How to Turn Off The Water Supply Outside
Water is perhaps the most important amenity in your home.
As well as tap water being used for drinking, water is also necessary for washing, bathing, cooking and a wide range of other daily tasks.
While it is important to not understate the importance of water in a property, there may be some instances where it is necessary to switch off the water supply. Whether it’s due to a leak or any other reason, it’s important that homeowners are aware of how they can switch off their water supply – especially if emergency situations have occurred.
In this article, we’ll explain how to turn off the water supply outside, outlining how you can perform this task safely and effectively. – Read on to learn more.
How to turn off water to a house
If you need to turn off the water supply for your house, there are usually two main ways to do so. Firstly, you should always use your inside stop valve.
Also sometimes referred to as an internal stop tap or stop cock, this device is located inside the property and can be used to turn off your home’s water supply. In an emergency situation, such as a leak, you may be required to switch off the water supply to prevent further water damage thus it’s important to know where it’s located and how you can turn it off.
More often than not, you will be able to find the inside stop valve in the cupboard under your kitchen sink. However, if it is not there then it may be in an airing cupboard.
Usually, these valves can be manually switched off by the homeowner and require no professional assistance.
To turn it off, turn the valve clockwise and you should see the amount of water passing through it reduce. Be patient, as it may take a few minutes for the water to shut off altogether. When you’re ready to turn the water back on, turn the tap in the opposite direction (anti-clockwise). Then, test your house’s taps and you should see the water come back on.
When using your inside stop valve, it’s important that you always operate it slowly and never force it if it seems to be stiff. This could damage, or even break, the tap which can cause a whole host of other problems.
If the tap is not working properly or you are struggling to turn it, you may need to consult a professional plumber at this stage.
How to turn off water supply outside
In some instances, you may need to access your outside stop valve, which can be found externally to your home. Also referred to as an outside stop cock or stop tap, it controls the source of cold water to your home. Typically, you would only need to use the outside stop tap in emergency situations when switching off the inside valve hasn’t stemmed the flow of water.
An outside stop tap can be found in a variety of places. Usually, it’ll be near your water meter, or underneath a cover on the path or road outside your home. Sometimes, it may be at the end of a street and you may have to wander around your local area to find it.
Remember, if you need to turn off the water supply to your home, you should always use your inside stop tap first. If this hasn’t worked and it truly is an emergency situation, then you can attempt the outside stop tap.
Once you’ve located the stop tap, you shouldn’t switch it off immediately. This is because outside stop taps typically supply water to a number of different properties. With this in mind, you should let your neighbours know what you’re planning to do so they are aware that they may be without water for a while.
Next, you may need to use a screwdriver to open the cover on your street. Once you have got the cover off, use a torch to look into the hole and see where the stop tap is located.
If it is safe to do so, you can then turn off the tap. Just like with your inside stop valve, turn the tap clockwise. This should cause the water supply to turn off but it may take a few minutes. Again, turn the tap anti-clockwise once you have finished and the water supply will return.
If the problem with your water requires the use of the outside stop tap, then you may require professional support.
Reasons why you need to turn off your water supply
There are several reasons why you might need to turn off your home’s water supply, this includes:
Preventing water damage: In the event of a water leak or burst pipe, turning off the water supply can help prevent extensive water damage that could be detrimental to your property and belongings. It’s a good idea to know how to shut off the water, as outlined above, in case of such emergencies.
Plumbing repairs: If you’re having any plumbing repairs or work done, it’s essential to turn off the water supply to prevent flooding or leaks. This could include fixing a leaky faucet, replacing a pipe or installing new plumbing fixtures.
Appliance installation: When installing or replacing appliances that are connected to your home’s water supply, such as a dishwasher, washing machine, refrigerator and more, you’ll need to shut off the water to connect them safely.
Extended absence: If you’re going to be away from your home for a while, such as for a holiday or a business trip, turning off the water supply can give you peace of mind and reduce the risk of water damage from unexpected leaks or plumbing issues while you’re away.
Water conservation: While it might seem like an extreme choice, some people regularly turn off their home’s water supply as a way to conserve water and reduce energy bills. For instance, people may turn off the water when washing dishes or other activities that require a continuous flow of water.
