Emergency! How to shut water offWeather it be an emergency, maintenance or a plumbing alteration you will need to shut water off. Depending on your water system your shut off valve will be in one of the following locations.
City supply shut off valve.You need to search along your front boundary line for a plastic or metal cover. It's usually approx 12"-24" out from your fence or sometimes in the foot path. It may look similar to the photos below.
You may only see part of the toby/buffalo box as they are often over grown. (Check over growth on black lid.) To open the box. Round lid: You need to insert a screw driver and turn the lid (while jiggling up and down) It will come free when its lugs line up with gaps. Square or rectangle lid: Insert screw driver slot at one end and pry open. If you can't find toby/buffalo box. 1. Look on house plans. 2. Ring council. They carry some records and may be able to give you a measurment from one of your side boundaries.
Shut off valve
Once you have the lid off You may now see a different type of tap top, but the principle will be the same. Turn clockwise until firm. Check to see if water has stopped running (front hose tap is the best.) Tip: If shut off valve has not been off for some time, you may have to open and close a few times to free up tap thread.
Basement shut water off.Alternately to shut water off.Your may have a valve where your water main enters your house.This is usually in the basement. Look for either a gate valve or ball valve (below)
Low pressure system shut off.Low pressure systems are fed by a header/roof tank. (sometimes via a pump) The shut off valves (For hot and cold) will be located at the bottom of the tank or....... Inside your hot water cylinder/ boiler cupboard. Again the tap may vary from photo but again, just turn clockwise to shut off.
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