No water in the house: what to check first
When no faucet in the house has water, the cause is usually outside the fixtures: a utility outage or shutoff, a closed main valve, a frozen supply line, a failed well pump or a broken main. Check whether neighbors have water, then the main valve. If you see water pooling or suspect a break or a frozen pipe, call 833-877-1717 to request an independent plumber.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 14, 2026 · Review standards
Step 1: Is it just you, or the whole street?
Ask a neighbor or check your water utility’s website, social media or outage line. Utilities shut water off for main breaks and repairs, and they sometimes post boil-water notices when service returns.
- Neighbors are out too: it is a utility issue. Wait for the utility’s update and follow any boil-water notice.
- Only your property is out: the problem is likely on your side of the meter. Keep going.
- Unpaid bill or account change: utilities can shut off service at the meter. Check your account.
Step 2: Check the main shutoff valve
The main valve is usually where the water line enters the house: in a basement, crawl space, garage, utility closet or near the water heater. In warm climates it may be outside near the foundation.
- A gate valve (round handle) is open when turned fully counterclockwise. A ball valve (lever) is open when the lever lines up with the pipe.
- If someone recently worked on the plumbing, the valve may have been left closed or partly closed.
- Do not force a stuck valve. Old valves can break. If it will not turn, call a plumber.
Step 3: In freezing weather, suspect a frozen pipe
If temperatures dropped below freezing and water stopped, a supply pipe may be frozen, often where it runs through an exterior wall, crawl space, garage or attic.
- Leave a faucet open so water can flow as the ice melts.
- Never use an open flame or torch on a pipe.
- Watch for wet drywall, dripping or pooling once it thaws. Frozen pipes often split. If one bursts, shut the main valve and see burst pipe repair or frozen pipe repair.
Step 4: If you have a well
Private wells depend on a pump, a pressure tank and electricity. Check the breaker for the well pump and whether the pressure gauge near the tank reads zero.
- A tripped breaker that trips again when reset needs an electrician or well contractor. Do not keep resetting it.
- No water after a power outage usually returns with power. If it does not, the pump or pressure switch may have failed.
- Water that comes back cloudy or discolored after work on the well should be tested before drinking. EPA’s private well guidance explains testing.
Signs of a main line break
A broken service line between the meter and the house can stop water to the house while water collects outside.
- Soggy ground, pooling water or a sinkhole along the path from the street to the house.
- The water meter spinning even though nothing inside is running.
- Low or no pressure at every fixture.
A main line on your property is usually the owner’s responsibility. See main water line repair, and call 833-877-1717 to request an independent plumber.
What to tell the plumber
- Whether neighbors have water and what the utility said.
- Whether the main valve is open and whether it turns.
- Recent weather, especially freezing temperatures.
- City water or a well, and whether the power is on.
- Any pooling water, wet walls, sounds of running water or a spinning meter.
How RepairNowUSA can help
Call 833-877-1717 and describe what is happening and the property ZIP code. RepairNowUSA looks for a participating independent provider for that kind of work in your area and connects you if one is available. The provider confirms timing, scope and price with you and does the work. Availability and response times vary and are not guaranteed.
Call 833-877-1717Common questions
Why is there no water in my house but my neighbors have water?
The problem is likely on your property: a closed main valve, a frozen or broken supply line, a well problem, or a shutoff at your meter. Check the main valve first.
Can a frozen pipe stop all the water in the house?
Yes, if the frozen section is on the main supply line before it branches. Leave a faucet open and never use an open flame to thaw it.
Who fixes a broken water line in the yard?
The utility usually handles the line and meter up to its connection point. The line from there to the house is usually the owner’s responsibility and needs a plumber.
My well has no water after a power outage. What should I do?
Wait for power to return and check the well pump breaker. If water does not come back, the pump, pressure switch or wiring may need a well contractor or electrician.
Is it safe to drink the water when it comes back?
Follow any boil-water notice from your utility. For wells, test the water if it looks or smells different after repairs.
Can I call at night?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time. Whether a provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.