The wheels are called gate valves while the levers are called ball valves. Some older houses may not have supply shut-off valves for appliances and sinks. In this case, you will need to turn on the water at the main valve.
You should be able to turn the valve with your hands, but if that is difficult, you can use a wrench to help you.
If you live in a colder climate, the meter may be inside, either in a basement, utility closet, or near the water heater. To open the grate, you can simply reach down and pick it up. If this is hard to do, insert a wrench in the key hole. Turn it and lift up to remove the grate.
In newer homes, there may be 2 valves, 1 on either side of the water meter. In this case, use the valve closest to your house, which will be a gate (or wheel-shaped) valve. You can turn this by hand. In older homes, there will be just 1 valve. It will have a notched top that is perpendicular to the pipe. You will need a water key to turn this valve. You can get one at a hardware store. [11] X Research source
If the valve is wheel-shaped, you can turn it with your hands or with a wrench. If it has a notched top, use a water key by holding the T-shaped side. Place the other side on top of the notch and turn. If the valve won’t turn, don’t force it. Instead, call a plumber to help. Forcing the valve can cause a leak.
If you have a wheel-shaped gate valve at the bottom of your water pump, do not turn this to the on position. Leave it closed.
If the water doesn’t start running, call a plumber.
If your water is drawn from a well, you do not need to contact the water company.
Many water companies allow you to turn the water on using an online form.
Unpaid bills. You may be asked to pay your water bill and extra late fees. Neighborhood or city leak. You will have to wait until the leak is fixed. A broken valve. They may send someone to inspect your valve or suggest that you hire a plumber. If the valve is broken, the city must fix it.
You only need permission if you are turning on water for the entire house or property. Appliance supply valves can be turned on or off at your leisure.
If you would like, you can remove the aerators from your sinks to prevent mineral build-up when the water starts.
Water valves are usually located near the street beneath a grate. If there are 2 valves, use the one closest to your house. If you can’t turn the valve by hand, you may need a wrench or a water key. Do not turn the valve on all at once. This could flood your pipes and cause a leak.
If you notice a leak, call a plumber for repairs.
