Yorkshire Homeowners Urged to Check Stop Taps as Clocks Spring Forward

As the clocks spring forward on Sunday, 29 March, there's another little task that could save a whole lot of bother down the line: finding and checking the internal stop tap. It sounds like a bit of a faff, but imagine the chaos of a burst pipe and not knowing how to shut the water off. Panic stations! A recent survey by WaterSafe has revealed that a surprising number of people in Yorkshire and the Humber might face that exact scenario. Apparently, 13 per cent of residents haven’t a clue where their stop tap is. This isn't just a minor inconvenience; knowing its location is the first line of defence against serious water damage and eye-watering repair bills from plumbing emergencies.

So, what is a stop tap anyway?

Think of it as the master switch for all the water in a property. It's a small valve that, when you turn it, shuts off the main water supply coming into the building. It might be called a stop cock or a stop valve, but they all do the same vital job. In an emergency, like when a pipe bursts or there are major leaks, being able to turn this tap off quickly can be the difference between a small puddle and a flooded house. A swift stop to the water flow prevents catastrophic property damage. The problem is, these crucial valves are often tucked away out of sight. The most common hiding spot is under the kitchen sink, but they can also be found in downstairs loos, airing cupboards, garages, cellars, or even under the stairs. It’s worth having a little hunt for it before an emergency strikes. Knowing where it is provides incredible reassurance, especially when you consider the potential consequences of a sudden flood. The internal stop tap is the one inside the property; there's usually another one outside, often under a little cover on the pavement, but the internal one is the go-to for a quick shutdown.

What the survey uncovered in Yorkshire

It's easy to assume everyone knows their home inside out, but the survey from WaterSafe paints a different picture for residents across Yorkshire and the Humber. The finding that 13 per cent of homeowners don't know the location of their stop tap is pretty telling. That’s more than one in ten households left vulnerable if a pipe suddenly bursts. And it’s not just homes. A separate survey of business owners in the Yorkshire and the Humber region found that 15 per cent had needed to call out a plumber in the last year specifically to fix a faulty stop tap. This shows that these little valves can cause big problems if they’re neglected. A seized or broken stop cock can turn a simple fix into a much bigger job, requiring professional help from qualified plumbers. This isn't just about inconvenience; it's about protecting your property and belongings from the devastation of uncontrolled water. Finding and testing the stop tap is a simple act that can prevent a major headache.

Making it a six-monthly habit

The solution is simple: make checking the stop tap a regular habit. WaterSafe suggests that using the day the clocks change is the perfect reminder. It's a memorable date that happens twice a year, making it an easy-to-remember schedule. Think of it as a spring and autumn MOT for the home’s water supply. The recommendation from the experts is to test it every six months. As Jonathan Samuel, Managing Director of WaterSafe, explains, this is a proactive step every property owner should take.

“Testing your stop tap is something we should all do regularly, around every six months. It’s easy to forget when you last did it, so the clocks changing can serve as a handy reminder.” “We’re urging Yorkshire and Humber residents to check their stop taps on Sunday 29 March when many of us will be changing clocks around our home – and to test them again when we turn the clocks back an hour in the autumn.” “Doing this regularly will provide reassurance that you could turn your water supply off in an emergency.”

This simple check offers peace of mind. To test it, just gently turn the stop tap off and then back on again. This ensures it hasn't seized up and will work when needed. For screw-down types of valves, it’s best to turn them all the way on and then back half a turn to prevent them from getting stuck. Lever-style valves, on the other hand, should be left fully open. This small action is a great reminder of how to manage the main water flow in an emergency.

What if the stop tap won't turn?

So, what happens if the stop tap is stiff or completely stuck? The golden rule is: don't force it. Applying too much pressure could break the valve, leading to the very flood it's meant to prevent. This is the point to call in a professional.

A WaterSafe-registered plumber has the skills and tools to deal with a stuck stop tap safely. WaterSafe lists nearly 8,000 approved plumbers and drinking water contractors across the country. These professionals are all trained and qualified, ensuring any work on the water supply is done to a high standard. Using a WaterSafe-registered expert means homeowners can be confident that their plumbing is in safe hands.