12/08/2026
💧 WATER SUPPLY COMING BACK ON? A FEW IMPORTANT TIPS 💧
As water gradually returns across the area, there are a few simple steps we recommend to help prevent debris and trapped air from causing further problems:
1️⃣ Purge the incoming supply first
If you have a garden tap connected to the mains, remove any hose, open the tap slowly and allow the water to run until it is clear and flowing steadily. If you don’t have a garden tap, use your mains-fed kitchen cold tap instead.
The initial water may splutter or contain trapped air or sediment disturbed during the repair work.
2️⃣ Remove and clean tap aerators
Aerators are the small mesh filters fitted to the ends of many taps. If possible, remove these before flushing the water through, as they can quickly become blocked by small particles. Give them a clean before refitting them.
3️⃣ If you have a cold-water storage tank
This is usually a large, lidded plastic tank—sometimes an older galvanised metal tank—located in the loft. It normally supplies your hot-water cylinder and may also supply some bathroom cold taps.
Allow the tank to begin refilling and build up a reasonable water level. You can then briefly open one tank-fed cold tap, followed by one hot tap, until you achieve a steady flow. Do this one at a time to help release trapped air.
Don’t leave the taps running, as you may empty the tank again. Close them and allow the tank time to refill fully.
4️⃣ Wait before using appliances
Where possible, wait until the water is running clear and the pressure is reasonably stable before using washing machines, dishwashers, boiling-water taps or filtered-water appliances.
5️⃣ Allow time for pressure to return
Even after repairs are completed, water may not return to every property immediately. The network needs to refill gradually and pressure must rebuild across the area, so some homes may take longer than others.
Once your water is clear, flowing steadily and the pressure has returned, you should be able to use everything as normal.
⚠️ If your water remains brown or orange, has an unusual taste or smell, or Thames Water has issued specific safety instructions, please follow their advice and don’t use it for drinking or cooking until they have confirmed it is safe.
If your neighbours’ water has returned but yours still hasn’t, it may be time to contact Thames Water to confirm there isn’t still a problem with the supply to your property. If they confirm that your supply has been restored but you’re still experiencing little or no flow, give a local plumbing company like ourselves a call. You may have an airlock within your internal pipework that requires professional help to clear.
Please share this with anyone affected. 💧
24/7 Trades Ltd
Tradespeople you can trust
📞 020 8501 0175
