Q&A for How to Turn Off Your Water Supply Quick and Easy

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Can you shut off your own water?

David Balkan
Professional Plumber
David Balkan is a Professional Plumber, CEO of Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service, and President of Balkan Sewer and Drain Cleaning. As a hands-on owner of these companies for over 40 years, David is knowledgeable about water service lines, sewers, and drain line issues. David is a Committee Chairman of the Master Plumbers Council and has sat on the Executive Committee of the Sub Surface Plumbers Association of New York for over 30 years. His knowledge and solution-oriented approach contributed to Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service being the largest and most trusted service in New York City and the recipient of the 2017 Angie’s List Super Service Award.

David Balkan

Professional Plumber

Expert Answer

Yes, you can. If you're inspecting a specific plumbing issue, like a toilet or sink, turn off the valve for that particular fixture.

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Question

Is it safe to turn off main water supply?

David Balkan
Professional Plumber
David Balkan is a Professional Plumber, CEO of Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service, and President of Balkan Sewer and Drain Cleaning. As a hands-on owner of these companies for over 40 years, David is knowledgeable about water service lines, sewers, and drain line issues. David is a Committee Chairman of the Master Plumbers Council and has sat on the Executive Committee of the Sub Surface Plumbers Association of New York for over 30 years. His knowledge and solution-oriented approach contributed to Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service being the largest and most trusted service in New York City and the recipient of the 2017 Angie’s List Super Service Award.

David Balkan

Professional Plumber

Expert Answer

Yes, but be sure to turn off the valve that's closer to your inside plumbing, not the valve that's closest to the street. If that outer valve breaks, you'd have no way to shut off the water.

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Question

We turned the water off to the house to replace a tap, but since then the pressure to both hot and cold taps is reduced. Did we do something wrong?

Community Answer

The valve may not be open all the way or there is some sediment blocking the flow in the taps.

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Question

Do I need to cut off the main water supply to replace a washer in the shower stall?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Yes, if there is no shutoff valve for the shower, or if you can't get access to it.

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Question

If I shut the main water valve off, do I have to leave all the taps open?

Donagan

Top Answerer

No, you can leave them closed.

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Question

Can I use a pair of pliers to turn off a flange valve?

Community Answer

Yes, but be mindful not to over tighten the valve, causing damage. If it does not stop the water, call a plumber.

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Question

Where is the water supply for a fridge's ice maker located?

Community Answer

It depends on the age of your home. On the back of the fridge, you can find a small plastic line, which feeds water to the ice maker and water dispenser. It typically connects to the water lines that supply the sink in older homes. Many newer homes have a supply valve for water behind the fridge.

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Question

Should I shut off the water if I am planning to travel for several weeks, and does having a gas water heater impact the decision?

Community Answer

I would shut it off. I know of a couple of people coming home to a flooded home, once after the hot water tank leaked.

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Question

How do I shut off the water supply to a flow type kitchen sink?

Community Answer

Under the sink, there are two valves: one for cold water and one for hot water. Turn the hot valve (the one on the left) counter-clock wise. Check to see if it is all the way off by turning on the hot water at the sink (not the valve below). Then do the same to the cold.

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Question

If I turn off the water inside the house, will outside faucets still have water for use?

Community Answer

It depends on how they are set up. Typically, one control valve turns all your water off, inside and outside.

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Question

Do I need to turn off the main water line to my house to remove the water heater?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Not if you have a shutoff valve at the water heater.

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Question

To replace a valve before the water meter, do I need to have the main water at the street shut off?

Community Answer

Contact your water company to assist. If the valve is located in the public right of way, they will change it for you. If it is not, they can advise on the process.

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Question

I need to turn off the water to my toilet, cause I'm replacing it. The water supply valve is turned all the way to the right, but the supply valve hose still drips. What should I do?

Community Answer

Old valves may leak a small amount. In these situations, place a bucket under the line as you work. Keep a rag handy to wipe away water that builds up while hooking up new hardware.

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Question

If I shut off my water at the meter during freezing weather, will that protect the pipes?

Community Answer

Yes, but only if the pipes from the meter to the house are buried below the freezing point. If they are not buried, then it will not protect them, and that portion of the pipes might freeze and get damaged once it's cold.

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Question

Is there a way to shut off just the hot water?

Community Answer

Yes. On top of the tank there are three pipes: the incoming cold water line, the outgoing hot water line, and the over flow line. If you ran the hot water anytime recently, the hot water line will be the warmest one, and it should have a valve on it. Turn it counter-clock wise until it is off. Check by turning on a hot water knob like the sink: if it does not run, you have it off (though a small amount may come out for a very short while because of the pressure in the line).

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Question

How do I turn off the hot water on a boiler?

Community Answer

Turn the fill valve off. It should be located near the water supply line of the boiler.

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Question

Do we need to cap the line from the well to the house, if we are demolishing the house?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Yes, to keep the line clean.

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Question

I am closing the main valve inside my house for a week. Do I need to turn off the electricity to the hot water heater?

Community Answer

Yes. There is a danger that the water will bleed out of the water heater. If the heater fires with no water, it will burn out.

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Question

How do I turn off the water supply only to my toilet?

Community Answer

The supply line to your toilet should have a shut off valve.

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Is it safe to shut off the hot water on a gas line until I can get the faucet fixed?

Community Answer

Yes, but I would also turn the water heater off so that it does not accidentally fire without any water in the tank.

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Question

Under my sink in the bathroom my shut-off value is stripped. Could I use pliers to cut off the water to fix the drip?

Community Answer

If it is a flexible supply line you can use lock pliers, but not too tightly and first turn the water off.

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Question

How do I turn off my water supply quickly and easily if the handle of a ball valve is missing?

Community Answer

Ask you service provider to help you, or buy a new ball valve handle and install it.

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