How to Fix No Running Water in House?

What To Do When There Is No Running Water? Immediate Checks

No cold water in house on a warm day? Don’t panic. Take it step by step to figure out what’s going on.

Check All the Taps

Start by testing every tap in your home, both hot and cold. Check the kitchen, bathroom, and any other sinks you have. If some taps work while others don’t, it’s probably a localised plumbing issue and not a full system failure. That’ll help you decide whether you need a quick fix or a more thorough check by a plumbing engineer.

Ask Your Neighbours

Next, reach out to your neighbours. Are they having the same problem? If multiple homes are affected, it’s likely an issue with your local water utility, not your plumbing. In places like London, this could mean a burst water main, scheduled maintenance, or a larger supply issue.

Contact Your Water Utility

If neighbours confirm it’s a wider issue, get in touch with your water provider, like Thames Water. Most providers have handy outage maps and updates on their websites, so you can check for service interruptions or maintenance. They’ll usually give you an estimate of when service will be restored, so you can plan accordingly.

Check for Big Leaks

If it’s just your home having no water coming from taps, inspect for water leaks. Look under sinks, near the boiler, around the water cylinder, or in the basement, anywhere pipes are concentrated. A major leak can drop water pressure across your house and cause some serious damage. If you find one, shut off your mains water supply and call an emergency plumber right away.

Taking a calm, methodical approach will save you time and stress when you’re dealing with an issue like no running water in house.

Why Has My Water Stopped Running? Potential Causes Fixes

If you’re dealing with an issue like water not working in house and external factors aren’t the cause, it’s time to check what’s going on with your plumbing. Here are some simple steps to help you get things flowing again:

Check the Stopcock

Start with your internal stopcock. It’s usually under the kitchen sink or where the mains water enters your home. Make sure it’s fully open by turning it anti-clockwise. If it’s partially closed, reopening it can instantly restore your water pressure.

Look at the External Stop Valve

Your external stop valve is usually located in a covered pit near your property boundary, marked ‘Water.’ Carefully open the cover and turn the valve anti-clockwise. If it wasn’t fully open, this should improve your water flow right away.

Check for Frozen Pipes

In colder weather, frozen pipes can completely block your water flow. A common culprit is your boiler’s external condensate pipe. Pour some warm (not boiling!) water over it to melt the ice and get your water and heating back to normal. Read our blog to understand the causes and fixes for frozen condensate pipes.

Tackle Clogged Pipes

Blocked pipes from limescale, debris, or mineral buildup can also lead to scenarios where you have to wonder, “Why is there no water in my house. Regular professional cleaning, like high-pressure jetting or chemical treatments, can clear things up and keep future clogs at bay.

Partially Closed Water Meter Valve

If you’ve recently had renovations or maintenance done, your water meter valve might have been left partially closed. Get in touch with your water utility company to check as adjusting it yourself might not be allowed, so best to leave it to the pros.

Don’t miss our blog, What to Do If You Suspect a Water Meter Leak, a simple guide to protect your home and save water.

Inspect Your Cold Water Cistern

If your home has a gravity-fed system, a stuck ball valve in the cold water cistern could be the issue. Lift the float arm to free it, and clear out any debris from the valve. This should get the tank refilling and restore your water pressure.

By running through these checks, you’ll hopefully have issues like no water coming out taps fixed in no time!

More Complex Plumbing Issues

Advanced water supply issues can be tricky, but getting them diagnosed and repaired by a professional is key to avoiding property damage and ensuring your water supply stays safe and reliable.

Water Supply Problems

Complicated issues like corroded pipes or damaged connections need expert attention. Using advanced tools, professional plumbers can pinpoint the problem, saving you from unnecessary digging and getting your water running safely and reliably again.

Old or Clogged Pipes

If your London home has older pipes, they might be corroded or clogged, which can lower water pressure and quality and can also lead to no running water in house. Upgrading to modern copper or plastic pipes is a smart move for long-term reliability. A professional plumber will assess your system and recommend cost-effective upgrades with minimal hassle.

Faulty Individual Valves

Sometimes, partially closed isolation valves restrict water flow, and these little culprits are often hidden in hard-to-reach spots. A professional plumber knows exactly where to look and can fix or replace these valves to get your water flowing smoothly again.

Pressure Regulator Issues

A faulty pressure regulator can cause all sorts of headaches, from no running water to damaged pipes. Expert plumbers can replace and fine-tune these devices, giving you consistent water pressure while protecting your plumbing and appliances from future problems.

Let the professionals handle the tough stuff so you can enjoy a hassle-free water supply!

How do I Prevent Future Water Issues?

Want to avoid water issues like water not running in house? Regular maintenance is the way to go!

• Keep an eye on your plumbing. Look out for leaks, corrosion, or blockages.
• Book a check-up with a licensed plumber once a year to make sure everything’s working as it should.
• Wrap up those exposed pipes to stop them from freezing during London’s chilly winters.
• Consider installing a water pressure regulator to keep the flow steady and protect your pipes.
• Use drain strainers to catch debris and skip pouring grease or food waste down the sink.
• Make sure your stopcock is easy to access and works properly in case of an emergency.

Staying on top of these simple steps can save you from the stress (and cost!) of no running water problems down the line.

In the meantime, you can check out our blog that explains ‘Why Is My Toilet Water Running.’

Serviceteam: Your London Plumbing Experts

Serviceteam is here to take care of all your plumbing needs across London. Whether it’s a quick tap repair or a full system replacement, our skilled team has you covered with fair pricing and work you can count on.

We keep things simple with clear pricing with no hidden surprises. Plus, our insurance has you and our team covered throughout the entire process. With Serviceteam, you can relax knowing your plumbing problems are sorted quickly and professionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my water not working?

It could be due to local maintenance, a burst pipe, or a supply problem. The first step? Check with Thames Water for updates. Still no luck? It might be time to call a plumber to take a look.

Do you have to work if there is no running water?

In London, workplaces need to have running water for hygiene. If there’s a water issue, talk to your employer about temporary solutions. If it lasts too long, your employer might need to send you home or move you to a different site.

How long do water outages last?

Water companies like Thames Water usually try to fix outages within 24 hours, but bigger issues might take longer. Keep an eye on their website or give them a call to get the latest updates on what’s happening in your area.

What if only one faucet has no water?

If just one tap’s not working, it’s probably a plumbing issue inside your home. It could be a clogged pipe, a broken tap, or a valve problem. A local plumber will be able to sort it out for you.