A burst pipe can cost thousands — here’s how to stop the flood fast
A burst pipe, leaking water tank, or major plumbing fault can damage your home within minutes. Water pouring through floors and walls not only destroys plasterwork and electrics, but can also leave you with a hefty bill to replace carpets, furniture, and personal belongings.

That’s why knowing how to turn off your water supply is essential for every London homeowner — it could save you thousands of pounds and prevent massive disruption.

Where to find your internal stopcock

Your internal stopcock (sometimes called a stop valve) is usually located:

✅ Under the kitchen sink
✅ In a downstairs utility cupboard
✅ Near your water meter
✅ In the basement if you have one

It’s a small valve with a handle or lever, often made of brass. Turning it clockwise (to the right) will stop water entering your home through the main supply.
If you don’t know where yours is, locate it today — do a quick test to be prepared in an emergency.

How to test your stopcock regularly

Stopcocks can seize up over time if they’re never operated. At least once every 6 months, you should:

• Turn it off gently and check that water flow to your taps stops
•  Turn it back on
• Check for any leaks around the valve

If it’s stiff or you can’t move it, call a plumber to inspect it so you’re not left stuck in an emergency.

When to call People Plumbing 247 if you can’t shut the water off

If you discover a burst pipe, a tank is flooding, or a serious leak is getting worse and you cannot turn off your water, don’t waste time — call an emergency plumber immediately.
At People Plumbing 247, our family-run team is on standby 24/7 to help London and Greater London homeowners stop leaks fast and limit the damage.

If you can’t shut off your water or have a serious leak, call our 24/7 emergency plumbers on 07464 288103 now. We’ll be with you as quickly as possible.