We are open 24/7
How to Fix No Water Coming Out of the Tap
No water coming out of the tap when turned on? Whether it happens in the middle of your morning routine or while prepping dinner, it’s more than just inconvenient—it can bring your whole day to a halt.
Before you panic and call a plumber, there are several things you can check to identify the issue and possibly fix it yourself. From external water supply issues to internal plumbing problems, here’s your step-by-step guide to getting your taps running again.
1. Check Other Taps in Your Home
Is it just one tap, or is water missing from every tap in your home? Turn on other taps—especially the cold water tap in the kitchen or laundry, which usually connects directly to your main water supply.
- If only one tap isn’t working: You may have a localised issue like a blocked aerator, worn washer, or faulty tap fitting.
- If none of the taps work, it’s time to investigate the water supply or internal plumbing.
2. Is the Tap Fully Open?
It might sound obvious, but sometimes the issue is as simple as a partially closed valve.
Ensure the handle is turned all the way. For mixer taps or older tapware, make sure they’re pushed or twisted fully into the “on” position.
3. Ask Your Neighbours or Check Your Water Provider
If you suspect a wider issue:
- Ask nearby neighbours if they’re also having water supply problems.
- Visit your local water provider’s website for any outage maps or maintenance updates.
- Check your letterbox or email for planned outage notices (usually sent 2+ days before work).
Still unsure? Call the water supplier directly—many have 24/7 helplines.
4. Check Your Stop Valve
The stop valve (also known as the isolation valve or stopcock) controls the flow of water from the mains into your property. You’ll typically find it near the front of your home, around the water meter. Turn it fully open (clockwise to close, counter-clockwise to open). A partially shut valve could restrict or block your entire water flow.
5. Inspect for Internal Leaks or Burst Pipes
If there’s no external supply issue, the problem might be inside your walls or under your floor.
Signs of a leak include:
- Damp patches on ceilings or floors
- Warped cabinetry or flooring near sinks
- Unusual dripping or hissing sounds behind walls
- Green or soggy patches on your lawn
If you suspect a major leak, shut off your main water supply and contact a plumber immediately to prevent damage.
6. Look for Blockages or Sediment Buildup
Over time, sediment, rust, and mineral deposits can clog pipes and taps, especially in older homes. Blocked drains could be the reason you have no water coming from your tap.
Common signs:
- Water pressure gradually decreases over time
- A trickle of water instead of a steady flow
- Discoloured water or metallic taste
Try removing the tap’s aerator and flushing it clean. For more stubborn blockages, professional pipe cleaning or jetting may be required.
7. Check Your Hot Water System
If only your hot tap isn’t working:
- Ensure isolation valves to the water heater are open
- For electric systems, check that the hot water switch in your fuse box is ON
- For gas systems, check that the pilot light is lit and the gas supply is connected
Still no hot water? It could be a thermostat issue, sediment inside the tank, or a failing diverter valve (especially in combi units). Call a licensed plumber or hot water specialist.
8. Inspect for Rust or Corrosion
Rusty taps or pipes don’t just look bad—they can stop water flow completely.
Signs include:
- Discoloured or metallic-tasting water
- Rust marks around tap outlets
- White or green mineral buildup around fixtures
Corroded tap parts may need replacement. In severe cases, entire pipe sections might need upgrading.
9. Check for a Broken or Worn Tap Washer
A damaged washer can limit or block water flow and often causes dripping or chattering noises.
To replace it:
- Shut off your water supply
- Remove the tap handle and unscrew the tap body
- Swap out the old washer with a matching one from a hardware store
- Reassemble and test the tap
Still stuck? A plumber can do it quickly and ensure no other internal parts are worn or damaged.
When to Call a Plumber
If none of the steps above restore your water, the issue may lie deeper in your plumbing system or underground lines. It’s time to bring in a professional if you notice:
- Water damage
- Hidden leaks
- Consistently low pressure
- No water despite all checks
Licensed plumbers can perform camera inspections, pressure testing, or replace damaged piping as needed.
Don’t Let a Dry Tap Derail Your Day
A tap with no water doesn’t always mean disaster. Often, a few simple checks can solve the issue fast. But when in doubt, it’s better to call a trusted plumber and avoid making it worse.
Need help restoring your water supply? Our Plumbing team is just a phone call away. We’ll get your taps flowing again—quickly, safely and affordably.
FAQs
Q1. Why is there no water coming out of my taps?
There could be several reasons, including a closed stop valve, external supply issues, or internal plumbing problems. Start by checking if your taps are fully open and your stop valve is completely open. If these are fine, investigate potential leaks, blockages, or area-wide water interruptions.
Q2. How can I tell if the water issue is just in my house or affects the whole area?
Ask your neighbours if they’re experiencing similar problems. You can also check your water supplier’s website for any reported outages or maintenance work in your area. If it’s a localised issue, focus on troubleshooting your home’s plumbing system.
Q3. What should I do if there’s no hot water coming from my taps?
First, ensure all isolation valves on your hot water tank are fully open. For electric systems, check if the hot water switch in your fuse box is on. If you have a gas system, verify the pilot light is lit. If these checks don’t solve the issue, there might be a problem with your water heater’s thermostat or sediment build-up.
Q4. How can I fix a tap that’s not producing water due to a worn-out washer?
Turn off the main water supply, open the tap fully, remove the handle and tap body to access the washer. Replace the old washer with a new one of the same size, then reassemble the tap. This simple fix often resolves issues with individual taps not producing water.
