When a pipe bursts, a tap starts leaking heavily, or water appears somewhere it shouldn’t, the first and most important step is to turn off your water supply. Doing this quickly can prevent damage to flooring, walls, ceilings, electrics and personal belongings.
As a local plumber serving Weston-super-Mare, Worle, Clevedon, Portishead and surrounding North Somerset villages, we regularly help homeowners who weren’t shown where their stop tap is or how to use it. This guide walks you through how to find, turn and test your stop tap, so you’re prepared if an emergency ever occurs.
1. Where to Find Your Stop Tap
Your main stop tap (also called stopcock) is usually inside your home, close to where the water supply enters the building.
Common places to check:
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Under the kitchen sink
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In the downstairs toilet
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In a utility cupboard
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Inside a kitchen base cabinet near the back wall
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Near the washing machine feed
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Under the stairs
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Behind a small access panel near the front door
If you’re in a flat, it may be:
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In a shared hallway cupboard
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Behind a bathroom panel
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Inside or near the boiler cupboard
If you’re unsure, take 2–3 minutes to locate your stop tap now — it’s worth knowing before you need it.
2. How to Turn the Stop Tap Off
Once located, rotate the stop tap clockwise (to the right) until it stops turning.
This will gradually reduce and then stop the water supply to the whole property.
Tips:
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Turn slowly — forcing can damage older taps.
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If it’s stiff, use gentle pressure rather than tools — overtightening can cause leaks.
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If it won’t turn at all, it may need servicing or replacement (we can assist).
After turning off, run a cold tap to confirm the water has stopped.
3. What If the Stop Tap Is Stuck?
Stop taps often become stiff due to age or lack of use.
Do NOT:
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Use pliers or wrenches to force it
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Apply heat
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Tap or hammer the valve
These can break the tap — and a broken stop tap cannot shut off water at all.
We provide stop tap freeing, servicing and replacement with minimal disruption.
If urgent, call for fast help.
4. Using Isolation Valves for Small Repairs
Most modern sinks, toilets and taps have small silver isolation valves nearby.
These let you turn off water to just one fixture rather than the whole house.
Turn the slot on the valve a quarter turn:
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Horizontal = off
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Vertical = on
This can quickly stop a dripping tap or leaking toilet while waiting for repair.
5. What If Water Is Coming from the Ceiling or Floor?
This usually means:
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A pipe joint has failed, or
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A heating system copper pipe has split
Turn the stop tap off immediately
Then, if safe, switch off:
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The boiler
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Electricity in the affected area (if water is near sockets or lights)
Then call a plumber right away.
6. Outdoor Stop Tap (External Water Control)
There is also a street stop tap, usually located:
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In a small cover near the front boundary or pavement
This is a backup if the internal stop tap fails.
If you’re unsure, we can show you how to identify and use this safely.
When to Call for Professional Help
Call if:
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The stop tap is seized
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Water continues running after shut-off
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A pipe has burst or is leaking heavily
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The leak is inside a wall, ceiling, or under flooring
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You cannot find the source
We respond to leaks and emergencies across:
Weston-super-Mare, Worle, Clevedon, Portishead, Congresbury, Banwell, Winscombe, Cheddar & surrounding North Somerset areas.
Need Help Now? (Fast Local Response)
If you’re facing a leak, burst pipe, tap failure or urgent plumbing issue, we can help quickly.
📞 Phone: 07453 304504
📧 Email: matt@teddytailsplumbing.co.uk
📍 Areas Covered: Weston-super-Mare, Worle, Clevedon, Portishead & all surrounding North Somerset areas.
Calm, clear, reliable plumbing support when you need it most.