No Water in House: Quick UK Fixes You Can Try Now

It’s a moment of quiet panic: you turn on the tap, and… nothing. Before your mind races to worst-case scenarios and expensive plumbing bills, take a breath. Often, the reason for having no water in the house is surprisingly simple and something you can figure out yourself.

A few quick, logical checks are all it takes to narrow down whether this is a problem inside your home or something affecting the wider neighbourhood.

Your First Checks When the Taps Run Dry

That sinking feeling when the water stops is real, but a methodical approach is your best friend.

First, try a few different taps. Check the cold tap in the kitchen, then an upstairs bathroom. This simple test tells you if the problem is with your entire water supply or isolated to a specific area.

Next, have a quick word with a neighbour. It’s the fastest way to understand the scale of the problem. If their taps are dry too, it’s almost certainly an issue with the local water main.

If your neighbours have running water, the culprit is likely on your property. Your next move should be to check your water supplier's website. They usually have a status page where you can enter your postcode to see any reported issues or planned maintenance.

No reported problems online? Then it's time to check your internal stopcock. It might have been knocked or turned off by accident. If you’re not sure where to find it, our guide on how to turn off your water mains will show you where to look.

Immediate Action Checklist

This table breaks down the initial checks into a clear, step-by-step process.

By following these initial steps, you can quickly get a handle on the situation and decide whether it's a simple fix or if you need to call for backup.

Ruling Out Simple Internal Plumbing Issues

If you've confirmed your neighbours still have water, the problem is almost certainly inside your home. The good news is that the culprit is often something simple.

More often than not, it's an accidentally closed stopcock. This is the main valve that controls all the water flowing into your home.

Where To Find Your Stopcock

You'll usually find the stopcock under the kitchen sink, but it could also be in a utility cupboard or a downstairs loo. Once you've located it, check to make sure the valve is turned fully anti-clockwise – the open position. These valves can be stiff, so you might need to apply firm, steady pressure.

It's also worth looking for smaller isolation valves on the pipes leading to individual sinks or toilets. Make sure they are fully open.

If the issue is only with your hot water taps, the problem likely lies with your boiler or water heater. This resource on how to choose a water heater has some excellent tips.

How To Deal With Frozen Pipes In Cold Weather

During a UK cold snap, frozen pipes are a top reason you might have no water in the house. You can usually spot the signs easily: maybe only one tap has stopped working, or you’ve noticed frost on exposed pipework in the loft or garage.

Thawing Your Pipes Safely

The key is to thaw them gently to prevent a burst. Never use a blowtorch or any open flame. The sudden heat can cause the pipe to crack, turning a simple fix into a major leak.

Instead, try one of these safer methods:

• Use a hairdryer: Set it to low heat and move it back and forth along the frozen section.
• Try warm towels: Wrap the pipe in towels soaked in warm (not boiling) water.

Of course, prevention is always better than a cure. For long-term protection, you can explore our guide on how to prevent frozen pipes.

So you've checked everything inside, and there's still no water. At this point, the problem is likely outside your property.

What to Do About Water Company Outages

The quickest way to get information is by hopping onto your water company's website. They’ll have a section for service updates, showing any burst mains or emergency repairs affecting your postcode.

If you see water bubbling up from the pavement, don't assume someone else has reported it. Give your water company a call – you could help get the water back on for the whole neighbourhood much faster. The UK's water infrastructure is under increasing strain, with reports from the official government website and the future of UK water supplies on Sky News highlighting the challenges.

When You Need to Call an Emergency Plumber

Sometimes, you have to know when to call in the professionals. If you’ve run through all the checks and the taps are still dry, it’s time to get an expert on the phone.

The same goes if you suspect a hidden leak. Look for damp patches on walls or ceilings or the faint sound of running water when all taps are off. These are clear red flags.

One common mistake is trying to force a seized stopcock. Applying too much pressure can shear the valve, turning a no-water situation into a flood. Knowing when to stop is key. When you’ve exhausted your options, it’s time to find qualified tradesmen who can tackle the problem safely.

Your Questions Answered

When you’re left with no water, a million questions can race through your mind. Let’s tackle some of the most common queries.

How Long Can a UK Water Company Legally Leave You Without Water?

Water companies must restore your water within 12 hours of finding out about a major interruption. If they don’t, you’re usually entitled to compensation through the Guaranteed Standards Scheme (GSS), starting at £20 for the first 12 hours.

Could an Airlock Be the Reason for No Water in One Tap?

Absolutely. An airlock is a common culprit when just one tap – especially a hot one – stops working. It’s a pocket of air trapped in the pipework, creating a blockage. A classic giveaway is a strange sputtering or knocking sound from your pipes. While you might find DIY tricks online, calling a plumber is often the safest and fastest way to get it sorted.

What Should I Do to Prepare for a Planned Water Outage?

Your water company has to give you at least 48 hours' notice for any scheduled maintenance. Here’s how you can get ready:

• Fill the bathtub: This gives you a reserve of water for flushing toilets.
• Store drinking water: Put a few large bottles of tap water in the fridge.
• Get ahead on chores: Run the dishwasher and washing machine the day before.

If you've worked through all these checks and are still high and dry, or if you suspect a more serious problem like a leak, don't wait. Go Assist offers a 24/7 emergency plumbing service with fully vetted engineers ready to restore your water supply quickly and safely. Book your repair online and get things flowing again.