Chapter 3 · WaterEmergency water inside your home or…
Chapter 3 · Water

Emergency water inside your home or apartment

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In this section (4)
  1. First: protect the water you already have
  2. Water heater (30–80 gallons)
  3. Toilet tank (never the bowl)
  4. Other sources at home

If service is cut or the city declares the water unsafe, your home still has clean water stored. Use it before turning to outside sources.

First: protect the water you already have

If authorities report that the municipal water is contaminated (for example, because of a main break), shut off the main valve so dirty water doesn't enter your pipes or your water heater.

  1. Locate your valve today, not during the emergency. In apartments the building's main valve is controlled by management. Many apartments also have their own shutoff valve (in the water heater closet, under the sink, or behind a panel). Ask at the office where yours is.
  2. Close it by turning clockwise (or a quarter turn if it's a lever, until it is perpendicular to the pipe).
  3. Mark the valve with a visible tag so any adult in the household can find it.
  4. Open it again only when your water company says to.

Water heater (30–80 gallons)

The water heater tank is the largest reserve you have. It doesn't work with tankless heaters.

  1. Turn off the power. Electric: flip the corresponding switch in the breaker panel. Gas: turn the knob to "PILOT."
  2. Close the cold water inlet, the valve on top of the tank, turning clockwise.
  3. Let air in: open a hot water faucet in your home or the water heater's relief valve.
  4. Open the drain valve at the bottom and collect the water in a clean container. It can be very hot: use gloves and eye protection.
  5. Let the sediment at the bottom settle and use the clear water. If in doubt, treat it (see methods below).
  6. Don't turn the heater back on until it is full of water again: turning it on empty damages it and can be dangerous.

Toilet tank (never the bowl)

The back tank holds clean water from the supply (normally a gallon or more, about 4 L or more). Use it only if the water is clear and has no tablets or cleaners that color it (blue or green). The bowl is never a source of drinking water. Treat the tank water before drinking it if you have the means.

Other sources at home