to drain all the water in the pipes of your house in addition to the outside water. To do this, you can turn off the main water shut off valve so that there is no water supply – then you can proceed to drain the water in the pipes. It might seem like a lot of work but it’s worth it; this will ensure you don’t come home to burst pipes and costly plumbing repairs.
Why is water in pipes important?
Reduces the chances of freezing for vulnerable pipes located on the exterior wall of the home. Reduces the expansion and contraction of pipes when the temperature changes. Water in the pipes stay warm for longer periods of time. It’ll save you money on your energy bill!
How long does it take for water pipes to freeze?
All it takes is for pipes to be in freezing temperatures for around 6 hours for them to freeze; this is the amount of time it usually takes for the water in the pipes to lose whatever warmth it has contained and begin to freeze.
Can you winterize pipes?
Plumbing Solutions For Winterizing Your Pipes. Not all homeowners are able to prevent the bursting or breaking of pipes due to winter’s freezing temperatures. Maybe you haven’t been able to winterize your outdoor faucet in time and realized too late that the pipes have frozen. Perhaps you’ve gone on vacation for a while ...
Can frozen water pipes break?
In the freezing sub-zero outdoor conditions, these pipes, if left with water inside over winter, are the most prone to breaking or bursting due to frozen water. This can lead to costly repairs or even pipe replacements. Therefore, locating the water shut off valve for these pipes can be a real lifesaver.
Where is the outside water shut-off valve?
If you have municipal water service, here's how to find your outside water shut-off valve: Look for a rectangular or round cover that will be near the edge of your property, often between the curb and the sidewalk. Some water main valves are located along an alley, rather than the street.
How do you turn the water off outside?
How to turn your water off using your outside stop valve. Before you start, check your inside stop valve and try to turn your water off from there. If you can't find your inside valve, or it's not working, you should turn the outside stop valve clockwise. It may take a few turns to stop the water.
Which valve is outside water?
The main water shutoff valve supplies water to your entire home, and is usually located below the outdoor water faucet, or hose bibb, in the front of your home, or in the enclosure that houses an outside water heater.
How do you turn off outside water for house in winter?
Step 1: Locate and Close Shutoff Valve. The first step is to find the shutoff valve for the hose bib. …
How do you turn off mains water?
To turn off the water main supply to your home, you can turn off the stop valve. This is normally located in your kitchen under the sink, downstairs, or in a utility room. You can turn off the valve by turning it clockwise.
Do you have to shut off water to hose in winter?
It's essential to shut off water to exterior faucets and hose bibbs before freezing temperatures set in. A failure to do so may result in ice blockages and burst pipes. In order to winterize your hose bibbs: Turn off the water supply to the hose from inside the house.
Should I turn off water to outside for winter?
The best way to prevent damage to water lines during winter is by turning off outside faucets. Regardless of whether your water lines are freeze proof or not, removing hoses and splitters from the spigot during cold weather can save you from a lot of trouble.
Why do you turn off the water in your outside faucet?
Turning off outside water faucets can be necessary to shut the water off for any repairs to the outside faucet or stop a leak .Townhouse owners need to find the water line for their outside faucet to make sure they don't turn off their neighbor's water instead.
What is the inside shut off line for an outside faucet?
The inside shut-off line for an outside faucet will also have a small valve or "cap" that allows for draining excess water.
Where should a faucet be located in a townhouse?
This should be in either the basement or the crawl space ; however, in some townhouses it may be under the kitchen sink or in a closet with the water heater and furnace. The faucet line should attach to other pipes coming into the area -- or coming off the main water line -- with a variety of either handles or knobs.
How long does it take to open a hose bib?
Time: 15 Minutes . The hose bibb, or spigot, is the faucet located on the outside of your house where you connect a garden hose. In winter, homeowners in colder climates need to turn off the water to their hose bibbs to prevent flooding. Now, it's time to open them so you can water your garden and wash your car!
Why do you close a sandbox in winter?
You may have left them open during the winter, but close them for a moment because you are about to turn on the water and can cause a flood!
How to remove a water valve from a water pipe?
Carefully slide the valve assembly completely out of the water pipe. You can do this by pulling on the valve handle directly. Make sure that you remove any of the nuts that are on the valve assembly. You can do that by using a socket or adjustable wrench.
What to do if water is not flowing out of faucet?
No matter what the issue may be, the very first thing to do is to cut off the water supply to your faucet. You can’t possibly hope to evaluate the issue if water continues to flow out and soak everything within reach.
