It is a good idea to find your Stoptap in your property as soon as possible; in order to shut off the water supply in case of an emergency.
You can also stop the water supply to a single appliance or water outlet via an Isolation Valve. The last resort would be using the external stop valve found in the street outside the front of your property.
Stoptaps
Stoptaps/ stopcocks shut off your water supply to your property. They are usually located underneath your kitchen sink but they may also be found in different places. Stop taps should be routinely opened and closed to ensure they are operational. They can be stiff and need pliers to help turn the handle but be careful as you do not want to snap the handle.
To turn the water off you turn the handle clockwise to close the supply and to empty all the water out of the pipes open all water outlets. If the handle is stiff/ seized the stoptap may need to be replaced.
Isolation Valves
It is good plumbing practice to install them to every water outlet in the property to shut off the supply to an appliance during maintenance or in case of an emergency, without turning the mains water off at the Stoptap.
To turn the water off simply get a flat headed screwdriver and turn the screw in the middle of the valve horizontal. To turn back on you turn the screw vertically in line with the valve.
External Stoptap
This should be your last resort if you cannot shut off the supply via the methods mentioned above, you can used the external Stoptap. This can be found outside the front of your property inside a small square housing. The actual tap is usually is a few feet down in the ground so you may need to get on your knees to reach the handle.
If this Stoptap does not operate for any reason call Seven Trent on: 0800 783 4444. They are open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Surestop
You can now get a ‘Surestop’ which aids the Stoptap and allows you to turn the water off to your home via a flick of a switch.
If you require any more information don’t hesitate to get in touch via email or telephone on 07780734125.
