Oh no! You turn on the faucet, and nothing comes out. Don’t panic! Turning the water back on in your house is usually a simple process that you can do yourself. In this article, we will walk you through the steps on how to turn the water back on in your house, whether it’s just one fixture or the entire house. We will also provide some troubleshooting tips in case you encounter any problems.
If only one fixture is not working, the problem is likely with that fixture itself. First, check to see if the fixture is turned on all the way. If it is, then the next step is to check the aerator. The aerator is a small screen that is located at the end of the faucet. It helps to mix air with the water, which can create a more forceful stream. Over time, the aerator can become clogged with sediment, which can reduce the flow of water. To clean the aerator, simply remove it from the faucet and soak it in a solution of vinegar and water. Once the aerator is clean, replace it and try turning on the water again. If the water is still not flowing, then the problem may be with the fixture itself. In this case, you will need to call a plumber.
If all of the fixtures in your house are not working, then the problem is likely with the main water supply. The first step is to check the water meter. The water meter is usually located in the basement or crawl space. If the water meter is not moving, then the water supply to your house has been shut off. To turn the water back on, simply locate the main water valve and turn it clockwise. Once the water valve is open, the water should start flowing again. If the water is still not flowing, then there may be a problem with the water main. In this case, you will need to call a plumber.
How to Turn Water Back on in House
Steps to Restart Water Service
1. Locate the Main Water Shutoff Valve
The main water shutoff valve controls the entire water supply to your house. It’s typically located in one of the following places:
- Near the front of the house, where the main water line enters the building
- Inside the basement or crawlspace
- In a utility closet
The valve may be a gate valve (a handle that turns perpendicular to the pipe) or a ball valve (a handle that turns parallel to the pipe).
Troubleshooting:
- If you can’t find the main water shutoff valve, check with your local water utility or a plumber.
- If the valve is rusted or difficult to turn, use a wrench or pliers to loosen it.
- If the valve is leaking, it may need to be replaced. Contact a plumber for assistance.
2. Open the Shutoff Valve
Once you’ve located the main shutoff valve, turn it clockwise to open it. Open the valve slowly to avoid water hammer, which can damage pipes.
3. Check Other Water Valves
In addition to the main shutoff valve, there may be other water valves in your house that control individual fixtures or appliances. Check these valves and make sure they are open as well.
4. Turn on Water at Faucets
Open faucets throughout your house to release any air that may be trapped in the pipes. Let the water run for a few minutes to clear any sediment.
5. Check for Leaks
Once the water is turned back on, inspect all faucets, toilets, and other water fixtures for leaks. If you find any leaks, tighten the connections or contact a plumber for repairs.
| Location of Main Water Shutoff Valve | Type of Valve | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valve Type | How to Close |
|---|---|
| Gate Valve | Turn the wheel or handle clockwise |
| Ball Valve | Turn the lever perpendicular to the pipe |
Test the Valve
Once you’ve located the main water valve, it’s a good idea to test it to make sure it’s working properly. Simply turn the valve off and on to see if the water flow stops and starts as expected. If the valve doesn’t work properly, you should call a plumber to have it repaired or replaced.
Opening the Main Water Valve
The main water valve is typically located near the water meter or in the basement or crawl space. It is a large, round valve with a handle that is perpendicular to the pipe when the valve is closed.
Safety Precautions
- Before you open the main water valve, make sure that all the faucets in your house are closed. This will help to prevent a sudden rush of water and potential flooding.
- If the valve is stuck or hard to turn, do not force it. You could damage the valve or the pipe, which could lead to a leak.
- If you are not comfortable opening the main water valve yourself, call a plumber for assistance.
Steps to Open the Main Water Valve
1.
Locate the main water valve. It is typically located near the water meter or in the basement or crawl space.
2.
Turn the handle of the valve counterclockwise to open it. You should feel some resistance as you turn the handle, but it should not be difficult to turn.
3.
Once the valve is open, check for leaks. Open a faucet and let the water run for a few minutes. If you see any leaks, close the valve and call a plumber.
If you have followed these steps and the water is not coming back on, there may be another problem with your plumbing system. Call a plumber to diagnose and fix the problem.
Checking for Leaks
Checking for leaks is an important step in turning the water back on in your house, as it will help you identify and fix any potential issues before they cause further damage. To check for leaks, follow these steps:
1. Check your water meter.
Locate your water meter and take a reading. Wait for 15 minutes without using any water, then take another reading. If the reading has changed, there may be a leak somewhere in your house.
