Quick answer
When no faucet has water, check for a utility outage or main break first, then make sure the main shutoff is fully open, then look at the meter: a dial spinning with every tap closed means water is escaping between the meter and the house or inside. On a well, check the pump breaker. On a cold morning, a frozen pipe is the usual cause. HomeAdvisor puts a main line leak repair at $354–$1,696. Call (888) 217-6781 to reach a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed November 4, 2026· Next review May 2027
When no water comes out of any faucet, the cause is either outside the house (the utility, a main break, a well pump) or at the point where water enters it: a closed main valve, a frozen pipe or a broken supply line. If only some fixtures are dry, the problem is inside, closer to them.
All Faucets or Some?
| What you notice | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| No water anywhere, neighbors also out | Utility outage or a water main break |
| No water anywhere, neighbors fine | Main shutoff closed, a frozen or broken supply line, or (on a well) the pump |
| Only hot water is out | Water heater supply valve closed, or the heater itself |
| One fixture is dry | Its shutoff valve, a clogged aerator or cartridge |
| No water on a cold morning | A frozen pipe, usually in an outside wall, crawlspace or garage |
Check These First
- 1Ask a neighbor or check the utility's website or social feed for outages and main breaks.
- 2Check the main shutoff. It is usually where the line enters the house, near the meter, in a basement, crawlspace or garage. It should be fully open, counterclockwise.
- 3Check the meter. If the meter dial is spinning with every tap closed, water is escaping somewhere: a broken line between the meter and the house, or a leak inside.
- 4On a well, check the pump breaker and the pressure tank gauge.
- 5In freezing weather, open a faucet and warm the most exposed pipe with a hair dryer, never an open flame. See frozen pipes.
Talk to a plumber about this
One call reaches a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
How Often It Happens
In the 2023 American Housing Survey, 3.5% of occupied U.S. homes, about 4.6 million, were completely without running water at some point in the previous three months. See household water leaks by metro for the full figures.
What a Repair Costs
HomeAdvisor puts a main line leak repair at $354–$1,696, about $1,025 on average, and a main line replacement at $646–$2,827. Thawing an intact frozen pipe runs about $100, according to ConsumerAffairs. See water line repair.
When to Call
Call if the utility has no outage, the main valve is open, and there is still no water, or if the meter spins with every tap closed. (888) 217-6781 connects you to a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more, because the companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Reading to confirm what you already suspect?
Confirm it in two minutes instead — the pro on this line answers questions about YOUR situation all day: what it is, what it should cost, whether you even need service. If you want, they'll set the appointment on the same call.
No obligation to book
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is no water coming out of my faucets?
A utility outage or main break, a closed main shutoff, a frozen pipe, a broken supply line or, on a well, the pump.
What do I do if only the hot water is out?
Check the cold water supply valve on top of the water heater and the heater itself.
How much does it cost to fix a main water line?
HomeAdvisor puts a main line leak repair at $354–$1,696, about $1,025 on average, and a replacement at $646–$2,827.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau and HUD: 2023 American Housing Survey
- HomeAdvisor cost guides (2025)
- ConsumerAffairs: cost to repair frozen pipes
Methodology: How we source and verify data · Report an error
Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.