Turn Off Water Supply in Emergencies: ACW Drains Guide
Plumbing Emergency? Learn How to Turn Off the Water Supply
In a plumbing emergency, knowing how to turn off your water supply at the mains can prevent significant damage. Here’s a handy guide from ACW Drains to help you quickly find the shutoff valve until a professional arrives.
How to Turn Off the Water Supply Under the Sink
Typically, the stopcock is near the kitchen sink or in a hallway. It controls the cold water flow throughout your property. The stopcock is usually a brass valve with pipes on either side. Turn the valve clockwise to stop the water flow. If it’s stiff, applying a little WD-40 can help loosen it.
TIP: Knowing the location of your main water shutoff valve before an emergency is crucial. If you ever have a boiler repair or a plumbing check, ask the engineer to point it out. If you rent, your landlord can also help.
Need Help? Call ACW Drains for Emergency Assistance
Burst pipe? Leaking sink? Issues with your main shutoff valve? ACW Drains has got you covered. Our team of professional plumbers is available around the clock to address any issue—big or small. Contact us for a quick response and expert solutions.
Handling Hot Water Issues
Hot water cylinders also have a valve that can be turned clockwise to stop the flow. For properties with combination boilers, shutting off the main valve will cut off the water entirely.
Checking If the Water Supply Is Off
To verify that the stop valve has turned off the water, simply turn on the cold-water tap in your kitchen. If the flow stops, you know the water supply is off.
Turning Off the Outside Main Water Valve
The external stopcock is typically located near a pavement, under a cover, next to the water meter. Turning this valve clockwise will cut off the water supply to your entire property, keeping things under control until a local plumber from ACW Drains arrives.
Can I Isolate Individual Appliances?
Many household appliances have isolation valves that let you turn off the water to specific units like washing machines or dishwashers. Simply use a screwdriver to turn the valve 90 degrees, which will isolate the water flow to that appliance.
Turning Off Water to a Toilet
The isolation valve for a toilet is usually found behind the unit. A quick turn with a flathead screwdriver can shut off water to the toilet without affecting the rest of the property.
Shutting Off Bathroom Taps
The isolation valve for bathroom taps is often found under the sink. Turning the valve with a flathead screwdriver will stop water flow. If the valve isn’t present, you may need to turn off the main valve for the whole property.
Once the water supply is off, it’s time to call in a professional plumber to resolve the issue for good. ACW Drains is here to help with any emergency. Get in touch with us today.
No Call-Out Fees with ACW Drains
At ACW Drains, we understand that plumbing emergencies can be stressful. That’s why we don’t charge a call-out fee. Our plumbers will arrive promptly, assess the issue, and provide a no-obligation quote before starting any work. Whether it’s a weekend, late night, or holiday, we’re here to help without extra charges.
How Much Does a 24-Hour Emergency Plumber Cost?
We strive for transparency at ACW Drains. After diagnosing the issue, we’ll offer a competitive quote with no hidden fees. Rest assured, our team can often fix the problem right away, saving you time and stress.
Do Plumbers Work at Night?
Yes! ACW Drains operates 24/7, meaning you can reach us for plumbing emergencies at any hour. Whether it’s a burst pipe at midnight or a blocked drain at dawn, we’re just a call away.
External Resources
For further reading on maintaining your plumbing and understanding emergency plumbing services, check out the following resources:
- UK Government Water Advice
- [WaterSafe - Approved Plumbers](<https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//www.watersafe.org.uk/>)
- [Citizens Advice - What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency](<https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer>)