Will I still have running water during a power outage?

It depends on your water source. Homes on city water may still have running water for a period of time, but pressure can drop during widespread outages or high demand. Homes on well water typically lose running water when the power goes out because the well pump needs electricity to supply water.

Do toilets work when the power is out?

Many toilets can still flush if they are gravity-fed and there is water available to refill the tank. However, toilets and waste systems that rely on an electric pump (such as grinder pumps or sewage ejector pumps) may not work during an outage, and continued use can increase the risk of backups.

Can a power outage cause septic or sewer backups?

Yes. If your home uses a sewage ejector pump, grinder pump, lift station, or certain septic components that require electricity, those systems can stop during an outage. If plumbing fixtures continue to be used, wastewater may not move properly and backups can occur.

Can a power outage lead to frozen pipes?

Yes, especially during winter weather. If an outage shuts down your heating system, indoor temperatures can drop and exposed pipes in attics, crawl spaces, garages, or exterior walls can freeze and burst. Preventive steps include insulating vulnerable pipes, letting faucets drip during freezes, and draining lines if an extended outage is likely.

How does a backup generator help protect plumbing during an outage?

A backup generator can power critical plumbing-related systems so your home can keep functioning during an outage. Depending on the setup, it can keep a well pump running, support hot water production, power sump pumps, and keep sewage/ejector pumps operating. It can also help prevent frozen pipes by keeping heating equipment running.

What Happens to Plumbing During a Power Outage?

Q: What happens to plumbing during a power outage?

During a power outage, plumbing can partially or completely stop working if your home relies on electricity for key components. Well pumps, electric water heaters, sump pumps, septic/ejector pumps, and some pressure-boosting systems may shut off, which can limit running water, hot water, drainage, and waste removal.

Q: What happens to hot water during a power outage?

Electric water heaters stop heating when power is lost, so hot water is limited to what is already in the tank and it will cool over time. Some gas water heaters may continue operating if they have a standing pilot light, but models that use electric ignition may not. If your home is on a well and the pump is off, you may have little to no water available regardless of water heater type.

During a power outage, many plumbing systems partially or completely stop working. Well pumps, electric water heaters, sump pumps, septic ejector pumps, and some toilets require electricity. Without backup power, homes and short-term rentals can lose running water, hot water, and proper waste removal. In Fredericksburg, Kerrville, and across the Texas Hill Country, power outages are common during storms and extreme weather. When the power goes out, plumbing issues often follow. For homeowners and short-term rental (STR) owners, knowing what happens next can prevent property damage, guest complaints, and emergency repairs.

How Power Outages Affect Plumbing Systems

Plumbing isn’t just pipes and water. Many critical components depend on electricity to function.

When the power goes out, these systems may stop working:

Well pumps
Electric water heaters
Toilets with electric or ejector pumps
Sump pumps and basement drainage systems
Septic system pumps

If any of these fail during an outage, water service, sanitation, or flood protection can be lost entirely.

Will You Still Have Running Water During a Power Outage?

It depends on whether your home uses city water or a well.

Homes on City Water

Most municipal water systems rely on gravity, so water may continue flowing for a while. However:

Water pressure can drop
High demand may cause interruptions
Extended outages can affect supply

Homes on Well Water

Most Hill Country rural homes and STRs rely on wells.

No power means no pump
No pump means no running water
Without a generator, faucets, showers, and toilets stop working entirely.

For short-term rentals, this often leads to guest complaints, refunds, or canceled stays.

What Happens to Hot Water During a Power Outage?

Hot water availability depends on your water heater type and your water source.

Electric Water Heaters

Shut off immediately when power is lost
Stored hot water cools quickly
No recovery until power returns

Gas Water Heaters

Units with standing pilot lights may still heat
Units with electric ignition will not work
If your home uses a well, neither type will help once the pump stops. No water supply means no hot water—regardless of heater type.

Do Toilets Work Without Power?

Sometimes, but not always.

Gravity-fed toilets can flush as long as water is available
Toilets tied to septic ejector pumps or lift stations will not work
Continued use without power can cause sewage backups

In rural Hill Country properties, electric-assisted waste systems are common. During an outage, these systems need backup power to function safely.

What Happens to Septic and Sewer Systems?

Septic systems and some sewer connections rely on electric pumps to move waste away from the home.

Without power:

Wastewater can back up
Toilets and drains should not be used
Damage can occur quickly if usage continues

This is especially risky for STRs, where guests may not realize the system depends on electricity.

A plumbing inspection can identify whether your waste system is vulnerable before an outage occurs.

Can Power Outages Cause Frozen Pipes?

Yes—especially during winter outages. When power goes out, heating systems shut down. Without heat, exposed pipes can freeze and burst.

To reduce the risk:

Let faucets drip during freezing weather
Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, attics, and garages
Drain water lines if outages are expected to last overnight
Use a generator to keep heating systems running

Frozen pipe damage is one of the most expensive plumbing emergencies we see after winter storms.

Don’t Forget Outdoor Plumbing

Outdoor plumbing is often the first to fail during extreme weather.

Protect outdoor faucets by:

Insulating hose bibs
Wrapping exposed piping
Shutting off and draining exterior lines when possible

For STR owners, this should be part of your seasonal turnover checklist.

How a Backup Generator Protects Your Plumbing

A properly sized generator can keep essential plumbing systems running during a power outage.

With backup power, you can:

Keep your well pump operating
Maintain hot water access
Prevent sewage backups
Run sump pumps and prevent flooding
Keep heating systems active to avoid frozen pipes

72 Degrees helps homeowners and STR owners choose generator solutions that support plumbing, HVAC, and other critical systems. We’re expanding our generator services across Fredericksburg and Kerrville to meet growing demand.

Why Short-Term Rental Owners Should Prepare Now

In the Hill Country, power outages aren’t rare—and guests expect everything to work regardless.

Plumbing failures during a stay can lead to:

Refund requests
Negative reviews
Lost future bookings

A generator and a professional plumbing evaluation are proactive steps that protect both your property and your reputation.

Prepare Before the Next Power Outage

If you live in Fredericksburg, Kerrville, or anywhere in the Texas Hill Country, don’t wait until the lights go out to find out your plumbing won’t work.

72 Degrees Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing helps homeowners and short-term rental owners:

Evaluate plumbing systems for outage risks
Install and connect backup generators
Prevent emergency plumbing failures

Whether you need preparation advice, system upgrades, or emergency service, our team is available 24/7 to help you stay ready—no matter what the weather brings.