Step 2 · Shut Off Water and Drain the Pipes

This is the step people usually slow down on. Go finger-tight first, then a quarter turn. No rush — replay the clip whenever it helps.

Before starting any work, shut off the water to the entire house. Locate your main water shutoff valve, which is typically found in a basement, crawl space, or utility room near where the water service enters the house. Turn the valve handle clockwise until it is fully closed. Next, relieve the pressure in the pipes by opening a faucet at the highest point of your house (like a second-floor shower) and the lowest point (like a basement utility sink). Let the water drain out until it stops. Place a bucket and have some towels ready under the section of pipe you will be working on to catch any residual water.