Common locations
- Under the kitchen sink.
- In a utility room or downstairs cupboard.
- Near where the cold-water supply enters the property.
- In older homes, sometimes in a cellar or floor-level access point.
guide
How to find and use your stopcock
Knowing where your stopcock is can save time during a leak. This guide explains common locations and safe checks to make before an emergency.
Referral disclosure. Carlisle Plumbers is an independent enquiry service. Details submitted through this website may be shared with an independent plumbing provider serving your area.
Safe checks
Check the location in daylight, keep the area accessible and do not force a seized valve. If a valve will not move, ask a suitable professional to inspect it.
Make it easier in an emergency
- Label the stopcock location for household members.
- Keep stored items away from the valve.
- Include the location in notes for tenants, carers or house sitters.
Related
Related service pages
Burst pipe repair enquiries in Carlisle
Burst pipe guidance and enquiry form for Carlisle homes, including safe stopcock steps, electrical safety and what to tell a plumber.
Open page Questions
Frequently asked questions
What if I cannot find a stopcock?
Ask your landlord, previous owner, building manager or a suitable plumber to help locate the isolation point.