Where is my stopcock?

At some point in our lives as property owners or tenants, we may have a plumbing emergency which requires us to turn the water off. But while many of us know what a stopcock is, we may not know where it is and this could be crucial in terms of limiting damage in the event of a pipe bursting.

What does a stopcock do?

Also known as a stop tap, a stopcock is essentially a valve which controls water flowing into your home from the mains. It usually has a tap handle but no spout, or is a lever which acts as a connector between two pipes. A clockwise turn of the stopcock closes the valve, but it can take a few minutes for the water to stop flowing completely.

Stop the flood

Acting fast if you get a leak in the home is vital and according to the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors, Stopcocks are usually located under a kitchen sink, but other common places include in an airing cupboard, close to the boiler, in the back of a bathroom cupboard or concealed in a panel next to your front door.

You may not always need it in case of an emergency, but if you are having plumbing work done because of a blocked drain or new pipework, you may also need to stop the water. If you are having a CCTV drain survey Birmingham, for example, you will be asked by the professional carrying it out to shut off the water supply so they can effectively check what the problem is. If you are in need of a CCTV drain survey Birmingham, there are several firms that can help.

Check it works

It’s a good idea to locate your stopcock when you move into a new home and regularly check that it’s in good working order. If it hasn’t been used in a while, it could seize up, so it’s a good idea to try turning it annually.