What Does a Stopcock Look Like?
A stopcock is a crucial part of your property’s water system enabling the water to be shut off in an emergency situation. Understanding how and when to use it can be highly beneficial. Research from Direct Line indicates that nearly 7 million people in the UK are unaware of what a stopcock is, prompting us to create this comprehensive guide answering questions such as ‘What does a stopcock look like’ alongside easy-to-follow usage instructions.
What is a Stopcock?
A stopcock, also known as a stop valve, isolation valve or stop tap, is a valve connected to a piping system that enables control over the flow of liquid or gas. There are various applications for stopcocks, with a common type found in both domestic and commercial properties being used to control the water main supply.
A stopcock, also known as a stop valve, isolation valve or stop tap, is a valve connected to water pipework that enables control over the flow, allowing the water supply to be turned on or off either internally or externally. They are found at both domestic and commercial properties.
Where is My Stopcock?
Many properties have both an internal and external stopcock: the internal one isolates the water supply to the inside of the property, whilst the external one isolates the water supply from the boundary to the property. Internal Stopcocks can be found in various locations depending on the age and layout of the property, typically found below the kitchen sink but also often in neighbouring kitchen units, airing cupboards, halls, lower-floor toilets, utility rooms or within the garage.
If living in a multi-residency building you may share a communal stopcock with your neighbours. Your landlord should be able to advise where this is located.
What Does a Stopcock Look Like?
A stopcock is a valve typically resembling a spout-less tap, used to control the flow of liquids or gases in a piping system. In the UK, older properties may feature brass stopcocks with T-shaped handles, whilst newer builds or industrial settings may use plastic or PVC-coated hand wheels, levers or knobs.
A stopcock may have various markings to indicate it controls your water supply, such as “Water,” “Stopcock,” “W,” or “SC.”
Example One – Old Stopcock with T-shaped handle.
Example Two – Lever valves and Gate valves.
Using a Stopcock
You can open or close a stopcock valve using the lever or hand wheel. Turning the handle clockwise or rotating the wheel to the right will close the valve, while turning it counter clockwise or to the left will open it.
A charming old mnemonic, well known within the British trade industry, that may help you remember this is: ‘lefty loosey, righty tighty’.
Whilst you may need to rotate the handle several times, you should not need to use excessive force to shut off the supply. If your stopcock is old and unused it may have possibly seized up over time, which is why it is important to carry out regular inspection and maintenance.
Turn on all the taps within the property to drain the remaining water within the pipe system. It can take several minutes to completely cut off the water flow and the same applies when turning it back on.
Safety Precautions
An internal stopcock is generally safe to use and designed for operation by those without experience. However, external stopcocks should typically be handled by a qualified tradesman.
It is advisable to regularly inspect the components of both your internal and external stopcock for any damage that could cause a leak.
Maintenance
If you believe your stopcock is damaged, it is advisable to seek professional help from a qualified plumber who has experience fitting and repairing these components.
When Would I Need to Use My Stopcock?
Being able to turn the water supply off with a stopcock can be useful in several situations. For instance, you may wish to turn off your water supply to prevent flooding whilst you are away.
Your stopcock is also crucial for leak detection, as it can either be the source of a leak or help determine if there is a leak within your property.
How to Use Your Stopcock and Water Meter for Leak Detection
A high water meter reading, when usage has not exceeded standard daily levels, may indicate a leak within your property. There is an easy way to assess whether this might be the case.
The Stop Tap Test
If the water meter is moving constantly shut off the internal stop cock to isolate the water supply within the property which will also prevent any further damage if a leak or burst pipe has occurred.
Monitor the water meter at this point. If the meter continues to turn, it may indicate a leak in your mains water supply pipework.
If the meter stops moving then this may indicate a leak on the internal pipework especially if it starts moving again once the internal stopcock has been turned back on and no water is in use.
We would recommend reading our blog ‘Found Unexplained Water on the Floor but No Leak Source? Here’s What You Need to Know’ for further guidance on how to pinpoint a leak.
Automatic Water Shut Off Valve
Some individuals or businesses may opt for an automatic water shut-off valve. This equipment is equipped with built-in technology designed to detect leaks within water pipes.
These valves can detect abnormal water flow within the system and automatically shut off the water supply to prevent further damage.
Professional Leak Detection Services
If you believe your property may have a leak, it is crucial to seek professional assistance right away to prevent further damage.
Rainbow Restoration has proudly served the UK for over 30 years, with teams of seasoned experts providing professional Leak Detection and Trace and Access services, ensuring your property is in safe hands.
Curious about the difference between Trace and Access and Leak Detection? Check out our blog: ‘A simple guide to Trace and Access vs Leak Detection’.
Our national helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year, so please do not hesitate to contact us on 01623 422488.