What to do if the water supply will be temporarily shut off

If your water supply will be temporarily shut off, here are some practical steps you can take to prepare and manage during the outage:

✅ Before the Water Is Turned Off

1. Store Water
   • Fill buckets, pots, or clean containers with water for flushing toilets, washing hands, and cleaning.
   • Fill bottles or jugs with drinking water (estimate at least 2 liters per person per day).
2. Fill the Bathtub (if applicable)
   • This gives you a large supply of water you can use for flushing or washing.
3. Do Important Water-Related Tasks in Advance
   • Shower, do laundry, run the dishwasher, and fill pet bowls.
4. Turn Off Appliances
   • Turn off your washing machine or dishwasher if mid-cycle to avoid damage when water is restored.
5. Inform Others in the Household
   • Make sure everyone knows the water will be off and when it’s expected to return.

🚫 While the Water Is Off

1. Use Stored Water Wisely
   • Use bucket water to manually flush toilets (pour water directly into the bowl).
2. Avoid Using Faucets
   • This prevents air from entering the pipes and avoids leaks or mess when the supply returns.
3. Avoid Using Hot Water
   • Using a hot water tap while the cold water supply is off may damage your water heater.

✅ When the Water Is Turned Back On

1. Run Cold Water First
   • Turn on the cold tap slowly to release any air and flush out discolored water. Let it run until clear.
2. Check for Leaks
   • Inspect around taps, pipes, and appliances for any leaks or issues.
3. Clean Tap and Shower Filters
   • Sediment can clog filters—rinse or soak them if water flow seems weak.
4. Wait Before Using Hot Water
   • Let the cold water run clear before turning on the hot tap to avoid pulling sediment into your water heater.