Quick Answer:
If your water stopped right after nearby digging or a service replacement, first confirm the exact timing with the neighbor or crew, then check the street-side meter box for signs of disturbance and test whether the meter is getting any flow. If the meter inlet shows no pressure, the problem is on the utility side — call the utility before attempting interior repairs.
Why This Happens
Work near the property line can accidentally hit or shut off the main feed, damage a service line, or trigger a safety shut-off by the utility crew. Sometimes crews intentionally shut water for a short period and forget to restore service at every connection. Other times a line can be pinched, cut, or a valve can be left closed after a repair.
If the timing lines up with nearby activity, it’s common and often fixable by the utility or crew that did the work. For more on deciding where the outage originates, see How to tell if outage is city or house. If you recently had equipment added in your home and the loss followed that, also check Loss of pressure after new appliance install.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Ask for exact timing
- Contact the neighbor or crew and ask when they stopped and restarted work and if any water valves were closed.
- Get the name of the utility contractor or the city crew if possible — that helps when you call later.
2. Inspect the street-side box/cover area
- Locate the meter box or curb valve cover (usually near the property line or sidewalk).
- Carefully remove the lid if safe to do so — watch for broken glass, sharp edges, or loose soil.
- Look for recent disturbance: fresh soil, new gravel, broken cover, exposed piping, or a visible closed valve.
3. Check whether the meter has any flow
- Open a faucet or outdoor hose bib inside the house while watching the meter dial or indicator in the street-side box. If the meter registers flow, the utility side is supplying water.
- If the meter does not register when a tap is open, the inlet side is likely dead or shut off.
- Do not try to dismantle the meter or force valves inside the box — just observation is enough to tell whether flow is reaching the meter.
4. If the inlet is dead, call the utility first
- When the meter shows no flow, this means the issue is upstream of your home. Contact the municipal water department or the utility contractor that was working nearby.
- Explain the timing, what you observed at the box, and whether you saw any damage or closed valves.
- Ask the utility to confirm and restore service before you call a plumber or start any interior work.
5. If the meter has flow but no water inside
- If the meter moves when a tap is open but you still have no water indoors, the problem is likely on your side (blocked shut-off, internal valve, or a household leak/issue).
- Turn off the main shut-off, check indoor valves, and call a licensed plumber if you can’t find the cause.
6. Document and report
- Take photos of the disturbed area, the meter box, and any visible damage before crews arrive.
- Note the time you discovered the loss and the names of people you spoke with — this helps if repair responsibility becomes a dispute.
What Not to Do
- Don’t blame the neighbor without verifying inlet pressure at your meter first — confirm whether the issue is upstream or inside your house.
- Don’t try to repair or replace the service line in the street yourself, or dig near the meter or valve without locating utilities and permission.
- Don’t remove meter seals, tamper with utility equipment, or attempt high-risk fixes that could make the problem worse or void service agreements.
When to Call a Professional
- Call the utility immediately if the meter inlet is dead or you see visible damage in the street-side box.
- Call a licensed plumber if the meter shows flow but you still have no water inside, or if you find a closed or leaking shut-off on your property you can’t safely fix.
- Contact emergency services only if there’s a major break leading to flooding or a hazard; otherwise start with the utility and a plumber.
Safety Notes
- Open meter boxes carefully — they can be heavy, sharp, and contain debris. Wear gloves and eye protection if available.
- Avoid digging, cutting, or unfastening buried pipes. Call the local utility locate service before any excavation.
- If crews are working nearby, step back and let them handle anything inside the public right-of-way. Do not confront workers; get names and report concerns to the utility.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why did the water stop only at my house? If the meter shows no flow, the utility likely shut or lost pressure upstream; if the meter shows flow, the issue is inside your service line or house.
- How long will the utility take to respond? Response time varies; report the problem promptly and ask for an estimated arrival — emergencies get priority.
- Should I call my neighbor’s contractor? You can inform them, but contact the utility or your local water department first if the meter inlet is dead.