No water coming from a tap
A tap that turns but delivers nothing is one of the most frustrating plumbing problems—and fortunately, one of the most solvable. This usually means either the water supply to that particular tap has been shut off, something's blocking the flow inside the tap itself, or in winter, the pipe's frozen solid. It happens to countless households every year, whether you've accidentally closed an isolating valve during maintenance, a bit of debris's lodged in the mechanism, or a cold snap's caught you out. This guide walks you through the logical checks to identify which of these you're facing, starting with the simplest and moving to the slightly more involved. Most fixes take minutes and require nothing more than a screwdriver or hairdryer—though if you're uncomfortable dismantling the tap itself or suspect a deeper supply issue, it's worth calling a qualified plumber or Gas Safe engineer to rule out anything more serious.
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Most likely cause & what to check
First check whether other taps in the property are also affected — if so, the problem is with the incoming supply or stop tap, not the individual tap.
Check the isolating valve on the supply pipe under the sink. The slot in the screw should be in line with the pipe (open). If it's across the pipe, it's closed — turn it 90° to open.
Check your main stop tap under the kitchen sink is fully open.
If it's a hot water tap only: check the boiler is running and that hot water is available from other outlets.
Check the tap itself — the jumper or ceramic disc may have become completely dislodged or lodged shut. Dismantle the headgear and inspect.
If the supply pipe under the sink feels very cold in winter, the pipe may be frozen. Gently warm with a hairdryer, starting from the tap and working back.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is only one tap affected when others work fine?
If other taps in your home have water, the problem is isolated to that one tap or its supply pipe—not your main water supply. This usually means either the isolating valve under the sink is closed, or there's an issue within the tap itself like a stuck ceramic disc or debris blocking the inlet.
Could a frozen pipe be the cause even if it doesn't feel cold?
Possibly, especially if the pipe runs through an unheated cupboard, external wall, or loft. Frozen sections can occur inside the wall or behind cabinetry where you can't feel them. If this is winter and the problem started suddenly after a hard frost, freezing is worth investigating.
Is it safe to dismantle a tap myself to check for blockages?
Yes, dismantling the headgear of a modern tap is a straightforward DIY job—just turn off the water first using the isolating valve and take a photo before you start so you remember how it goes back together. However, if you're not confident or the tap is still under warranty, a plumber's merchant can often do this quickly, or you can call a professional.
How do I know if my stop tap is actually fully open?
The handle or slot on your main stop tap should be aligned parallel with the incoming pipe—that's open. If it's at 90° across the pipe, it's shut. Give it a gentle quarter-turn anti-clockwise and check whether water returns; if you meet resistance, don't force it as it may be stuck or seized.