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Shut Off Water and Drain Lines — Shut Off the Outdoor Faucet's Water Supply

Beginner2 hours

Part of project

Fix a Leaky Outdoor Faucet: Water Intake Repair Guide · Step 1 of 6

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In this video

Go to the main water shut-off valve for the building and turn the lever to the off position. Then, open the lowest outdoor spigot, such as a hose bib, to relieve pressure and drain water from the lines. Go inside and open nearby faucets, like the sink and tub, to help drain the system as much as possible.

Goal: Prepare for plumbing work

Used in this video

  • Main Water Shut-Off Valve (Tool Type: Valve) — Shutting off the water supply to the entire building.
  • Hose Bib (Tool Type: Faucet) — Draining water from the outdoor pipes.
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FAQs

What if my outdoor faucet is leaking from the handle or spout, not the intake connection?

This guide specifically addresses leaks at the supply pipe connection (the intake). Leaks from the handle or spout usually indicate worn-out internal components like a packing nut or washer, which require a different repair process. You'd likely need to replace specific internal parts, not just reseal the threads on the supply pipe.

Why is it important to use two wrenches when disconnecting the supply pipe?

Using two wrenches—one to hold the existing pipe steady and the other to turn the faucet—prevents twisting and damaging your home's main water supply pipes. Twisting can lead to a larger, more serious leak inside your wall or foundation, making this a critical safety step.

Can I use pipe dope instead of or in addition to Teflon tape for sealing the threads?

Yes, you can use pipe dope in addition to Teflon tape for an extra layer of sealing security, especially for outdoor connections. Apply 4-6 wraps of Teflon tape clockwise to the male threads first, then a thin layer of pipe dope over it. While pipe dope alone can work, the combination offers superior leak prevention for threaded connections.

I've reconnected everything, but the intake connection is still leaking slightly. What should I do?

First, ensure the water supply is completely off again. The most common issues are insufficient Teflon tape, incorrect application (not clockwise), or damaged threads. Disassemble, clean threads thoroughly with a wire brush, apply 4-6 wraps of Teflon tape clockwise, and ensure the connection is tightened firmly but without overtightening. Inspect the threads for pitting or major damage.

Transcript
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So to replace the angle stop, the first thing we have to do is turn off the water. So here we are going to turn off the water. Do-do-do-do. We're going to find here in the bushes. There it is. Let's turn off this lever. Once you turn off that lever carefully, you open up the hose bib there and drain the lines. In a moment, we're going to go inside and drain the lines in there as well. So inside, we're going to open up all the faucets and stuff that we can, so we can drain as much water out. All the water is going to drain to the lowest point, so since the angle stop for a toilet is typically very low, we want to drain it as much as possible before we remove the

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