2. Check your faucets and fixtures.
Turn on all the faucets and fixtures in your house and check for any leaks. Pay attention to the areas around the base of the fixtures, as this is where leaks often occur.
3. Check your toilets.
Flush all the toilets in your house and check for leaks. Pay attention to the area around the base of the toilet, as well as any hoses or pipes connected to the toilet.
4. Check your water heater.
Locate your water heater and check for any leaks. Look for any drips or pooling water around the base of the heater, as well as any cracks or holes in the tank itself. If you find any leaks, turn off the gas or electricity to the water heater and call a plumber. Below table may help to identify types of water heater leaks:
| Leak Location | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Base of water heater | Leaking drain valve | Replace drain valve |
| Top of water heater | Leaking temperature and pressure relief valve | Replace temperature and pressure relief valve |
| Sides of water heater | Cracked tank | Replace water heater |
Purging Air from Water Lines
After turning the water supply back on, you may notice some air trapped in the water lines. This can cause faucets to sputter and toilets to not flush properly. To purge the air, follow these steps:
- Turn on the cold water tap at the highest point in your house, usually the bathroom sink.
- Let the water run until it is clear and free of air bubbles.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 for all other cold water taps in the house.
- Turn on the hot water tap at the highest point in your house, usually the bathroom sink.
- Let the water run until it is hot and free of air bubbles.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5 for all other hot water taps in the house.
- Flush all toilets to remove any air from the toilet lines.
If you have a dishwasher, run it through a cycle to remove any air from the dishwasher lines.
If you have a washing machine, run it through a cycle to remove any air from the washing machine lines.
| Symptom | Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Sputtering faucets | Air trapped in the water lines | Purge the air from the water lines by following the steps above. |
| Toilets that don’t flush properly | Air trapped in the toilet lines | Flush the toilets to remove any air from the toilet lines. |
| Dishwasher that doesn’t work properly | Air trapped in the dishwasher lines | Run the dishwasher through a cycle to remove any air from the dishwasher lines. |
| Washing machine that doesn’t work properly | Air trapped in the washing machine lines | Run the washing machine through a cycle to remove any air from the washing machine lines. |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re having trouble turning the water back on in your house, there are a few things you can check.
1. Check the main water valve
The main water valve is usually located near the front of your house, where the water enters from the street. Make sure the valve is open by turning it clockwise.
2. Check the individual shut-off valves
Each fixture in your house has a shut-off valve. If a fixture isn’t getting water, check to see if the valve is closed. The valve is usually located under the sink or behind the toilet.
3. Check for leaks
If you’re not sure where the water is going, check for leaks. Look for wet spots on the floor or walls, or listen for the sound of running water.
4. Check the water meter
The water meter is located near the front of your house, where the water enters from the street. If the meter is spinning, it means that water is flowing into your house. If the meter isn’t spinning, it means that the water is shut off.
5. Call a plumber
If you’ve tried all of the above and you still can’t turn the water back on, you may need to call a plumber.
6. Frozen pipes
One of the most common reasons your home may not have any running water is your pipes are frozen. Frozen pipes can cause your pipes to burst, which can lead to a huge mess and costly repairs. Frozen pipes can be caused by a number of factors, such as extremely low outside temperatures, drafts around your pipes, and areas in your home that may be unheated, such as crawl spaces and attics. The following table gives some tips on how to prevent and thaw frozen pipes:
| Preventing Frozen Pipes | Thawing Frozen Pipes |
|---|---|
| 1. Insulate your pipes | 1. Turn on the faucet terdekat to the frozen pipe |
| 2. Seal air leaks around pipes | 2. Apply heat to the frozen pipe using a heat gun or hair dryer |
| 3. Keep the heat on in your home | 3. Wrap the frozen pipe with hot towels |
| 4. Let cold water drip from faucets | 4. Never use an open flame to thaw a frozen pipe |
Cautions and Precautions
Before beginning any tasks, it is essential to take the following precautions:
1. Ensure Safety Equipment
Wear protective gloves and safety glasses to prevent injury from sharp objects or escaping water.
2. Locate the Main Water Valve
Identify the main water valve, typically located near the water meter or in a utility room.
3. Turn Off Electricity
If working with an electric water heater, switch off the power at the breaker or fuse box.
4. Open Faucets
Open faucets on the lowest floors to release any trapped air or water in the system.
