Does Plumbing Use Electricity When the Power Goes Out?

Does plumbing use electricity? The short answer is yes and no. Basic plumbing in many city homes can continue working during a power outage, but several important plumbing components rely on electricity and will stop when the power goes out. 

What works and what doesn’t depends on your water source, the type of water heater you have, and whether your home uses electric pumps. Let’s break it down clearly so you know what to expect the next time the lights go out. 

Tiger Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical has been serving Central and Eastern Illinois since 1993. Our licensed plumbers, HVAC technicians, and electricians understand how plumbing and electrical systems work together to protect comfort and safety. 

How Plumbing Works Without Electricity in a Typical City Home 

In most Illinois cities, water is delivered through municipal systems that rely on large electric pumps and water towers. Water towers use gravity and stored pressure to keep water moving through underground mains. 

If your home is on city water, faucets and gravity-flush toilets usually continue to work during a power outage, at least for a while. Even though your home has no power, the pressurized water mains still deliver water unless there is a larger infrastructure issue. 

This means that in many homes, you can still run water and flush toilets even when the lights are off. 

When Plumbing DOES Use Electricity (And Stops During an Outage) 

Several common plumbing systems rely on electricity. These are the parts homeowners often forget about. 

Well Pumps and Booster Pumps 

If your home uses a private well, you need electricity for water. Well pumps are electric pumps that move groundwater into your home. During a power outage, the pump stops working, and water flow ends once the pressure tank empties. 

Some multi-story homes and buildings also use booster pumps to move water to upper levels. Without power, those systems shut down as well. 

Electric Water Heaters and Some Gas Water Heaters 

Electric tank water heaters stop heating immediately when power is lost. You can still use whatever hot water remains in the tank until it cools. 

Gas water heaters are different. Older models with standing pilot lights may continue operating. Newer models often use electronic ignition or power-vent fans, which require electricity. Gas water heaters can therefore stop working during a power outage depending on the model. 

Tiger’s water heater services include evaluating which type you have and how it will perform during outages. 

Sump Pumps and Sewage/Ejector Pumps 

Sump pumps are one of the most critical plumbing components that rely on electricity. When power fails, the sump pump stops instantly. 

During heavy Illinois rains or snowmelt, this can increase the risk of basement flooding. Sewage and ejector pumps also stop working without power, which can create wastewater backup risks. 

If you rely on a sump pump to protect your basement, backup power solutions are worth discussing. 

Smart Plumbing Devices and Leak Detectors 

Modern plumbing systems sometimes include smart shutoff valves, leak detectors, and app-connected monitors. These devices typically go offline during a power outage unless they have battery backup. 

Manual shutoff valves still function normally. Every homeowner should know where the main water shutoff is located. 

Can You Flush Toilets and Use Water When the Power Is Out? 

In most city-water homes, yes, you can flush toilets and run faucets during a power outage. Each toilet tank holds enough water for at least one flush. 

If needed, you can also pour a bucket of water directly into the toilet bowl to force a flush. 

In well-water homes, once the pressure tank empties, water stops flowing until power returns. During longer outages, it is smart to conserve water and limit use if your system depends on electric pumps. 

Plumbing Risks During a Power Outage (And How to Reduce Them) 

Power outages can create plumbing risks beyond inconvenience. 

Common concerns include: 

• Basement flooding if sump pumps lose power 
• Sewage backup in homes that rely on ejector pumps 
• Frozen pipes in winter if heating systems shut down 

To reduce risk: 

• Consider battery backup or generator installations for sump and ejector pumps 
• Limit water use if your system depends on pumps 
• In winter, keep cabinet doors open and allow a slight drip in vulnerable pipes if freezing is a concern 

Long-term reliability comes from preparation, not reaction. 

Why Homeowners in Illinois Call Tiger for All of Their Plumbing Needs 

Since 1993, Tiger Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical has supported families across Central and Eastern Illinois. Our licensed plumbers understand how plumbing, heating, and electrical systems interact during a power outage. 

We provide: 

• Sump pump repair and installation 
• Backup pump systems 
• Water heater services 
• Whole-home plumbing inspections 
• Electrical and generator evaluations 

Homeowners across Central and Eastern Illinois count on our team, and if a project ends up being larger than expected, financing options can help you move forward. 

If you want to make sure your home is prepared for the next power outage, contact us today to schedule a plumbing readiness inspection.