Call your utility first
Likely a problem on the utility's side
If your neighbors have no water either, the cause may be a water main break and not your pipes. Call your water utility.
Why this happens
The Philadelphia Water Department says to ask a neighbor first. If the neighbor has no water, it may be a water main break, and if the neighbor has running water, your pipes have probably frozen. Protect Your Pipes gives the same test and says to call your water utility's customer service line if you suspect a pipe burst in your neighborhood.
What to do right now
- Call your water utility's customer service line and tell them your neighbors are out too. The number is usually on your water bill or the utility's website.
- Give them your address and the time the water stopped.
- Keep an eye out for leaks as temperatures rise. Travelers says to watch and listen for signs of leaks once it is above freezing.
- If a neighbor turns out to have water and you do not, the Philadelphia Water Department says your own pipes have probably frozen. Start this checker again and choose the option where every tap is dry.
When to stop. If you see water leaking or pooling inside your home, close the main shutoff only if it turns easily by hand, keep clear of standing water near anything electrical, and call a licensed plumber. Never force a stuck shutoff.
What to tell the utility and the plumber
- Your address, and that neighbors also have no water.
- When the water stopped.
- Whether you have seen any leaks or wet spots at your meter or inside your home.
Build the full list: what to tell the plumber.
Start this troubleshooter over
FourHome is our sister brand. Browse all FourHome replacement faucet and shower parts on the FourHome Amazon store. We earn from purchases made through this link.