5. Check for Leaks
Turn on the water gradually and inspect all connections for leaks before fully opening the main valve.
6. Drain Water Heater
If the water heater has been drained, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for refilling and bleeding it.
7. Avoid Over-Pressurization
Open faucets slowly to avoid creating excessive pressure that could damage the plumbing system or water fixtures. As a general rule, turn on one faucet at a time and wait for it to fill before opening another.
Safety Tips
Before you begin, follow these safety precautions:
- Identify the main water valve: Typically located near the property line or in the basement/utility room.
- Wear protective gloves: To protect your hands from sharp edges or water pressure.
- Have a cloth or towel handy: To collect any excess water that may leak.
- Turn off all faucets: Minimize water flow when turning on the main valve.
- Open a cold water tap: Release air and prevent pressure buildup in the pipes.
- Inspect the valve stem: If it’s badly damaged or corroded, it may require professional repair.
- Use a valve key or wrench (if necessary): If the valve is too tight to turn by hand, use these tools.
- Turn the valve counterclockwise slowly: Avoid turning too quickly or forcing it.
8. Turning On the Main Water Valve
Valve Types:
| Type | Turn Direction |
|---|---|
| Gate Valve | Quarter-turn counterclockwise |
| Ball Valve | Quarter-turn counterclockwise |
| Globe Valve | Multiple turns counterclockwise |
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Locate the main water valve stem.
- Turn the valve counterclockwise slowly.
- Check for leaks and tighten the valve if necessary.
- Wait for water to flow from the open faucet.
- Close the faucet and inspect for any remaining leaks.
When to Call a Plumber
If you’re unable to turn your water back on using the methods described above, or if you encounter any of the following problems, it’s best to call a plumber:
- Frozen pipes: If your pipes have frozen, do not attempt to thaw them yourself. Call a plumber immediately to prevent further damage.
- Burst pipes: If a pipe has burst, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Water damage can quickly become extensive and expensive.
- Leaking fixtures: While minor leaks may be easy to fix, more significant leaks should be addressed by a professional.
- No water pressure: If you have no water pressure, it could indicate a problem with your water main or a leak in the system.
- Cloudy or discolored water: If your water is cloudy or discolored, it could indicate a problem with your water supply. A plumber can help determine the cause and recommend a solution.
- Strange noises in your plumbing: If you hear banging, knocking, or other strange noises coming from your pipes, it could indicate a problem that requires professional attention.
- Water heater issues: If you have a water heater and it’s not working properly, you will need to contact a plumber to diagnose and repair the issue.
- Unfamiliar with plumbing systems: If you’re not familiar with your home’s plumbing system, it’s always best to leave any repairs or maintenance to a qualified plumber.
- Safety concerns: If you have any safety concerns, such as gas leaks or electrical issues, call a plumber immediately. Do not attempt to fix these issues yourself.
9. If Your Water Is Still Not On After Following All of the Steps
If you’ve followed all of the steps above and your water is still not on, there may be a more serious problem that requires professional attention. Contact a licensed plumber to diagnose the issue and make the necessary repairs.
How To Turn Water Back On In House
Locate the Main Water Valve
The main water valve is usually located in the basement or crawl space. It may be near the water heater or washing machine. The valve will be a large, round handle that is either red or blue. To turn the water back on, simply turn the valve clockwise.
Open the Faucets
Once the main water valve is turned on, open all of the faucets in your house. This will help to purge the air from the pipes and get the water flowing again. Start with the faucets that are closest to the main water valve and work your way to the farthest ones.
Check for Leaks
Once the water is flowing, check for leaks. Look under sinks, toilets, and washing machines for any signs of dripping water. If you find a leak, tighten the nuts or bolts that are holding the fixture in place.
People Also Ask About How To Turn Water Back On In House
How do I turn the water back on after a power outage?
If you have a well, you may need to prime the pump before you can turn the water back on. To do this, open the faucet that is closest to the pump and turn on the pump. Once the water starts flowing, close the faucet and turn off the pump.
How do I turn the water back on after a water main break?
If the water main break is in your house, you will need to call a plumber to repair it. Once the water main break is repaired, you can turn the water back on by following the steps listed above.
How do I turn the water back on after a frozen pipe?
If a frozen pipe has burst, you will need to call a plumber to repair it. Once the pipe is repaired, you can turn the water back on by following the steps listed above. Be sure to check for leaks before you turn the water back on.
