When it comes to major plumbing emergencies, one of the biggest and most likely to cause a homeowner to panic is when there’s no water from any of the faucets or taps. Running water is a necessity for modern daily life, so if you run into a “no water” situation, you’ll want to find out what’s wrong and have it corrected, quickly.
We’ll look at several of the most common reasons for having no running water in your house and what you can do about them. If you need to call for 24-hour plumbing in Skokie, IL, our team is standing by to help you. We’re experts when it comes to handling all types of plumbing emergencies.
An issue with the utility company
One of the first steps to take when you don’t have water in your home is to check with your local water company. There might be an issue with your billing, and it may not necessarily be your fault. Accidental water shut-offs due to system glitches or other mistakes happen more often than we’d like to think! Call the utility company to learn if there is a problem with your account or if the water company has had to temporarily shut off water service to an area.
Another way to find out if there’s a general issue with the local water company is to call your neighbors. If they’re also experiencing a loss of water, then you’ll know there’s an external problem. The utility company should be able to tell you when service will be restored.
Stuck water main valve
Do you know where the shut-off valve for the water main to your house is located? This valve is useful for shutting off water in an emergency or when plumbers need to perform repairs or maintenance. Sometimes, this valve can become stuck and stops all water flow to the house. In our area, the water shut-off valve is usually located in the basement next to the water meter. Check to see if the valve is all the way open. If you see water leaking from the valve, call emergency plumbers right away.
Clogged water main
The water main that carries fresh water from the municipal system into your home can become fully clogged and deprive you of water. This is most frequent in old pipes that have picked up mineral deposits from hard water (a common issue in Chicagoland) or which have started to corrode. Sludge and grime can also lead to blockages. Depending on what’s creating the clog, you’ll either need to have the line professionally cleaned or have it replaced. For water mains more than 50 years old, a replacement is the superior option. Either way, call for professional plumbers.
Frozen pipes
A major problem in winter, frozen pipes can sometimes bring a full halt to water flow throughout your house. If you do have frozen pipes, please don’t attempt to thaw them out on your own, as this can often make the pipes burst. You definitely need the assistance of professionals to thaw and fix frozen pipes.
For expert plumbing service, installations, or maintenance contact Reliance Plumbing Sewer & Drainage, Inc. Our knowledgeable plumbers serve the North Shore and Northwest Chicago suburbs. Rely on Reliance!