How to Turn Water Back On After Draining Pipes Step by Step

First, locate the main shut-off valve, which is usually found near the water meter. This valve controls the water supply to your entire house.

Next, check if the valve is already turned off, as indicated by a clockwise position. If it's already off, you'll need to turn it counterclockwise to restore water supply.

To ensure the valve is turned counterclockwise, it's a good idea to use a wrench or pliers for extra grip. This will make it easier to turn the valve without stripping the threads.

Now, slowly turn the valve counterclockwise until you feel resistance, then turn it a bit further until you hear the sound of water flowing.

Before you start the process, make sure you have a plan in place to prevent any further damage to your pipes. This includes turning off the main water shut-off valve, which is usually located near the water meter or where the water line enters your home.

You'll also need to shut off the power to your home's electrical system, as water and electricity can be a deadly combination. This is crucial when working with water pipes.

First, locate the main shut-off valve and turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply. This valve is typically a large handle or lever that controls the flow of water into your home.

Next, you'll need to drain any remaining water from the pipes by opening the lowest drain valve on the system. This will help prevent any water from flowing back into the pipes when you turn the water back on.

It's also a good idea to inspect your pipes for any signs of damage or wear, especially if you're dealing with older pipes. This can help you identify any potential issues before you turn the water back on.

Make sure you have a bucket or container ready to catch any water that may still be in the pipes when you turn the water back on. This will help prevent any water from spilling out and making a mess.

First, locate the main electrical switches for your well pump, which are usually located near the pump and at the main electrical breaker. Make sure they're switched off.

The main water valve is typically located outside your home, often at the front, side, or back, and is usually housed in a grate in the ground. You may need to lift up the grate to find it.

To turn the main water valve on, slowly turn it counterclockwise, making ¼ of a rotation at a time, and pause for 20 seconds to listen for water filling the pipes. This helps prevent damaging or bursting your pipes.

Before turning the water back on, close all faucets and sinks except for one, to help equalize the pressure when you turn the water back on. This is a good idea to leave one sink or faucet on to help with this process.

If you have a ball valve, turn the lever so it's parallel with the pipe to turn it on. If you're dealing with a gate valve, it may take 2 to 4 full turns to turn it on.

Here's a quick checklist to follow:

Locate the supply shut-off valve near the appliance or fixture, usually a wheel or lever attached to the pipe running out of the appliance.

Professional plumber David Balkan explains that almost every plumbing fixture has its own dedicated valves, so you may need to locate multiple valves.

Turn the supply valve counterclockwise, but avoid forcing the valve open, as this can cause the pipe to crack, burst, or leak.

If you're dealing with a gate valve, it may take 2 to 4 full turns before you turn it on.

For well water systems, turn the upper valve on the water pump, which may have a ball valve that needs to be turned parallel with the pipe.

Locate the well's electrical switches, which are usually shut off at the same time as the water itself.

Flip the electrical switches on, but make sure there is no standing water under or around you, as this can lead to electrical shock.

For outdoor water sources, the valve should have been turned off in the late fall before the first hard freeze, and the water should have been blown out from your sprinklers and other outdoor pipes.

Tighten (close) the wheel/valve on the spigot(s) before turning on the water, and locate your water shutoff valve inside your house.

Open the valve to allow water to flow to the spigot, and if you have loosened the bleeder valves, tighten them now to help prevent leaks.

Close all faucets and sinks except for one to help equalize the pressure when you turn the water back on.

Leave one sink or faucet on to help equalize the pressure, and turn every other faucet all the way off in and around your home.

Locate your shut-off valve outside your home, usually housed in a grate in the ground, and identify the water valve with 1 or more turn handles.

Slowly turn the valve counterclockwise, ¼ of the way at a time, pausing for 20 seconds to listen for water filling the pipes.

Allow all faucets and spigots inside and outside the home to remain open from one-quarter to one-third of the way to help the water pressure equalize.

Here's a summary of the steps to reactivate your water supply: