External Stop Tap Types
Outside stop taps regulate the primary water supply to a property and are usually operated by professionals in cases of leaks or burst water mains. Builders and plumbers may also use them. In some instances, these taps may be turned off during winter if the property is vacant to prevent damage caused by frost-related leaks.
What is an external stop tap?
An external stop tap, also referred to as a stop valve or stop cock, is a device commonly used in plumbing systems to isolate the water supply of a property from the mains water supply. It is usually located outside a property, near the boundary of the property or nearby to the water meter. The external stop tap is typically used in emergency situations or during maintenance work to shut off the water supply. It is recommended that only qualified plumbers or water suppliers should operate the external stop tap to ensure the safety and integrity of the plumbing system.
What is an internal Top Tap?
An internal top tap, also known as stop valve or stop cock, is a point within a building where the water supply can be shut off. It is essential to check its functionality periodically, to ensure that it can be used in an emergency to stop the water supply.
Where is the external stop tap?
To turn off a stop tap, either turn the head or tap 90 degrees or rotate it clockwise until it stops. Some stop taps may have a pull lever that needs to be pulled up to close it and pushed down to open it.
Do I need a universal stop tap key?
A universal stop tap key can be purchased at plumbing merchants and should work for most situations when turning off your water. However, some water meter housings require a specialist key, and you should contact your water supplier if it is not in the meter box. Alternatively, a qualified plumber can also help operate your external stop tap. This advice is provided by WaterSafe for general plumbing use.
The object is a connector between two pipes and features a lever or tap without a spout.
What is an internal stop tap?
An internal stop tap is a valve that is used to turn off the water supply to a property. It is important to know the location of this valve and check that it is working properly in case of emergencies such as a burst pipe. To locate the internal stop tap, it is recommended to consult with WaterSafe.
What is the difference between plug taps and bottoming taps?
Bottoming taps are designed for threading blind holes, while plug taps have a tapered section with 3-5 threads, making them suitable for starting threads and threading shallower holes.
What are the different types of taps?
There are several types of thread taps available, including spiral point taps, spiral flute taps, interrupted thread taps, tapered thread taps (such as pipe taps), and form or roll taps.
Common locations for a property's water shut off valve can vary, but typically include under the kitchen sink, in a kitchen cupboard, in the bathroom or cloakroom, in the garage, utility room or cellar, or under the stairs.
What should I do if I can't find the outside stop tap?
In case of being unable to turn off the outside stop tap valve, one should either call the water board or an emergency plumber to find an alternative solution. If the outside stop tap cannot be located, calling the water board is recommended.
What happens if I damage my external stop tap?
Water suppliers may not always give permission to use the external stop tap and damage to it may lead to liability for repairs. The external stop tap is usually located near the boundary of a premises and under a small cover. If it is not working, seek advice from WaterSafe.
Where is my external stop valve?
If you are unable to locate your external stop valve, it may be best to consult with a qualified plumber or water authority for assistance. They possess the necessary skills and tools to locate and identify external stop valves. It is crucial to know the location of your external stop valve in the event of an emergency or maintenance work requiring the water supply to be turned off.
It is possible that difficulty in operating the stop tap may indicate the need for a specific key to access it. In such cases, a universal stop tap key, which is readily available at most plumbing merchants, can be used. However, it is important to note that certain water meter housings may require a specialist key, in which case contacting the water suppliers would be necessary.
Do I need a stop tap key?
If you need to turn off the water supply to your house, then you may need a stop tap key. These keys come in different sizes and are designed for a secure fit around the stop tap. Depending on your location and water provider, a ½" square head may be the correct fit. Some keys are also known as 2 Prong Stop Cock key and are available in light duty or heavy duty. Akro Valve offers a variety of Stop Tap Keys to ensure a safe and effective turn off of your water supply.
How can I stop water flow in a pipe if the isn't working?
If the stopcock isn't working, you can try to isolate the problem area by locating any additional stop valves on the plumbing system. These may be located under sinks, near appliances or in the loft space. If no other stop valves can be found, the water supply to the entire property will need to be turned off. This can be done by contacting your water company or a professional plumber. It is important to ensure that the problem area is fixed before turning the water supply back on.
How do you use a stopcock key?
To use a stopcock key, attach it to the stopcock valve or crutch head valve and turn it until the tap twists. The key is designed to fit a variety of different sized square stopcock valves and crutch head valves, and the handle is pointed to make it easy to open stopcock covers. This particular stop tap key is 1 meter long, making it easy to access taps in tricky areas.
What to do if your stopcock or stop tap doesn't work - Which?
A Trusted Traders endorsed plumber suggests that the number of stop taps in a home depends on the system. A high-pressure system usually has one stop tap that turns off water from the mains.
External stop taps are utilized to shut off water in the event of a water leak or if the internal stop tap is inaccessible or difficult to operate.
Can't Turn my internal stop tap off?
If you are unable to turn off the mains water stop tap valve internally, you should call an emergency plumber or turn it off from the outside. If both the internal and external stop taps are not functioning, it is recommended to seek professional help for resolving the issue.
How deep is a stop tap?
The depth of a stop tap can vary depending on the location and specific circumstances. In most cases, it can be found between 750mm to 900mm underground. However, in rare cases, it can be found at a shallower depth of 200mm to 750mm, but only with special protection and circumstances. The external stop tap valve can come in different shapes and sizes, but generally has a lever or handle that can be turned to switch off the water supply to the property. It is typically located outside of the property, near the boundary or in the pavement. In an emergency, it is important to know the location of the stop tap and how to shut it off quickly to prevent further damage or flooding.
