Water · 30 min · Basic
Find the Hidden Water in Your Home
Your water heater, pipes and toilet tank hold gallons of usable water when the taps stop.
This is for educational purposes only. Not professional medical, electrical, or safety advice.
Warning
Never use water from radiators, hot-water heating boilers, waterbeds or pools for drinking.
- 01
Water heater (30–80 gallons)
Turn off the power or gas first. Close the cold inlet, open a hot faucet to let air in, then drain from the bottom valve. Let it cool first; sediment at the start is normal.
- 02
House pipes
If officials say tap water may be contaminated, shut the main valve so bad water can't enter. Open the highest faucet, then collect from the lowest one.
- 03
Toilet tank — not the bowl
The tank (the back part) holds clean supply water. It's usable if you have never used chemical tank cleaners or colored tablets. Treat or filter it before drinking to be safe. Never drink bowl water.
- 04
Ice and canned liquids
Melted ice cubes and liquid in canned fruit and vegetables count too.