A burst pipe is a homeowner's worst nightmare. Water gushing through the kitchen ceiling can cause thousands of pounds in structural damage in a matter of minutes. The first thing you need to do is turn off the internal stopcock—but what if you can't find it, or worse, it's jammed?
How to find your internal stop tap
In most UK homes, the main internal stopcock is located under the kitchen sink. However, depending on the age of the property, you might also find it:
- In an airing cupboard
- Under the stairs
- Near the front door (often under a floorboard)
My stopcock is stuck! Now what?
If you've found the brass tap but it refuses to turn, stop immediately. Do not grab a wrench and try to force it. The spindle will likely snap clean off, and you'll have a much bigger flood on your hands.
Instead, follow these steps:
- Go outside and find the external boundary stop valve. It's usually under a small iron cover on the pavement or in your driveway. You might need a water key to turn it.
- Open your kitchen taps fully to drain the remaining water out of the system.
- Call an emergency plumber.
A plumber can freeze the pipe below the broken valve and replace it with a modern, quarter-turn lever valve that is guaranteed never to seize. It's a quick job that typically costs around £90 to £150, but it will save your house from future disaster.