how to turn off water for winter

2 min read 06-02-2025

Winterizing your home involves several crucial steps to protect your plumbing from freezing temperatures and potential costly damage. One of the most important is knowing how to properly shut off your water supply. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your home stays safe and dry throughout the cold months.

Why Turn Off Your Water in Winter?

Freezing temperatures can cause significant problems for your home's plumbing. Water expands as it freezes, putting immense pressure on pipes. This can lead to:

Burst pipes: The most significant risk, resulting in flooding and costly repairs.
Water damage: Soaked walls, ruined flooring, and mold growth are all possibilities.
High water bills: Leaks from frozen pipes can lead to unexpected and substantial increases in your water bill.

Turning off your water supply, especially in areas prone to freezing, acts as a preventative measure against these issues.

Locating Your Water Shut-Off Valves

Before you begin, you need to locate your main water shut-off valve. This is typically found:

Near the water meter: Often located outside your house, near the street.
In the basement or crawl space: If you have an older home, it might be indoors.
In a utility closet: A common location in newer homes.

The valve will usually be a wheel-shaped valve or a lever-type valve. If you're unsure of its location, consult your home's plumbing diagram or contact a plumber.

Step-by-Step Guide to Turning Off Your Water

1. Gather Your Supplies: You'll need nothing more than a towel or rag.

2. Locate the Main Shut-Off Valve: Refer to the instructions above to find your main valve.

3. Turn the Valve: Slowly turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water supply. Wheel-shaped valves require a slow, firm turn. Lever valves typically require a 90-degree turn.

4. Check for Leaks: After turning off the water, carefully check all connections for any leaks. Wipe away any moisture with your towel.

5. Drain Your Pipes (Optional, but Recommended): For added protection, consider draining your pipes. This involves opening faucets and letting water drain out of the system. [Link to a separate article on how to drain pipes for winter]

6. Turn Off Your Water Heater: Remember to turn off the power or gas supply to your water heater to prevent overheating.

Turning the Water Back On

Once the threat of freezing temperatures has passed, you can safely restore your water supply. Simply reverse the steps above, turning the main shut-off valve counter-clockwise. Check for leaks again after turning the water back on.

When to Call a Plumber

If you encounter any problems locating your shut-off valve, have difficulty turning it, or notice any persistent leaks, don't hesitate to contact a qualified plumber. They possess the expertise to safely handle these situations.

Additional Winterization Tips

Insulate exposed pipes: Pipes located in unheated areas, such as attics or crawl spaces, should be insulated to prevent freezing.
Let faucets drip slightly: A slow drip of water can help prevent pipes from freezing.
Keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature: Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature, even when away from home, helps prevent freezing.

By following these steps and taking preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of costly plumbing damage this winter. Remember, prevention is key. Taking the time to winterize your home's plumbing is a worthwhile investment in protecting your property.