What To Do When Water Stops Running in Your House

A man holding an empty glass under a kitchen faucet that has no running water
What To Do When Water Stops Running in Your House

When water stops running in your house, it can cause immediate concern and a whirlwind of questions — What about the dishes? What about your shower? What about your morning cup of coffee? It’s, without a doubt, one of the most frustrating plumbing problems you can experience. And because it can interrupt so many daily activities, it’s important to understand why the problem occurs in the first place and what you should do when water no longer runs through the taps in your home.

Here at Skagit Plumbing, we’re dedicated to helping you resolve such issues promptly and efficiently. Whether the cause is a burst and frozen pipe or a deeper issue within your plumbing system, our professional local plumbers are equipped to handle any situation. So, find out why your home no longer has any water and call our team for help!

Check Your Main Shut-Off Valve

The first step in diagnosing a no-water issue is to check your main shut-off valve. It’s possible that it was turned off accidentally or during a recent service visit and not turned back on.

Where can you find the main shut-off valve? It is often located near the water meter. Ensure that the valve is in the “open” position to allow water to flow into your home.

Inspect the Water Meter and Pressure Gauge

Next, take a look at your water meter and pressure gauge. These tools can help you determine if there’s water flowing into your property or if the water pressure is lower than usual. A non-moving water meter or a pressure gauge showing no pressure could indicate that the water supply from the water company is disrupted or there are issues within your own plumbing system.

Assess the Entire House

Check all taps in your house, both hot and cold water taps, to see if the issue is isolated to one area or affecting the entire house. If only one area is without water, the problem might be localized to a specific part of your plumbing. This could be due to frozen pipes, especially in colder weather, or a localized shut-off valve that’s been turned off.

Evaluate Your Plumbing System

If your entire house suddenly has no water, consider whether there’s been a sudden drop in temperature that could cause frozen pipes or if there have been any recent changes to your plumbing system. This includes new installations or repairs that might have affected your water supply.

Check for Signs of Frozen Pipes

During cold spells, frozen pipes can be a common cause of losing access to water in your home. Look for visible signs of freezing on exposed pipes, such as a buildup of frost or ice. Frozen pipes need to be thawed carefully to restore water flow and prevent them from bursting.

Ask Your Neighbors if They’re Having the Same Issue

If you experience a sudden loss of water in your home, it’s a good idea to check with your neighbors to see if they are facing the same issue. This can help determine whether the problem is isolated to your property or is a wider issue affecting the local area. Knowing this can guide your next steps, whether that means calling a plumber for a house-specific problem or contacting the water company if it’s a neighborhood-wide outage.

Consider Other Factors

  • Well Pump: If you rely on a well, check your well pump and pressure tank. Ensure the pump is operating and producing water, and check the pressure tank for normal pressure levels.
  • Pressure Regulator: Homes with a pressure regulator may find that this device is impacting water flow and pressure throughout your home.
  • Water Heater: If you have no hot water in your home but can get cold water, the issue might be isolated to your water heater.

Call a Professional Plumber

If, after these checks, you still cannot diagnose or resolve the issue, it’s time to call a plumber. Plumbing problems can be complex, and professional intervention may be required to get your water system back to normal.

Invest in Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your plumbing fixtures and system can prevent many common issues that result in no water flowing through your home. Scheduling routine checks with a plumber can help catch and fix problems before they lead to a disruption in your water supply.

Contact Skagit Plumbing for Reliable Water Line Solutions

At Skagit Plumbing, we offer comprehensive plumbing services to tackle everything from minor issues to major emergencies, including burst and frozen pipe repair. If you’re dealing with no running water or other plumbing issues, don’t hesitate to contact us. We provide emergency services to address your needs at any time and will make sure your water system is functioning correctly and efficiently.

For assistance with burst pipes, frozen pipes, or any other plumbing needs in Mount Vernon, WA, and the surrounding areas, reach out to Skagit Plumbing. Let us bring water back to your taps and comfort back to your home.