If you spot plumbing leaks in your home which could cause an accident please report this to us.
Click here to find out how to unblock your drains, sinks and toilet here.
Unfreeze Pipes Back to top
As the temperature drops, there’s a danger of the pipes in your home freezing.
Here are some handy tips to avoid this happening and some advice if they do freeze…
Take care when in and around your home during cold weather, as the risk of slips and falls in icy conditions is high.
Have you put an item down the drain that could impact your pumping station, septic tank or treatment plant? Back to top
Please do not allow any household products, cosmetic accessories, medicines or medical supplies to enter your waste drainage. These include:
- bandages, personal hygiene products or syringes
- nail polish remover
- mouth-wash or neat self-cleaning products e.g. shower gels or anti-bacterial hand wash
- baby disinfectants or sterilising bottle fluids
- bleach, disinfectant or floor cleaning products down your sink or toilet.
Stop taps Back to top
What is a stop tap?
Stop taps are used to control the water supply to your home and can be used in the event of internal bursts or leaks. They’re also essential if you're planning any maintenance work, such as installing a new bathroom or kitchen.
There are two types of stop taps: external stop taps and internal stop taps. The external stop tap is usually your water provider's responsibility, while the internal stop tap is yours to maintain.
Not every property has an external stop tap, which is why it’s important to ensure you have a working internal stop tap for emergencies.
External stop taps are typically located under covers in the footpath or pavement and can be used if the internal stop tap is not in working order.
You internal stop tap will look something like this:
Where is your stop tap located?
Your stop tap can be located in a number of places. The most common locations include:
- Under the kitchen sink or in a kitchen cupboard
- In a connecting garage or utility room
- In the bathroom
- Under the stairs
- In the cellar or cloakroom
Sometimes stop taps are placed in unusual spots, so if you're unsure where yours is, it's best to call a plumber to help you locate it.
How do you turn it off?
To turn off your water supply, simply turn the stop tap fully clockwise.
Taking just five minutes to walk around your home and locate your stop tap could save you a lot of stress and panic if the worst happens.