# Water Shutoffs and Plumbing Fixes

Part of the Home Repairs Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/home-repairs/guide/index.md)

*5. Plumbing Basics*

> **5.** Under the supervision of your parent, guardian, or counselor, locate and know how to turn off the main water source, including well pumps, and do TWO of the following:

This requirement begins with the most important plumbing skill of all: knowing how to stop water quickly. After that, you choose exactly **two** plumbing repairs. Some focus on clogs, some on leaks, and some on fixtures, but they all build the same habit — act early before water damage grows.

## This Requirement Covers Two Parts

- **Part one:** locate and understand the main water shutoff, including well pump shutdown if your home uses one.
- **Part two:** choose two plumbing repair options from 5a through 5e.

## Why the Main Shutoff Matters

A leaking hose can waste water. A failed supply line can flood a room. Knowing how to turn off the main supply can save floors, cabinets, drywall, and a lot of cleanup time.

Video: [Two Methods to Turn Off Your Homes Water Supply (video)](https://youtu.be/aDkaq8RKFAc?si=pLStQ8VDEfPAyLUX)

Video: [Main Water Shutoff Valve for Private Pumps and Wells (video)](https://youtu.be/QKUWWgr2kcQ)

Video: [How to Shut Off the Water Main to Your Home (video)](https://youtu.be/4RhYOAygA7I?si=FQPSokR-DPv43nQz)

These resources are valuable because they show that not every home is set up the same way. Municipal water systems, basement shutoffs, curb-side shutoffs, and private wells all change where the key controls are.

![Visual comparison of common main water shutoff setups for municipal water, curb shutoff access, and private well systems](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-800/mbu-assets/merit-badges/home-repairs/guide/main-water-shutoff-types?v=77e9caaf)

## Your Repair Options

- **[Req 5a — Clearing a Drain or Trap](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/home-repairs/guide/req5a/)**: Remove a clog or clean a trap. You will learn flow paths and why blockages form.
- **[Req 5b — Fixing a Leaky Faucet](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/home-repairs/guide/req5b/)**: Stop a drip by repairing faucet parts. You will learn how small worn components create constant waste.
- **[Req 5c — Repairing a Toilet](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/home-repairs/guide/req5c/)**: Fix a common flush or running problem. You will learn how simple tank parts control the whole system.
- **[Req 5d — Repairing a Hose or Connector](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/home-repairs/guide/req5d/)**: Stop leaks at a hose or fitting. You will learn seals, washers, and connection care.
- **[Req 5e — Cleaning or Replacing a Sprinkler Head](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/home-repairs/guide/req5e/)**: Restore proper spray and coverage outdoors. You will learn how debris and wear affect irrigation.

## How to Choose Your Two

**Choosing Your Plumbing Options** — Pick the projects that match real needs at home

- [ ] **Best starter repair:** Req 5d. Hose repairs are easy to understand and show quick results.
- [ ] **Best indoor maintenance project:** Req 5a or Req 5b. Good for learning how water systems behave inside the home.
- [ ] **Best system-understanding project:** Req 5c. Toilets show how several simple parts work together.
- [ ] **Best outdoor water-use project:** Req 5e. Great if your home has an irrigation system.
- [ ] **What you will gain:** These repairs train you to locate shutoffs, work neatly around water, and solve small problems before they become bigger leaks.

> **Tip**
>
> Before choosing, walk through the house and yard with your supervising adult and identify the real shutoff points: main valve, fixture shutoffs, hose bib, and irrigation controls if present. That quick tour will make every plumbing repair easier.

Now begin with drains and traps, where the goal is to understand how water flow gets blocked and how to restore it safely.

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- Previous: [Replacing an Outlet](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/home-repairs/guide/req4d/index.md)
- Next: [Clearing a Drain or Trap](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/home-repairs/guide/req5a/index.md)