How to Turn off Your Water Supply

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Water powers so many aspects of our lives that it’s easy to forget just how vital it is. From showers, toilets and sinks, to appliances, machinery, heating and much more – without it, lots of our everyday processes would be impossible to carry out.

But what do you do when water starts to become a problem? In certain situations, it’s important to turn off your water supply and protect your property from damage. Here, we look at where your water supply comes from, the reasons why you might need to turn it off, and – importantly – how to turn it off.

Where does the water supply come from?

The water supply that feeds our properties comes from various locations, including:

Surface water – rivers, lakes and reservoirs collect rainwater and supply lots of communities across the country
Groundwater – underground layers of water-bearing rock called aquifers provide water through wells which are particularly important in areas where there is a low supply of surface water
Rainwater harvesting – this is when rainwater from roofs and other surfaces is captured and stored for later use

How does the water supply reach my premises?

A network of systems, pipes and pumps direct the water supply from any of the above sources to your property.

Typically, water is drawn from the source and has its impurities removed at a water treatment centre, to ensure it meets relevant safety standards. A pump station then moves the treated water through a distribution centre made up of a network of pipes including mains, service lines and small pipes. Water then connects to individual premises through a service connection, which will also include a shut-off valve – or stop tap, or stopcock. Once inside a property, water flows to all the relevant outlets required whether that’s toilets and sinks, or water-powered machinery and appliances.

When do I need to turn off the water supply?

There are several situations where it will be necessary to turn off your water supply, including:

Emergencies – if you experience a burst pipe, leak or flooding, you’ll need to switch off the water supply to your property as soon as possible.
During plumbing repairs – you’ll need to turn off the water supply if you have a plumbing engineer visiting to repair fixtures that rely on water, including sinks, appliances and other machinery
During cold snaps – when temperatures plummet, water left in pipes can freeze and expand, causing pipes to burst. Lots of people try to prevent this by switching off their water supply.

How do I turn off the water supply at my property?

To turn off the water supply to your property, you can use the shut-off valve, which is also known as the stop tap or stopcock.

Turn the valve clockwise.
It may take a few turns of the valve to fully stop the supply.
You can tell if it’s worked by running your tap until the water stops coming through it.

Where is the shut off valve to turn off the water supply?

Shut off valves are located either inside or outside of your property.

Inside a residential property, you might find them:

Under a kitchen sink
In an airing cupboard
Under the stairs
Under floorboards
In the garage or cellar

Externally, shut off valves can be found:

On the boundary of a property
Under marked covers on a nearby path or road
Near to a water meter

At a business premises, the stop tap is likely to be located near to where the service pipe enters the property.

It is good practice to identify where your stop tap is located and mark it clearly, so it’s easy to find in emergency situations. You should also ensure your shut off valve is in good working order on a regular basis, to ensure it will work in the case of leaks or flooding.

What should I do after turning off the water supply?

After switching off the water supply, relieve pressure in the system by switching on all your taps to drain out any remaining water.

What should I do if I can’t turn off the water supply?

If you’re struggling to switch off the water supply because the valve won’t turn properly, apply a form of lubricant to see if this will loosen the tap.

If the valve is turning, but the water flow isn’t stopping, call an emergency plumbing engineer and ask them to visit your property as soon as possible.

When can I turn my water supply back on?

If you’ve hired a plumber or drainage expert to fix broken or leaking pipes, or help you during a flooding emergency, wait for their go ahead to turn your water supply back on.

How do I turn my water supply back on?

You can turn your water supply back on by turning the shut off valve anti clockwise. This will restore water flow to your system.

If any leaks continue after this, you’ll know the system isn’t fully repaired.

Contact Plumbing and Drainage Experts

At Metro Plumb, we’ve got a team of expert plumbers readily available, day and night, to support you with all your plumbing needs. If the issue involves clear water, such as leaks or water supply problems, Metro Plumb is here to help. However, if the issue relates to dirty water or drainage, Metro Rod is available 24/7, 365 days a year to not only fix the problem but also provide recommended next steps to prevent further disruption.

Find your local Metro Plumb by visiting our find a local plumber page or call us on 0808 250 9949.