TIPS & HINTS
SURREY OFFICE
3000 Cathedral Hill
Guildford GU27YB
LONDON OFFICE
29 Burtons Road,
Hampton TW12 1DB
Telephone: 0800 955 0353
E-mail: office@watertightsolutions.uk.com
Tel. : 0800 955 0353
E-mail: office@watertightsolutions.uk.com
Caution: Please do remember that some equipments like (not limited to) boilers or other heating systems, may rely on a cold water supply. So first of all, do take appropriate steps to shut down any equipment that may be adversely affected by shutting off the water supply.
Know in advance how to shut off the water -
It's a good idea to know in advance where and how to turn off the water to your house in case of an emergency (water pipes bursting or leakages). When the water supply system leaks or a repair is needed, you'll have to shut off the water. It's best to do this at the valve that's closest to the problem. That way, the rest of the house will still have a functioning water supply.
For a faucet, toilet, or similar fixture, first look for a stop valve that's connected to the water supply tubes, located directly under the fixture. This is normally a chrome-plated or plastic valve; beneath sinks, one serves hot and one serves cold. Turn the handle clockwise to shut it off. If this is too difficult to turn by hand, grip it with a pair of slip-joint pliers.
If you don't find a shutoff valve there, you can shut off the valve that controls the flow to the entire house, normally located near where the cold water pipe enters (outside in warm climates, inside in cold climates). In some cases, this valve is located on a pipe right before the water heater. In some cases, this valve has a red handle. To turn it off, rotate the handle clockwise.
Most homes which draw their water from a municipal supply will have a water meter and shut off valve grouped together. That water meter is often located near the street, in an underground access hatch. Lift the cover and you will find either a handle or a valve with a straight metal flange across the top. The handle may be rotary, like a manual sprinkler valve or it may be a paddle. Turn the rotary or paddle until it won't turn any further. Valves that have a metal flange require a pipe wrench to operate. This type of valve closes with just a quarter turn. If a wrench is required, we recommend leaving a wrench near the valve for emergency use.
If you are unable to locate or unable to access your main water shut off valve, you can always call us (0800 955 0353
) and our technician will be there as quickly as possible to help you out with your plumbing emergency needs.
