No Water in the House? Here’s What to Do Next

by Jessica Sawyer | Plumbing and Drainage

Having running water in the house is essential to many parts of our daily routine. It’s there for the dishes, the laundry, and it helps keep our bodies clean and hydrated throughout the day. So, when you’re suddenly finding that there’s no water in the house, the panic can set in fast. The last thing any homeowner wants to deal with is a water issue on their property!

Water issues can range from minor inconveniences to full-blown crises, and you just never know what you’re going to get until you start poking around. So, if you want your running water back in action as soon as possible, it’s worth starting an investigation.

In this blog post, we’re going to discuss what to do when there’s no water in the house. We’ll help you identify the cause of the problem, and give you some tips on preventing this from happening again in the future.

Why Is There No Water in the House?

Before you can fix the problem, you need to understand why it’s happening in the first place. Here are some of the most common sources of water problems in homes:

Leaking Pipes

Leaks can divert water away from where it’s supposed to go. But it can also cause the water pressure to drop, and even turn off your water supply entirely. So, if you’ve been noticing water marks on ceilings or walls, this could be a source of your problem.

Clogged Pipes

Clogs aren’t just for drains. A buildup of sediment or foreign objects deeper in your pipes can block water flow, leading to low pressure or no water at all.

Corroded Pipes

Over time, pipes can degrade, leading to poor water flow or blockages. This is especially true if you have galvanized steel pipes, as they can start to corrode after roughly 20 years.

Main Water Shutoff Valve or Water Meter Valve Aren’t Completely Open

Sometimes, the problem is as simple as the main water shutoff or meter valve not being fully open. When they’re not open all the way, it can cause a lack of water pressure.

Issue with Water Utility

In what may be an ideal situation, your missing water may have nothing to do with your home. Local water works might be carrying out repairs or maintenance that can temporarily disrupt your supply.

What to Do If There’s No Water in Your Home

Now, we can’t guarantee that the following steps are going to resolve your water issues entirely. But they can help you identify the cause and figure out what to do next.

1.  Check Other Taps

Start by checking if all taps in the house are affected. If it seems to only be occurring in one area, then the problem may not even be the pipes – it could be with the faucet itself. Check for any damaged parts, and look under the sink to make sure the valve is open to allow water through. But if everything faucet-related looks okay, it may be the pipes.

2. Compare Hot vs Cold Water

If only the hot water isn’t running, the issue might be with your heater or the pipes leading from it. You should inspect your water heater for any visible issues.

3. Check Your Water Meter and Main

As mentioned above, the problem could simply be that your water meter and main shutoff valve aren’t fully open. So check them out and open them up all the way if necessary.

4. Look for Signs of Leaks

You may think that you’d notice if there was a leak somewhere, but they can be silent culprits. It can help to take an up close and personal look at the pipes for any signs of dents, condensation, or dripping, and around your property for any unusual wet spots.

5. Consult with Neighbors

If you can’t find any obvious causes in your home, then it’s time to start contacting others. Speak with your neighbors to see if they’re experiencing the same issue. If they are, the problem might be with the municipal supply.

6. Contact Your Water Company

Hopefully, your water company will have some answers for you. If you call them up, they can inform you of any works or issues that may be affecting your water supply.

7. Call a Plumber

Finally, when in doubt, or if you’ve identified a problem but can’t fix it yourself, calling a licensed plumber is the best course of action. They have the experience, the tools, and the know-how to effectively tackle any plumbing-related issues that could be causing the lack of water in your home.

Tips for Avoiding the Problem of No Water in the House

Of course, you won’t be able to avoid every potential cause of no water in the house (it’s not like the water company is going to work around your schedule). But there are a few things you can do to help prevent some of the problems from happening again in the future.

Regular Maintenance Checks

It may not be the most exciting task on your to-do list, but regularly inspecting your plumbing system can help you identify potential issues before they escalate. Unless you have the expertise yourself, though, it may be worth hiring a professional to check your system annually.

Water Softeners

If sediment or mineral buildup is causing clogs in your pipes, then installing a water softener can help prolong the life of your pipes and improve water quality.

Upgrade Old Pipes

Do you know how old your pipes are? If it’s to the point where they’re corroding, then upgrading your piping system can be a worthwhile investment.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with no water in your house can be a frustrating experience, but approaching the situation calmly and methodically can help resolve it more quickly than you might think. By starting with some simple troubleshooting and moving through to more in-depth checks, you may just be able to identify and address the issue yourself. 

But in situations where you can’t find the cause and/or a DIY approach just won’t cut it, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals. After all, it’s better to address the problem correctly now than deal with a larger – and potentially more expensive – issue later on.

As long as you continue to stay informed and prepared, you’ll be well-equipped to handle whatever your pipes throw your way.

Need a hand addressing any water-related issues in your home? If so, we’d be happy to help! Click here to schedule a Water Pros Plumber online, or call (480) 459-4424 today.

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