No Water or Low Water Pressure

Experiencing no water? Use the No Water Map to search for emergency and planned water service disruption information in your area including the cause and estimated time of restoration.

If you are a tenant in a multi-residential building, please report this to your landlord or superintendent.

Before You Submit a Service Request

There can be many reasons for no water or low water pressure. Please check the following before you submit a service request.

1. No Water or Lower Water Pressure to Only One Tap or Section of Your Building

  • This indicates a private plumbing issue and you may wish to contact a plumber.

2. Ensure the Main Water Shut Off Valve (Stop & Waste Valve) is Open

  • The main water shut off valve is part of your private plumbing system and must be open in order for water to run through your pipes.
  • The valve is typically located in the basement on the foundation wall, where the drinking water pipe enters the home, just before the water meter.

3. Check that the Aerators on Your Tap are not Clogged

  • Aerators are the screens that are on each tap. If you have recently completed construction on your pipes, the screens can get clogged with dirt.
  • Remove the screens, rinse them and put them back on.

4. Check that Your Pipes are not Frozen

5. Check if there is Construction in Your Area

  • No water or low water pressure can be the result of construction in your area.
  • Check to see if you received a recent construction notice about planned work.
  • If you did not, it may still be the result of an emergency watermain break, or work on a nearby fire hydrant. You may wish to check with your neighbour(s). If more than one person has no water or low water pressure, this is a good indication that crews are onsite conducting repairs.
  • Use the No Water Map to search for emergency and planned water service disruption information in your area including the cause and estimated time of restoration.

If You have Checked the Above & Wish to Submit a Service Request

How to submit a service request

For no water

  • Requests to have Toronto Water investigate can be made online or by calling 311.
  • Toronto Water staff will arrive within four hours. Please note that someone over the age of 18 must be on site in order for staff to access the property.

For sudden drop in water pressure

  • Requests can be made online or by calling 311.
  • Toronto Water staff will arrive within 24 hours. Please note that someone must be there in order for staff to access the property.

What to expect during a service call

Residential properties

When staff arrive, they will inspect the main water supply and water meter.

  • The part that the City owns runs from the watermain on the street to the property line.
  • The part that you own runs from the property line into the home.

If staff determine that the pipes are frozen, or you have a private plumbing issue, you will be advised to contact a plumber. If the issue is a result of the City’s portion of the water pipe or meter, a work order will be created to fix the issue.

  • The length of time to complete repairs will depend on the extent of the issue and will be discussed with the homeowner.
  • Should repairs require a significant amount of work and time to complete, staff will attempt to establish a temporary water supply. There are different ways to accomplish this, which will be discussed with the homeowner.

Multi-residential, industrial, commercial and institutional buildings

  • Toronto Water will check the pressure on the street.
  • Staff will then meet with the property/facility manager to conduct an internal investigation and to discuss what may be causing the issue and next steps.

Water pressure in Toronto is continuously monitored to ensure that pressure remains within acceptable standards. There are many things that can affect your water pressure, including the number of fixtures and people using water, and the condition of your private plumbing.

Residential customers

How to submit a service request

Appointments can now be booked ahead of time online or by calling 311.

  • Appointments are available between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday to Friday, and take approximately 90 minutes to complete.
  • Please note that someone over the age of 18 must be on site in order for staff to access the property.

What to expect during a service call

Step 1
  • Staff will ensure that all water shut off valves are completely open.
  • If the valves are open, the City will conduct a low water pressure test. This can only be done if your plumbing is in good working order.
  • Tests will not be conducted on pipes that are made of lead or galvanized steel. Should your pipes be made of this material, you will be advised to contact a plumber and the service request will be closed.
  • If the issue persists once the pipes are fixed, you will need to submit a new service request.
Step 2
  • If the water supply valves are open and the pipes in your home are in good condition, the City will conduct a low water pressure test.
  • This involves removing the water meter and attaching a device that will measure the flow of water into your home. The device will be connected to a hose that will drain to a nearby toilet, sink or drain.
  • Once the device and hose are connected, the City will run water through the test device.
    • Water pressure equal to or more than 7 L/min is considered acceptable. No further steps will be taken.
    • Water pressure less than 7 L/min is below the acceptable limit. The water service pipe will be deemed a priority and will be replaced in approximately seven days.

Customers in multi-residential, industrial, commercial and institutional buildings

How to submit a service request

  • Requests to have Toronto Water staff investigate can be made online or by 311.
  • Toronto Water staff will arrive within 24-48 hours.  Please note that someone over the age of 18 must be on site in order for staff to access the property.

What to expect during a service call

  • Toronto Water will check the pressure on the street and at a nearby fire hydrant.
  • Staff will then meet with the property/facility manager to conduct an internal investigation and to discuss what may be causing the issue and next steps.