How is the mains water turned on/off ?
The mains water supply to each premise is controlled by two ‘stop cocks’. Outside each property is a stop cock which is controlled by the water authorities and is used to isolate the supply to a property if remedial work is needed. If your water is metered this is where the water meter will be located. A second stop cock is located in each house, usually in the kitchen, and controls the supply from the mains. You will need to locate this and in an emergency be able to turn it off. There may also be 2 more stop cocks next to the hot water cylinder. One to isolate the hot water supply and one to isolate the cold water supply from a tank in the loft. Building regulations now insist that each water outlet can be turned on and off independently. This is done using control valves inserted into the water pipes close to each outlet. Older properties will have had them installed where kitchens and bathrooms have been refitted. Older properties that haven’t had their kitchens and bathrooms upgra
