Note to readers: This post was updated on August 02, 2026 to reorganize the checklist for clarity and add links to slab leak and water heater diagnostics. We refreshed the details below so the advice reflects how we approach this work today.
No water coming out of the tap is one of the more stressful plumbing surprises — no shower, no dishes, no flushing. Before you panic or call anyone, work through these checks in order. Most of the time the cause is simple.
1. Try a different faucet or bathroom
Check whether the problem is isolated to one fixture or affects the whole house. If only one bathroom sink or shower is affected, the issue is local to that fixture, not your whole system.
2. Check your water pressure
If every faucet in the house is affected, test your water pressure at an outside spigot with a pressure gauge (available cheap at any hardware store). Screw it onto the hose bib, turn on the water, and read the gauge. Anything under 30 psi means a real pressure problem that needs a plumber — renters should contact their landlord.
3. Alternate hot and cold water
If cold water works fine but hot water won’t come out, the problem is likely your water heater, not your main line. Check for visible leaks around the unit; if you don’t see any, it may be worth checking whether it’s simply time to replace it. If both hot and cold are out, the issue is more likely with your home’s supply lines.
4. Check your water main valve
The main shutoff is usually near the street-facing side of your property. Confirm it’s fully open — sometimes it gets nudged during yard work or a prior repair.
5. Look for a stuck valve
If the main valve won’t turn or feels seized, don’t force it. A stuck valve that’s cracked or corroded can snap and cause a much bigger problem. Call a plumber to replace it.
6. Call your water utility
Sometimes the issue isn’t your home at all. Utility line work or a break in your area can cut service temporarily. Your water company can confirm if there’s a known outage nearby.
7. Check for hidden leaks
Turn off every fixture in the house, then check your water meter. If it’s still moving, water is escaping somewhere — possibly a slab leak or a leak inside a wall. These waste water and money and are worth catching early with a professional leak detection visit.
8. Call a plumber
If you’ve worked through all of the above and still have no water, it’s time for a professional diagnosis. Western Rooter & Plumbing has served Los Angeles County and the San Gabriel Valley for more than 40 years, and we’re available around the clock for exactly this kind of call.
