What Do You Do During A Water Outage?
When your water suddenly stops flowing, it can throw your entire day off track. Whether you’re trying to make coffee, do laundry or take a shower, being surprised by a water shutdown is never convenient.
At American Water, we understand how important reliable water is for your home and family. That’s why our experts created this guide to help you know exactly what to do when water is shut off and how to prepare for future outages across Austin and Central Texas.
Why Is There No Water In The House?
Before you panic, take a few minutes to identify the reason behind the loss of water in the house. Sometimes, it’s a simple fix. Other times, it could be a citywide issue.
Common reasons for a water outage include:
- Scheduled city maintenance or emergency repairs
- Burst or damaged water mains
- Frozen or blocked pipes (especially during winter cold snaps)
- Localized plumbing issues within your home
- Filtration or softener systems in bypass or maintenance mode
As a first step, you should check with your local utility provider to see if there’s a planned water shutdown in your area. If not, inspect visible plumbing and ensure your main water valve is open. If you’re still without water, call your closest emergency plumbing technician.
Steps To Take When Your Water Is Shut Off
Knowing what to do when water is shut off can help prevent damage and keep your home safe. Here are some quick tips and proactive steps you can take to ensure to have an easier time dealing with the loss of water in your home.
Turn Off Appliances And Open Faucets Slowly
Appliances like dishwashers and washing machines should be turned off immediately to prevent any damage to the appliance or your plumbing systems. When service resumes, open your faucets gradually to release trapped air and prevent surges in your plumbing.
Store Emergency Water Supplies
It’s great to always think ahead and to try to keep at least one gallon of water per person, per day, for three days. During planned maintenance or seasonal outages, fill tubs or containers in advance to make sure you have usable water.
Protect Your Filtration System
If your home uses a Kinetico water softener or reverse osmosis system from American Water, switch it to bypass mode during the outage. This prevents air buildup and protects your system until service returns.
Flush Your System After Service Is Restored
Once water pressure is back, flush all faucets for several minutes. This helps clear out any air or sediment that may have entered your lines during the water shutdown.
How To Prepare For Future Water Outages
Being prepared can save you time and stress. Here are some important steps that every homeowner in Austin, Round Rock and Central Texas should take:
- Schedule routine water system maintenance. American Water’s certified team ensures your softener and filtration systems are working properly before problems start.
- Know where your main shutoff valve is. Label it clearly for quick access during emergencies.
- Keep emergency water on hand. Refresh stored water every six months.
- Sign up for city alerts. Most municipalities offer text or email notifications about maintenance work or system disruptions.
Trust The Water Experts At American Water
The American Water team has been serving Austin and Central Texas since 1987, offering reliable water softeners, filtration systems and maintenance backed by over 250 years of combined water treatment experience.
Call now to schedule service or request a free water test by getting in touch with American Water today!
