Winter Chill Stops All Water Flow In House

The most common cause of a complete loss of water in winter is ruptured water pipes due to freezing. When water sitting in pipes or hoses freezes, it expands in volume and puts immense pressure on the surrounding pipe. This can cause cracks and bursts at the weakest points. Pipes in uninsulated exterior walls or attics are particularly vulnerable, as are hose bibs, sprinkler systems, and exposed outdoor faucets. If a pipe bursts, water will quickly drain out instead of continuing its flow to your indoor faucets.

Malfunctioning Equipment and Meters

Problems with your home's water meter, pressure tank, or well pump can also unexpectedly stop water from reaching your taps. Issues like broken meter parts, failing pressure switches, and power outages affecting well pumps tend to occur more often during freezing conditions. The additional strain of winter weather accelerates the breakdown of this important plumbing equipment.

Infrastructure Overload from High Demand

In particularly frigid temperatures, water usage can spike across an entire community as residents drip faucets to prevent freezing pipes. Increased demand all hitting the water supply lines at once can overwhelm the infrastructure. Your local utility company may be forced to temporarily suspend water service to some households until consumption decreases. Check with neighbors to see if they lack water access too.

Preventing Water Loss and Damage from Future Cold Snaps

Insulate Vulnerable Pipes and Allow Faucets to Drip

Insulating exposed water pipes provides an extra barrier against frigid outside air and rising heat inside helps reduce the chances of ice blockages occurring within the pipes. Letting your faucets slowly drip during sub-zero temperatures can also prevent freezing by keeping water moving continuously through the pipes. These two preventative steps save countless homeowners from burst pipes and water loss each winter.

Seal Cracks Around Pipe Entries

Another weakness that allows frozen pipes is gaps around where pipes penetrate exterior walls. Having an insulation specialist seal any cracks, holes, or open spaces around pipe entries prevents cold drafts from reaching the water lines. This also deters pests from sneaking in and chewing through pipes. Applying pipe insulation wraps on either side of the opening provides additional freezing defense.

Drain and Disconnect Hoses and Exterior Pipes

The water sitting in garden hoses, drainage pipes, and exterior sillcocks is particularly prone to freezing in cold weather. Prevent burst hoses and water backups by disconnecting, draining out, and storing hoses before winter. Installing frost-proof outdoor faucets that allow the valve to drain from the sillcock also lowers the chance of ruptures.

Getting Water Flowing Again After a Cold-Related Disruption

Locate and Repair Any Pipe Leaks or Bursts

If you find a cracked pipe steadily leaking water or water spraying uncontrollably from a burst, immediately shut off the main water valve for your home. This will stop flooding issues from worsening. Turn on nearby faucets to drain leftover water from pipes. Determine if DIY pipe repair is possible or if professional plumbing help is required. Prevent pipes from refreezing by warming the area until repairs can be made.

Address Equipment Issues Impacting Water Flow

For water loss issues involving struggling water pumps, pressure tanks, broken water meters or bizarre pressure fluctuations, have a licensed plumber inspect and service the faulty equipment. For community supply line problems, keep contacting the utility company for updates on when full water restoration is expected.

Utilize Temporary Backup Water Sources

Until regular water service resumes, rely on bottled water for drinking and cooking. Fill spare containers ahead of storms. Conserve water drained from pipes for flushing toilets if necessary. Melting snow can work for some cleaning needs. Take emergency showers at still-operational neighbors' homes if offered.

Preparing for Future Freezing-Related Plumbing Emergencies

Have Cold Weather Gear and Alternate Heat Source On Hand

When indoor temperatures start rapidly dropping from loss of furnace-heated water, cold weather survival essentials become critical for maintaining safe conditions. Have extra blankets, warm layers, gloves, and hats ready for everyone in the household. Make sure you also have an alternate heating source like a fireplace, space heater or generator if a heating system relies on a boiler or disrupted electrical lines.

Stock Up on Bottled Water and Non-Perishable Foods

Keep an emergency supply of bottled drinking water on hand to use when water flow gets cut off. Having a stockpile of non-perishable foods that don't require water for preparation allows you to still safely feed the family. Useful items include peanut butter, crackers, canned tuna, dried fruits, granola bars, and meal replacement drinks. Rotate out items nearing expiration dates.

Every homeowner should know where the main water shutoff valve is located on their property--usually near the water meter by the front of the house or basement. Quickly turning off the valve is necessary in certain plumbing emergencies before severe water loss and flooding occur in the home. Marking the location with bright signage ensures easy identification by everyone in your household.