How do I find my stop tap?

Inside stop taps are normally under the kitchen sink or in the downstairs loo. You may find it in a garage or a utility room. If you can’t find it, check with your neighbours – they’re normally in the same place if your properties are similar. Your stop tap may be next to your meter, if this is fitted inside.

How many stop taps does a house have?

It now is a requirement that homes must have at least one stopcock, but in a particularly old home that may not be the case. In the grand majority of all cases the home will have one and it normally sits close to the water input from the main supply.

When to turn off stopcock in kitchen sink?

Homeowners and renters should remember that a stopcock can seize up over time so set a regular reminder, every six months, to check it is working and can be turned off in an emergency. It could be the difference between a minor leak or serious flood damage. Run water in your kitchen sink and then turn your stopcock clockwise.

What should I do if my stopcock stops working?

Run water in your kitchen sink and then turn your stopcock clockwise. If the water stops you have a fully working stopcock. If the water continues to flow you may want to call a plumber. “Most stopcocks have rubber washers like a conventional tap, and when they start dripping, one would say ‘you might want another washer on that tap’,” adds Nick.

Which is the correct way to turn a water stopcock?

When the handle or key is turned clockwise, the valve is closed and when turned anti-clockwise the valve is open. Some mains water stopcocks have a screw device, which requires multiple turns, whilst others are a quarter turn.

How can I Turn Off the cold water in my Sink?

You’ll probably find one under your sink to switch off the mains cold water supply. It will probably look like one of those pictured above. Sometimes you’ll find very handy in-line shut off valves prior to taps, toilets, washing machines etc. This is great as it allows you to isolate individual items.

Do you need an outside stopcock to turn the water off?

If turning the outside mains stopcock you may need an outside stopcock key. If you struggle to turn the water off then it is best you get in touch with the water utilities company. Once the date has been turned off you can turn the kitchen tap on to make sure the water is off.

Where is the main stopcock valve on a kitchen sink?

The automatic stopcock works in much the same way, but with an electronic actuator working on remote or activation by a sensor. The main stopcock valve should be located under the sink other than the mains water stop valve locate outside the boundaries.

How to replace a stopcock on a washing machine?

To replace the washer: 1 Turn off the water supply to the stopcock (do this by turning off the stopcock that’s outside your home) 2 Drain the pipes by running the kitchen tap 3 Grip the body of the tap with water pump pliers 4 Use a spanner to turn the large nut in the centre of the stopcock anticlockwise to loosen it

What should I do if my main stopcock is leaking?

If the tap will not turn at all and easing oil makes no difference then the main stopcock may either need to be replaced or the stop valve may just need taking apart, cleaning and regressing up so that it is just like new again. My Main Stopcock is leaking, Help!