Why is my faucet turning on but no water?

Author: Hazel Mertz  |  Last update: Saturday, July 19, 2025

One of the primary reasons for no water coming out of a tap can be blocked pipes due to the build up of sediment or debris, which obstructs flow. This can include rust, heavy metal deposits, or limescale.

Why is the water not flowing out of my faucet?

Clogged aerator: The aerator is a small device located at the end of the faucet that mixes air with water to reduce splashing. Over time, it can become clogged with mineral deposits or debris, which can cause a reduction in water flow or no water flow at all.

Why is my tap turning but no water?

If water is not coming out from the tap, several potential causes could be at play: Clogged Faucet: Mineral deposits or debris can obstruct the faucet aerator or the internal parts of the faucet. Water Supply Issues: There may be a problem with the municipal water supply, such as maintenance work or a water main break.

Why is water not coming out of the water line?

So, when your water stops running from the faucets, it can be cause for concern. If your water suddenly stops running, the first thing you should do is not panic. Common reasons for the water to shut off include a closed valve, a water heater malfunction, leaky pipe, or an issue with your water supply.

Why is water not coming out of my faucet head?

If you're confident that the valves are on and the faucet head is clear, then it's likely you have a blockage somewhere between the valves and the faucet. If neither hot nor cold water comes, then the blockage is probably in the faucet hardware itself, rather than in the hoses that connect the valves to the faucet.

How to fix a sink with low water pressure (kitchen or bathroom Faucet) Hot and Cold

Why is water not coming out of my spigot?

Clogs, leaks, and defrosting after winter can stop up a spigot. Your spigot might have worn-out parts or need to be replaced entirely. If all possible causes have been ruled out, you definitely need to call a local plumber.

Why is there suddenly no water in my house?

If it's not moving, then there could be a problem with the water supply to your home, such as a shut-off valve that needs to be turned on. Or your water line might be leaking. If the meter is moving, it means that water is being used somewhere in your house, which could indicate a leak.

Why does my shut-off valve turn but no water?

A gate valve has a stem, and if the stem turns and turns for you while not exerting any control over the water flow either way, there's a good chance that the stem is broken off at the gate or the threads on the stem have been stripped to the point that they no longer operate the way they're supposed to.

How do I know if my water line is clogged?

You Hear a Gurgling Sound When Water is Flowing

The most prominent sign that your pipes are clogged is a reduced flow rate. Whether it is your shower pipe, faucet, or drain if you see that the water does not flow as fast as it should then you're most probably dealing with some sort of blockage in the pipes.

How do you fix no running water?

What to Do When Water Stops Running in Your House
  1. Step One: Test Another Sink. ...
  2. Step Two: Look for Signs of Leakage. ...
  3. Step Three: Examine Your Home's Water Source. ...
  4. Step Four: Look for Frozen Pipes. ...
  5. Step Five: Ask Your Neighbors. ...
  6. Step Six: Contact the Water Utility Company. ...
  7. Step Six: Call a Professional Plumber.

Why does my bathroom faucet handle turn but no water?

The faucet cartridge also called the faucet stem, is often the culprit behind a spinning faucet handle. This small but crucial part controls the water flow when you turn the handle. Over time, the cartridge can become stripped or worn out, resulting in a handle that spins without adjusting the water.

Why is there no water coming out of the taps on my well?

If you are experiencing no water from the well, there can be many low water pressure causes, including a failing well pump, stuck check valve, partially closed or bad gate/ball valve, and leaking/failing pressure tank.

How to get rid of airlock in water pipes?

  1. Turn off the mains water supply. ...
  2. Turn on all taps to drain the water supply. ...
  3. Flush toilets until there is no water left. ...
  4. Turn off taps completely, then turn them on slightly to allow a small amount of water flow. ...
  5. Turn the water supply back on. ...
  6. Turn taps until they're half open. ...
  7. Turn taps on full to push any remaining air out.

How to fix a tap that turns but no water?

10 Steps to Take When Water Isn't Coming Out of Your Faucet
  1. Try Another Faucet. ...
  2. Test Both Taps. ...
  3. Check the Aerator for Clogs. ...
  4. Check Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve. ...
  5. Ask Your Neighbors. ...
  6. Call Your Water Company. ...
  7. Consider the Possibility of Frozen Pipes. ...
  8. Look for Leaky or Dented Pipes.

How to unfreeze water pipes?

Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water.

How do you get an airlock out of a faucet?

Connect a Hose pipe

Ensure a tight seal on both ends and open the problem faucet, then run the working faucet. As the hose fills with water, it will increase pressure in the air locked faucet. As this pressure works its way down your piping, it should break apart the air lock.

Why is water not coming out of water line?

One of the primary reasons for no water coming out of a tap can be blocked pipes due to the build up of sediment or debris, which obstructs flow. This can include rust, heavy metal deposits, or limescale.

How do you know if your water line is burst?

Unexplained Water Pools and Dampness

One of the most obvious signs of a burst pipe is the presence of water where it shouldn't be. If you notice puddles forming under sinks, near water pipes, or along walls, it's likely a sign of a leaking or burst pipe. Water stains on ceilings and walls are also telltale signs.

What is the best way to clear clogged water line?

Flushing the Pipes. Attach a hose to one of the faucets or an outdoor tap, ensuring the other end is positioned in a drain or outside where water can flow freely. Open the faucet and let water flow through the pipes for a few minutes. This helps flush out loose sediment and debris, improving water flow.

Why is there no water coming out of my faucet?

A clogged aerator, damaged cartridge, loose or broken handle, or faulty internal faucet valve can be the culprit. If the lack of water is localized to a single faucet, look for visible defects, such as a damaged spigot, broken handle, or issue with parts of a faucet that can prevent water from coming out.

How to get water running again?

What to do if you have no running water.
  1. Check all of your taps. ...
  2. Ask your neighbours. ...
  3. Make sure your stopcock is open. ...
  4. Check your outside stop valve. ...
  5. Check for frozen pipes. ...
  6. Check your cold water cistern.

How to tell if a water valve is bad?

If you see any water leaking from your valves, it's a sign that they need to be replaced. If a valve begins to leak, it can lead to significant water waste. For example, the average household with one leak wastes more than 10,000 gallons of water annually.

What is the cause of no water supply?

Agriculture consumes more water than any other source and wastes much of that through inefficiencies. Climate change is altering patterns of weather and water around the world, causing shortages and droughts in some areas and floods in others. At the current consumption rate, this situation will only get worse.

Why is there no water coming out of my well faucet?

The well pressure switch is responsible for starting and stopping your pump at pre-set pressures. If there's no water flowing to your faucets, a faulty pressure switch could be to blame. The malfunction can be related to worn down or loose parts, clogging, or electrical contact corrosion.

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