How to Turn Off the Water — UK Home Stopcock Guide
In a burst-pipe emergency, every minute costs money. Here is how to find and turn off the water in any UK home in under a minute.
Step-by-step method
1. Find the internal stopcock
Under the kitchen sink is the most common location. Also check: downstairs WC, understairs cupboard, or airing cupboard.
2. Turn clockwise
Righty-tighty until it stops. If seized, use a stopcock key or WD40. Never force — the valve can shear.
3. Open a tap to confirm
Open the cold tap on the kitchen sink. Water should trickle to nothing within 30 seconds.
4. Know your external stopcock
Under a small round plastic cover in your front path or pavement. Needs a stopcock key. Use if internal is broken.
Frequently asked questions
What if my stopcock is seized?+
Turn off at the external stopcock (in the street). Call a plumber to replace the internal — £80–£150 fitted.
How do I turn off water to just one tap?+
Under-sink isolating valves (small slotted brass valves on the flexi tail). Turn a quarter with a screwdriver — 90° = closed.