As a homeowner, it is important that you know where your water stop tap is located in case of an emergency, such as a burst pipe. But what is a stop tap, how do you locate the one belonging to your property, and what do you do with it once you’ve found it?
What is a stop tap?
A water stop tap, otherwise known as a stopcock or a stop valve, is a small tap that is located on a water pipe. They are used to turn the water supply on or off for your property. There are two different types of water stop taps – internal and external.
How do I find my stop tap?
Where your water stop tap is located depends on the type of stop tap you’re referring to – internal or external.
Internal stop tap
Internal stop taps turn off the water supply to a single property, and it is the responsibility of the occupant to ensure that it is working correctly.
In most properties, the stop tap is inside the building, close to where the water pipe is located. The exact place can vary, but you will often find your internal stop cap in one of the following places:
- Under the kitchen sink
- Inside a kitchen cupboard
- In a connecting garage or utility room
- In a bathroom
- In a cellar
- In a cloakroom
- Under the stairs
External stop tap
An external stop tap controls the main water supply to your property, and is sometimes shared with your neighbours. It is the responsibility of the water company to ensure it is working properly. You should only use an external stop tap if you cannot find your internal one, or if it isn’t working.
An external stop tap is usually located close to your property, such as:
- On the footpath outside your property
- On a verge outside your property
- Just inside your property’s boundary under a plastic or metal cover
- In your meter chamber.
If you share with your neighbours, please make sure to let them know that you are turning the water off.
How do I use my stop tap?
This depends on the type of stop tap you have. The most common types are either a conventional twist style brass tap or a more modern lever valve which typically has a handle that turns 90 degrees. Once you have located yours, they are very easy to use to turn your water supply off and back on again. You should be able to operate it yourself.
If you have the more conventional twist style brass tap then to stop the water supply to your property, turn the handle clockwise. It may take a few turns to stop the water, and you shouldn’t need excessive force to turn it off. If you are using an external stop tap, you may need a stop tap key to be able to turn your main water supply off or on.
It will take a few minutes for the water to stop running in your taps, as there will be water left over in the pipes from before you turned the water off.
To turn your water back on again, turn the tap anticlockwise until you cannot turn it any further. It may take some time for the water to start running from your taps again, as it will need to run through the pipes once more.
How GreenSmart can help
If your inside and outside stop taps aren’t working, or you are unable to locate them and you need to turn your water supply off or on, contact us and we will be able to send one of our experienced engineers round to help.
