Turning on your outside water valve, often called a hose bib or spigot, is a straightforward process typically done seasonally, like in the spring. It involves locating the specific shut-off valve for the outdoor faucet and operating it correctly.
Here's how to turn on your outside water valve:
Steps to Restore Outdoor Water Access
According to the provided reference video snippet, the process involves a few key steps after preparing the outdoor faucet itself.
- Remove the Faucet Protector: If you used a protector or insulator during the colder months, the first step is to remove it from the outside faucet (hose bib). Save it for future use.
- Ensure Hose Bib is Closed: Before turning on the water supply, double-check that the outdoor faucet handle itself is in the fully closed position. This prevents immediate flooding or leaks when the main supply valve is opened.
- Locate the Shut-Off Valve: The critical step is finding the dedicated shut-off valve for the outside water line. This valve is usually located inside your home, often in the basement, crawl space, or near where the outdoor faucet penetrates the wall.
- Turn the Shut-Off Valve: Once located, operate this valve to turn the water supply back on.
How to Operate the Shut-Off Valve
The method for turning the valve depends on the type of valve you have:
- Ball Valve: These valves typically have a lever handle. The water is on when the handle is parallel to the pipe and off when it is perpendicular. To turn the water on, ensure the handle is parallel to the pipe.
- Gate or Globe Valve: These older style valves have a round handle that you turn clockwise or counterclockwise. Turning the handle counterclockwise typically opens the valve (water on), while turning it clockwise closes it (water off).
Important Tip: Turn the shut-off valve slowly to avoid startling the pipes or causing water hammer.
After turning the internal shut-off valve, you should now have water supply restored to your outside faucet. You can test this by slowly opening the outdoor hose bib.
Checking for Leaks
After turning the water on, it's a good idea to check for any leaks:
- Inspect the internal shut-off valve for drips.
- Check the connection point where the pipe goes through the wall.
- Examine the outside faucet itself for any leaks from the handle or spout.
If you find any leaks, you may need to tighten connections or repair/replace the valve or faucet.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively turn on your outside water valve for the season.
