How To Turn Water Back on

It's likely that you need to get your water back on.The water company can turn on the water for you.You can either use the main water shut-off valve or switch on the valves next to your appliances.You will need to locate an electrical switch for well water.If you are de- winterizing the house, you should check for leaks or damage first.

Step 1: There is a supply shut-off valve near the appliance.

The valve will look like a wheel.It should be attached to the pipe.The levers and wheels are called gate valves.Some older houses may not have supply shut-off valves.You need to turn on the water at the main valve.

Step 2: The valve should be turned clockwise.

You may need to do 2 to 4 full turns before it turns on if it is a gate valve.Turn the valve so that it is parallel to the pipe.If it is difficult to turn the valve with your hands, you can use a wrench.

Step 3: Don't force the valve.

If the valve doesn't turn, call a plumbing professional.If the valve is forced, the pipe can crack, burst, or leak.A plumbing professional can fix or replace the valve for you.

Step 4: All sinks and faucets need to be closed.

If you leave one sink on it will equalize the pressure.It should be turned on all the way.You have to turn off every other faucet in your home.

Step 5: Go to the shut-off valve.

Most of the time, the valve is located outside.You can check out near the street.There is a grate in the ground.You should see a hole if you lift up the grate.If you live in a cold climate, the meter may be inside a basement, utility closet, or near the water heater.You can open the grate by reaching down and picking it up.Put a wrench in the key hole if it's hard to do.Lift it up to remove the grate.

Step 6: The water valve should be identified.

There are at least 1 turn-handles on either side of the water meter.Shut-off valves have handles.There are valves on either side of the water meter in newer homes.If you use the valve closest to your house, it will be a gate-shaped valve.You can do it by hand.There will be one valve in older homes.It will have a top that is close to the pipe.You will need a key to open the valve.It's possible to get one at a hardware store.

Step 7: The valve should be turned clockwise.

Turn it 14 of the rotation.Pause for 20 seconds.The water will start running without bursting your pipes.The water should work now.You can turn the valve with your hands or a wrench.If it has a T-shaped side, use a water key.Put the other side on top of the notch.Don't force the valve if it will not turn.Call a plumbing company to help.It is possible to cause a leak by forcing the valve.

Step 8: The upper valve should be turned at the water pump.

A pipe is coming up over the water pump.It could have a ball valve that looks like a lever.This should be turned so that it is parallel with the pipe.If you have a wheel-shaped gate valve at the bottom of your water pump, don't turn it on.Leave it closed.

Step 9: There are electrical switches.

The electrical power for the well pump will be turned off at the same time as the water.There are two switches, one near the pump and the other at the main electrical breaker.Check to see if they have been switched off.

Step 10: The switch needs to be flipped on.

If you have 2 switches that are turned off, first turn on the main electrical switch and then the switch next to the pump.Make sure there isn't standing water around you.Don't touch the switch if there is.It's a good idea to dry or mop up the water.Before touching the switch, your hands need to be dry.If you don't, you could be at risk of electrical shock.

Step 11: Wait for the pump to run.

It will take a few minutes to get water.Water can be heard in the pipes.As it fills, you can turn on the sink to see if it's working.The sink should spit for a while.The water may not start running.

Step 12: The water company can be contacted.

Most of the time, you should allow public works or the water company to turn on your water.You can get in touch with your local water company by calling them or using their online assistance portal.You don't need to contact the water company if your water comes from a well.

Step 13: If you just moved, you should ask the water company to start service.

It's a good idea to contact the company 2 weeks in advance.The water should be turned on the day before you move in.Basic identification and a form of payment may be required.You can turn on the water using an online form.

Step 14: If your water stops suddenly, tell me what the problem is.

The water company can tell you why your water stopped.Unpaid bills are one of the common problems.It is possible that you will be asked to pay your water bill and late fees.A neighborhood or city leak.You have to wait for the leak to be fixed.There is a broken valve.They may suggest that you hire a plumbing professional.The city must fix the valve if it is broken.

Step 15: Permission to turn the main valve is needed.

The main valve and water meter are owned by the city.Call the water company if you want to handle the main valve.They will do it for you if you're not allowed to touch the main valve.If you are turning on water for the entire house, you don't need permission.The appliance supply valves can be turned on or off at will.

Step 16: All faucets should be turned off.

You may have left the faucets open if you winterized the house.All of the faucets in the building should be turned off for the showers, sinks, and baths in your home.If you want to prevent mineral build-up when the water starts, you can remove the aerators from your sinks.

Step 17: The supply valves need to be turned on.

These are the valves in your plumbing, including your sinks, toilets, and water heater.They should be turned counterclockwise until they stop.

Step 18: The pipes should be checked for damage.

Make sure the pipes in the building are free of cracks and breaks.If you see any damage, call a plumbing professional.Don't forget to check your sinks, showers, and washing machines.

Step 19: The water should be turned on at the main shut-off valve.

The shut-off valve can be found either outside or in your home after you have checked for leaks.Wait 20 seconds if you turn it a quarter of the way.It should be turned another quarter.Water valves can be found near the street beneath a grate.If there are two valves, use the one closest to your house.You may need a wrench or water key if you can't turn the valve by hand.Don't turn the valve on all at once.This could cause a leak in your pipes.

Step 20: Again, check for leaks.

Go back to check your equipment.Look for small cracks in the pipes that may be leaking water.If there is a leak, call a plumbing professional.

Step 21: One by one, turn on the faucets.

Before turning it off, let the faucet run for about 20 seconds.There are leaks around the pipes.If there are no leaks, move on to the next faucet.If you see a leak, call a plumbing professional.