There is usually a house shutoff valve that will turn off the flow of water through the main in an emergency.
House water shut off valve replacement.
If your leak is somewhere in the main branch line or if there is no fixture shut off valve near the fixture you need to repair or replace find the main shut off valve for the home.
This is usually found in a utility space near where the main water line enters the house or on an outside wall.
Upgrade older gate valves to a more reliable ball valve.
This is done with a water meter key.
If the house s water main shutoff malfunctions the water utility usually has a shutoff outside the home that they can access.
First try tightening the packing nut one eighth to one quarter turn with a wrench.
First shut off the water to the leaking water valve.
Steps to take prior to replacing the main water shut off valve.
It s not complicated but the house water will be off so it s a good idea to get your ducks in a row before you start.
Several considerations dictate which is the best water shut off valve for your needs including the size of the inlet diameter and outlet diameter as well as how the valve is operated.
Turn off the pipe freezing tool and let the pipe unfreeze.
Preparing to replace a main water valve can save time and potential extra trips and plumber c.
Shut off the next valve up the line.
Three ways to quickly locate the water shut off valve find the water shut off valve on the inside perimeter.
Water valve shut off types are all designed to stop the flow of water.
The first step is to physically search for your house s main water shut off valve on the inside of the home.
If it doesn t the packing washer is probably damaged and will need replacement.
Turning the water off at the main shutoff valve.
This might be the hot water heater the house water shut off in the house or the main shut off at the meter.
If you get drips of water coming through your pipes even with the main shutoff valve completely closed it s probably time to replace the shutoff with a new ball valve.
If your public utility doesn t shut off the water flow first you can locate the homeowner shut off valve next to your water meter and turn the water flow off yourself.
Locate the valve that is closer to the supply than the one you want to shut off.