Main Water Shut Off Valve Old House

The main shutoff valve allows a full flow of water through the pipe when it s open.

Main water shut off valve old house.

The main shutoff valve is connected to the pipe just before or after the meter. If the homeowner accessible shutoff is not holding the water utility usually has access to another shutoff in the street. Three ways to quickly locate the water shut off valve find the water shut off valve on the inside perimeter. Then remove the short bonding jumper.

With the water off open the faucets and showers in the building to drain any water left in the pipes. If you ve never shut off the main water valve before test it before you leave on vacation. An old gate valve can break so be gentle when you re handling it. The first step is to physically search for your house s main water shut off valve on the inside of the home.

Ask this old house plumbing and heating expert richard trethewey shows how to replace a main shut off valve that is not closing properly subscribe to this ol. Replacing the main shutoff valve is a risky job that should be left to professionals only. Shut off the street side valve where the water enters the house. You ll need an adjustable wrench a bucket and slip joint pliers.

Here s how to switch off the water main shutoff valve. If the indoor shutoff valve is not stopping water flow the local water department has access to a shutoff valve near the street and can be called to shut off water while work is performed. When working in a multifamily home or if the main shutoff is damaged water can be held back temporarily by freezing the pipe. The main shutoff valve in your house probably has one of two designs.

At that point you re ready to shut down the water and replace the valve. All water flow should stop. Then loosen the coupling nut and remove the nipple from the old valve. Typically it will be located on the perimeter of the house since that is where the water first enters your house.

Turning off this valve by turning it clockwise cuts off the water supply to the entire house. Turn on a faucet somewhere in the house and shut off the main water valve. This valve is usually in the basement or on an outside wall in a utility area of the house.