Locate your underground shut off valve
It is a good idea to locate your underground shut off valve, this is where the incoming main can be isolated before the water reaches your stopcock.
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The water supply shut off valve is usually located on the pavement or road in-line with your stopcock in the house. The valve may be hard to see, as it may be covered in mud or stones, it would also be a good time to give the area a clean so you can reach the valve in an emergency.
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Locate the stopcock
The stopcock is used to control the flow of water and is more importantly used to shut off the entire supply in an emergency.
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The stopcock can be found in a number of places, including under the kitchen sink, bathroom, cloakroom, cellar or basement. Once you have found the stopcock it would be a good idea to test it, as overtime it may have become jammed. Use some WD-40 and check that the valve opens and closes freely, and above all make sure that the valve does actually stop the water supply.
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Locate and identify any other shut off valves
Check to see if there are any isolating valves on the low-pressure pipes to taps, toilet cisterns and household appliances, these valves enable servicing to be carried out without turning off the mains. These valves are usually located next to the storage cistern in the loft or hot water cylinder cupboard. It would be a good idea to label each valve, so you or anyone else that needs to know, knows what valve does what.
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Locate your gas shut off valve
It is important for you and your family to know where to shut off the gas supply. The isolating valve (used to shut off the gas) is usually located next to the gas meter. If the meter box is located outside, then you would usual need a gas key to open the box, in which case ensure that the key is placed in an easily located place.
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Keep useful numbers at hand
In case of emergency it it important to keep a number of telephone numbers close by incase you require emergency assistance.
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? TG Services - 02380 695554 - Use our number if you require assistance for natural gas, LPG, oil or plumbing appliances or boilers. (see area coverage)
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? Transco (National Grid) - 0800 111 999 - If you smell gas ring this number.
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? Environmental Agency - 0800 807 060 - If you suffer a major oil leak covering a lot of ground or the leak has possibly contaminated water supply's.
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? Gas Safe -0800 408 5500 - Ring to check gas registered installers or for more information.
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? Oftec - 0845 65 85 080 - Ring to check oil registered installers or for more information.
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