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Know where your stop tap is
Take 5 minutes to find it and check it works. It could save you a great deal of money in the event of a water leak. Remember taps turn clockwise to turn off.

For images of stop taps click here.

Isolation valves

These should be fitted to all hot and cold water supplies (sink taps, toilet cisterns, washing machines, dishwashers...). In the event of a leak you can turn off the water to the appliance and still have water supply to the rest of the property. The best type to have fitted are the valves with handles or leavers. They cost a little more than the more common type that require a slotted screwdriver to turn off. But when you want to turn the water off in a hurry you don’t want to waist time looking for a screwdriver! Common isolation valve images click here.

Dripping taps
A dripping tap can be an annoyance as well as a waste of water, over weeks significant costs can accumulate especially if hot water is dripping from storage tanks. They are normally relatively cheap and easy to fix, often just a replacement washer is needed.

Isolate your outside taps in cold weather
water can expand in freezing temperature, any water left in the pipe through the cold winter months may cause the pipes to burst. So make sure to isolate the tap from the inside then drain off any water left in the pipe by opening the outside tap.

Leaks
As soon as you discover a leak turn off the mains supply to the property. This is often located under the kitchen sink or in the basement, once you have found this turn clockwise to isolate the supply. If you have a direct water system such as a 'combi' boiler then the water should stop almost immediately.

Maintenance
Correct maintenance and care is essential to prevent a costly repair. If your sink or shower is draining slowly then don't wait until it's completely blocked to fix it. It will just be more difficult, if not impossible to fix yourself.

Don't pour grease and food down your drains. They can quickly build up and cause a clogged pipe. Hair is a big problem for bathroom drains. To reduce the chance of a blocked pipe buy a sink strainer and clean it occasionally. If there is a food or hair clog you can sometimes fix it with a toilet plunger. The suction can loosen the particles and allow the obstruction to drain.