Why Won’t My Outdoor Faucet Turn Off?
When your outdoor faucet will not turn off, you should cut the water so that you can troubleshoot the issue . There are a few reasons why your outside faucet may not turn off. Some of them are simple and easy to understand, others not so much.
What is the water faucet on the outside of the house?
Written by Ryan Womeldorf in Outdoors. The water faucet on the outside of your house can come in handy from time to time. Whether it be watering your flowers, washing your car, or doing a plethora of other hose-related activities, it is a convenience to have that faucet outside. That is until it stops turning off.
Why does my faucet leak water?
More often than not, when water continues to leak it is due to a loose connection somewhere along the line. You can verify that the faucet is tight on the water pipe by using a pipe wrench to tighten the connection between the two.
Why open up outside faucet?
Open up the outside faucet all the way so as to relieve any of the pressure that may have been built up in the pipes. When the water flow has completely halted, you are ready to move on to the next step in the process.
Where is the shut off valve located?
The shutoff valve is typically right near the ceiling either in a crawl space, a utility room, or a basement. There are also two different kinds of shutoff valve to be aware of. There is the gate valve and the ball valve. The latter tends to be on older faucets in particular.
Where is the water shut off valve?
Indoor Water Shut Off Valve. In colder climates, the main water shutoff is typically in the basement. Shutting off the main valve that controls all the water for your home is the best protection against catastrophic water damage.
Where is the main water line shut off?
If you live in a colder climate, you’ll typically find the main shutoff in the basement near the front of the house.
What is a stop valve?
Individual shutoff valves or “stops” are installed on the supply lines leading to most appliances as well as to toilets and faucets. Typical supply stops have a small round or oval handle that you turn clockwise to shut off the flow of water.
How to tell if a faucet is open or closed?
You can immediately tell if it’s open or not: In the closed position, the lever is perpendicular to the pipes; in the open position it’s parallel. If you’ve never shut off the main water valve before, test it before you leave on vacation. You’ll need an adjustable wrench, a bucket and slip joint pliers. Turn on a faucet somewhere in the house and ...
What to do if sump pump doesn't work?
If it doesn’t, be sure the sump pump is plugged in (a surprisingly common oversight) and check the breaker as well. Also make sure the outlet pipe isn’t frozen or clogged and that it directs water away from your home. Clean the hole in the discharge line and check that the motor is running smoothly.
Why does a gate valve fail?
Water flowing through a partially open gate valve can wear away the metal and cause the valve to fail over time. The ball valve is more common in newer construction and has a lever handle that needs to be turned 90 degrees to turn the water on or off.
How much does a washing machine hose cost?
A pair of washing machine hoses costs less than $20 at home centers. Shorter versions for faucets or a toilet are also available. Don’t wait for a vacation to check your supply lines. With 10 minutes and a flashlight, you can inspect every line in your house.
How to stop water from leaking when shut off?
If you have loosened the bleeder valves to allow water to drain when you shut the water off, tighten them now to help prevent leaks. Once the water is flowing, make sure there is a fair amount of water coming out, low pressure may mean there is a leak. Go back inside the home while you let the water run, and check for any leaks before you do ...
Where is the water shut off valve located?
Next, locate your water shutoff valve. It is located inside your house, usually in the basement, crawl space or utility room.
What is a hose bibb?
March 15, 2019 | Comments Off on What You Need to Know About Turning the Outdoor Faucet Back On. The hose bibb, or spigot, is the faucet located on the outside of your house where you connect a garden hose. In winter, homeowners need to turn off the water to their hose bibbs to prevent flooding. Now, it’s almost time to open them so you can water ...
Do you have to turn off water to hose bibs in winter?
In winter, homeowners need to turn off the water to their hose bibbs to prevent flooding. Now, it’s almost time to open them so you can water your garden and enjoy the warmer weather! Turning the water back on to your outside hose sounds simple enough, but there are some precautions you should take to ensure you don’t end up with water inside your ...
Can you go back inside when water is turned back on?
Taking the extra step of going back inside once the water is turned back on can save you a headache later, because pipes and fixtures that have frozen and thawed may not start to leak until full water pressure is re-applied. Even while we are busy welcoming spring and the warmer weather, we are here to serve you.
Do you need to turn off the water to a frost proof spigot?
Some homes have frost proof spigots. Frost proof spigots do not need to be turned on or off in the fall/spring, but the only way to entirely prevent the possibility of leaking is by turning off the water to your spigot, frost proof or not. First, tighten (close) the wheel/valve on the spigot (s).
