Outside stop taps control the main water supply to your property. They tend to be operated by professionals.

We might operate them if there is a leak or a burst water main, or they may be turned off by builders and plumbers. Sometimes in winter when the property is empty we need to operate them to avoid damage if frost causes a leak inside.

You should not rely on your outside stop tap to turn off your water supply in an emergency. You should always use your inside stop tap.

Location

Outside stop taps are generally located on, or around, the boundary of your property (usually in your drive or garden).

If your water supply is shared with other properties, which can be the case in most terraced properties or flats, it could be outside your property, or further along the street. If you do use this stop tap, you could also be turning off your neighbours’ water supply.

Outside stop taps will be located under a small metal or black plastic lid in the ground. You may find a polystyrene cover in the box which is to protect your stop tap, or meter if you have one, from frost.

Responsibility

We are responsible for stop taps located just inside the boundary of a property.

If there is a problem

Click here to report your stop tap if it isn’t working, or if there is a leak

In most cases the inside stop tap is the only one you will ever need. They can be used to turn the water supply off to your property, if you have a leak or want to fit new plumbing or heating systems.

Location

In most properties the stop tap is located inside, close to where the water pipe enters the building. In houses, this is usually:

• Under a sink (often the kitchen sink)
• Garage
• Cellar
• Downstairs bathroom or toilet

If you live in a flat, you may share your water supply with neighbours. A communal stop tap will generally be where the water supply enters the building. You should check you can get to it, although, an additional stop tap should also be found where the water supply enters your flat.

Responsibility

The owner or landlord of the property is responsible for all inside stop taps.

If there is a problem

If you are having problems operating your inside stop tap you should contact an approved plumber.

Outside stop taps control the main water supply to your property. They tend to be operated by professionals.

We might operate them if there is a leak or a burst water main, or they may be turned off by builders and plumbers. Sometimes in winter when the property is empty we need to operate them to avoid damage if frost causes a leak inside.

You should not rely on your outside stop tap to turn off your water supply in an emergency. You should always use your inside stop tap.

Location

Outside stop taps are generally located just on, or around, the boundary of your property (usually in your drive or garden).

If your water supply is shared with other properties, which can be the case in most terraced properties or flats, it could be outside your property, or further along the street. If you do use this stop tap, you could also be turning off your neighbours’ water supply.

Outside stop taps will be located under a small metal or black plastic lid in the ground. You may find a polystyrene cover in the box which is to protect your stop tap, or meter if you have one, from frost.

Responsibility

We are responsible for stop taps located just inside the boundary of a property.

If there is a problem

Click here to report your stop tap if it isn’t working, or if there is a leak

You or your plumber can turn off the water to your property by using the inside stop tap - carefully turn it clockwise to close the valve.

To turn the water back on, just turn the tap anti-clockwise.