Emergency Water

If you are caught off guard there are a couple places you can get water in your house in an emergency - even if there is no water pressure.

First, place a bucket under a tap in the basement. Open all the valves on the first and second floor. All the water still in the pipes should gravity feed downward.

Second you can drain the hot water heater (make sure it's cool enough not to injure yourself).

Lastly you can lift off the tank lid and funnel or scoop that water. It is clean and drinkable (as long as you don't use any cleaning chemicals in the tank). Obviously don't bother with the bowl water. Remember, you can still flush a toilet if the power and water are out, so if you are not in a desperate situation keep the tank as your last last resort.

Remember though. It's important to keep all toilet bowls full as it protects you from deadly gasses escaping from the sewers. If you have pets that are thirsty, keep them away from toilet bowls. They tend to drink from them even in regular times.