Quick Answer:
If the whole house water supply cuts in and out in repeating bursts, first check whether the problem is upstream at the meter. Watch the meter during an “off” moment, test pressure at an outdoor hose bib during on/off, and check any smart or automatic valves for cycling. If the meter-side supply is cycling, contact your water utility; if the issue is inside the house, isolate fixtures and call a plumber.
Why This Happens
Intermittent whole-house supply usually comes from one of three sources:
- Upstream utility issues — pressure or supply cycling at the water main or service line.
- Mechanical or electronic devices — a smart valve, backflow preventer, pressure regulator, or well pressure tank cycling on and off.
- Internal leaks or failing components — a stuck valve or appliance solenoid that opens and closes repeatedly.
Knowing whether the disruption is upstream or inside your property narrows the fix quickly.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Confirm all fixtures are affected
Turn on faucets and a shower briefly in different parts of the house. If multiple fixtures cycle the same way, it points to a shared supply problem rather than a single faucet.
2. Watch the meter during an “off” moment
When the supply cuts out, go to the water meter and observe the meter or flow indicator:
- If the meter stops or shows no flow during the off moment, the issue is upstream at the meter or public supply.
- If the meter continues to show flow while house pressure drops, the problem is inside the service line or your plumbing system.
3. Test pressure at an outdoor hose bib during on/off
Attach a simple hose-end pressure gauge or just feel the flow at a hose bib while the house supply is on and during an off burst. If the hose bib shows the same cycling, the problem is at or before the meter; if the hose bib stays steady while indoor fixtures drop, the issue is inside the home.
4. Check smart valves and automatic controls for cycling
Look for any automatic shutoff valves, irrigation controllers, backflow preventers, or smart devices that open and close. These can fail or be set to cycle:
- Temporarily disable or bypass smart/automatic valves if you can do so safely to see if the cycling stops.
- Look and listen for valves that click or run through repeated cycles.
5. Isolate and observe
Shut off branch valves or the main shutoff to isolate sections of plumbing. This helps find whether a single appliance or branch is causing the cycling. Note if the interruption pattern changes when appliances are off or unplugged.
6. If the meter-side supply is cycling, contact the utility
If your meter observations and hose-bib tests show the supply is cutting out before your property, call the water utility and report repeating bursts. Utilities can inspect their mains, pressure regulators, or scheduled equipment that might be cycling supply to neighborhoods.
What Not to Do
- Don’t ignore intermittent supply — cycling can damage appliance solenoids and indicates upstream instability.
- Don’t work on buried service lines, the meter, or utility-owned equipment yourself.
- Don’t run sensitive appliances (dishwasher, ice maker, washing machine) while supply is unstable — repeated starts/stops can harm them.
When to Call a Professional
Contact the water utility if your meter-side checks show the supply is cycling before it reaches your property. Call a licensed plumber if:
- You can’t locate the source of cycling inside your plumbing.
- Shutting valves or isolating fixtures changes nothing, or you find a leaking or stuck device.
- Appliances or pumps are being affected and may already be damaged.
If you have a private well, call a well specialist if the pump or pressure tank appears to be cycling.
Safety Notes
- Turn off power to a failing pump or appliance before inspecting it. If you’re unsure, leave electrical work to a professional.
- Do not attempt to remove or repair the meter or any utility-owned component — contact the utility instead.
- If you suspect contamination from pressure loss, avoid drinking the water until testing or flushing is done by a pro or the utility.
Common Homeowner Questions
- What if the meter shows no flow but my house still loses pressure?
That indicates the cut is upstream; contact the utility immediately.
- Should I turn off my main when the supply cycles?
Shutting the main can protect appliances, but only do this to limit damage while you diagnose or wait for help; document the pattern first.
- Can a smart valve cause this even if the meter is steady?
Yes — a stuck or misconfigured valve can cycle and cause house-wide bursts even when the utility supply is steady.
For related problems, see Water outage only affects upstairs and Water restored but fixtures won’t work for targeted troubleshooting and next steps.