A burst pipe does not wait for a good moment. Therefore, water can spread fast, so the first minute matters most. Knowing where your stop tap is, and that it works, is the single best thing you can do ahead of time.
First, this guide explains what a stopcock is, where to look for it, and who owns which pipe. It also covers what to do after the water is off.
What a stopcock does
A stopcock, also called a stop tap, shuts off the water supply to your home. Close it and water stops flowing into your pipes. That gives you time to deal with the leak calmly.
Most homes have two. For example, the internal one sits inside your house. The external one sits outside, usually under a small cover in the pavement or street.
Where to find your internal stop tap
United Utilities, the water company for Warrington, says the internal stop tap is usually under the kitchen sink. However, it may be in a downstairs toilet, a cellar or a garage. Look in these places today, not during an emergency, because a calm search is much quicker.
Once you find it, label it. Tell everyone in the house where it is. In addition, clear away anything stored in front of it, because you may need to reach it in a hurry.
Check that it still works
An old stop tap can seize up if nobody uses it for years. United Utilities says you are responsible for maintaining your internal stop tap, so you should check that it works. If it does not move, or it will not shut the water off, get it looked at.
Do this check when you are calm and the house is dry, because that is the safest time. Turn it off, open a tap to see the flow stop, then turn it back on. A stop tap that fails this test is a good reason to book a plumber. Our team handles stopcock replacement across Warrington and nearby towns.
Leave the street stop tap alone
It can be tempting to look for the stop tap in the pavement. Please do not use it. United Utilities states that external stop taps on the street are the company’s responsibility and are not meant for customer use.
Instead, use the one inside your home, because that is the one meant for you. If you cannot reach it, or it will not turn, you can report a leak outside your property to United Utilities.
Who owns which pipe
Knowing who owns a pipe tells you who should fix it. According to United Utilities, the company maintains the water main and the communication pipe, which runs from the main to your property boundary. You are responsible for the supply pipe from the boundary into your home.
You also look after the external stop taps on your property and all the plumbing inside the house. If several homes share a supply pipe, all the connected owners share responsibility for the shared section. As a result, a leak on a shared pipe needs a conversation with your neighbours.
If you rent, tell your landlord straight away. United Utilities says the landlord is responsible for repairing a leak on the supply pipe. Therefore, do not pay for repairs yourself before you have spoken to them.
What to do when a pipe bursts
Act in a clear order. Each step helps limit the damage, so do not skip ahead.
- Close the internal stop tap so the water stops flowing.
- Open the cold taps to drain what is left in the pipes.
- Move belongings and rugs away from the water.
- Call a plumber if you cannot fix the leak yourself.
After that, take photos of the damage for your insurer. Photos help if you make a claim later. United Utilities also suggests checking whether your home insurance covers leaks on the supply pipe.
Help with the cost of a leak
Some help may be available if the leak is on your supply pipe. United Utilities runs a private leak investigation scheme and may help with repairs. If you have a water meter and fix the leak within 30 days, you may be able to claim for the water lost.
For urgent repairs, United Utilities points customers to WaterSafe to find an approved plumber. Meanwhile, you can call us any time. We offer a 24/7 emergency plumber service for Warrington, Runcorn, Widnes, Northwich, Lymm and the towns around them.
Stop bursts before they start
Cold weather is a common cause of burst pipes. United Utilities advises lagging pipes in cold places and keeping the heating on low when temperatures fall below zero. Pipes in lofts, garages and outhouses are the usual weak spots. Next, check any outside tap too.
Also check the internal stop tap is fully open if your water pressure seems low. United Utilities lists this as a first thing to check inside the home. A half-closed stop tap can look like a fault elsewhere.
A quick checklist
- Find your internal stop tap today.
- Make sure it turns and shuts off the water.
- Label it and tell the household.
- Keep a plumber’s details to hand.
- Lag exposed pipes before winter.
Finally, if your stop tap is stiff, leaking or missing, do not wait for a burst. Fixing it now is much easier than clearing up a flooded kitchen later. You can use our online quote form to describe the job and we will get back to you.