Quick Answer:
If someone bumped the main or meter valve and water to the whole house is low or off, the valve is probably partially closed. Physically check the valve positions, then reopen the house shutoff slowly while a faucet is open to let air and trapped water escape. Confirm the handle actually turns the valve and isn’t just spinning. If the valve keeps getting bumped, label it and fit a stop collar or guard to prevent future disturbances. For related pressure problems, see Loss of pressure after new appliance install and Pressure slowly builds then collapses.
Why This Happens
Main shutoff and meter valves sit in traffic areas—basements, garages, or utility rooms—and a bump can move a lever or wheel a fraction of a turn. A partial closure reduces flow to every faucet and can introduce air into the pipes. That air causes sputtering, banging, and uneven pressure until you reopen the valve and let the line bleed. Valves that are old, corroded, or have a stripped stem may respond poorly to bumping and can begin to fail.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Recognize the symptoms
- Whole-house low pressure, sputtering faucets, or no water at all after someone was near the meter or shutoff.
- Visible valve handle not aligned as it normally is (lever turned partway, wheel not fully open).
2. Locate and inspect the main and meter valves
- Find the house-side shutoff (near the meter or where service enters the home) and the meter valve if accessible.
- Visually note the handle positions and whether they look partway turned. Check that the handle isn’t loose or spinning freely when nudged.
3. Prepare to reopen slowly
- Open a faucet inside the house (a sink or tub) to allow air and trapped water to escape as you reopen the valve. This reduces sputtering and water hammer.
- Stand in a dry area and have towels ready in case a leak appears.
4. Reopen the valve slowly
- Turn the valve back toward the open position slowly—small, controlled movements rather than a rapid spin. For lever valves, rotate gently until the lever aligns with the pipe; for wheel valves, turn a few degrees at a time until you can feel flow restoring.
- Watch the open faucet; once water runs steady and air is gone, you can finish opening the valve fully.
5. Confirm the handle isn’t stripped or spinning
- If the handle turns but the valve doesn’t move, stop—this indicates a stripped stem or internal failure. Avoid forcing it.
- Mark the valve position with a pencil or tag so you can tell if it moves again.
6. Prevent future accidental closures
- Label the shutoff clearly so household members know to avoid it.
- If the valve is in a high-traffic spot, install a stop collar, guard, or small protective plate to keep it from being bumped.
What Not to Do
- Don’t reef on the handle—stripped stems and snapped valves turn a small mistake into an emergency.
- Don’t use excessive leverage or cheater bars on a stuck valve; you can break the stem or fitting.
- Don’t ignore a dripping or leaking meter connection after adjusting the valve—leaks can worsen quickly.
When to Call a Professional
- If the valve won’t move or the handle spins without operating the valve, call a plumber—the stem may be stripped or corroded.
- If you see active leaks at the meter, service line, or valve after adjustment.
- If the shutoff is on the utility side and the meter assembly is damaged—your water utility or a licensed plumber should handle it.
- If you’re uncomfortable working near the meter or don’t have a safe way to control potential flooding.
Safety Notes
- If a leak starts while you’re working, shut the valve back toward off to limit damage and call a plumber.
- Keep electrical devices and outlets away from pooled water; stop work and cut power if flooding threatens electrical panels.
- Do not try to repair a cracked meter or service tee yourself—those are utility-owned in many areas and require professional repair.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Q: Why is the water sputtering after I reopened the valve?
A: Air trapped in the lines causes sputtering; running an open faucet until flow is steady clears it. - Q: Can I fully open the valve quickly to save time?
A: No—open slowly to avoid water hammer and to let air escape gradually. - Q: What if the valve is stuck or broken when I try to turn it?
A: Stop and call a plumber; forcing a stuck valve can break the stem or fittings and cause a larger failure.