Your internal stop tap (or stopcock) controls the supply of water inside your house. If you have a burst pipe, knowing where your stop tap is and quickly shutting it off can prevent extensive water damage to your home and a hefty water bill.
In most homes the inside stop tap will be under the kitchen sink, but it may elsewhere such as: in a kitchen cupboard, under the stairs, in the utility room, in a bathroom, and in the cellar.
To turn off your water supply, turn the stop tap clockwise. It may take a couple of minutes for your water supply to completely turn off. If your stop tap doesn’t work, contact a registered plumber.
Insulating any exposed pipes and taps will protect them from the cold, making them less likely to freeze or burst. Pipes and taps that are outside, or in cold places like garages or lofts are the most likely to freeze and burst. Pipe lagging is an easy, affordable solution and you can pick it up from your local DIY shop. Some water companies offer free lagging kits and tap jackets to their customers, so check on your water provider’s website to see if you are eligible!
Your internal stop tap (or stopcock) controls the supply of water inside your house. If you have a burst pipe, knowing where your stop tap is and quickly shutting it off can prevent extensive water damage to your home and a hefty water bill. In most homes the inside stop tap will be under the kitchen sink, but it may elsewhere such as: in a kitchen cupboard, under the stairs, in the utility room, in a bathroom, and in the cellar. To turn off your water supply, turn the stop tap clockwise. It may take a couple of minutes for your water supply to completely turn off. If your stop tap doesn’t work, contact a registered plumber.
A leaking tap or pipe not only wastes water, but also makes your pipes more likely to freeze in cold weather. Signs that you may have a leak include: an unexplained increase in your water bill, a big drop in water pressure, and damp patches on the ground. You check for leaks in your home by following Wessex Water’s easy video guide.
Some additional tips for safeguarding your home during winter while cutting down on energy costs include:
• Set your heating to a low temperature while you’re away to avoid pipes freezing and bursting.
• Using an outdoor tap cover to prevent it from freezing.
• Insulating your loft and using draught excluders to keep warm air in and cold air out.
• Schedule a boiler service to ensure it operates efficiently and safely.
