Where is my stopcock?

Usually under the kitchen sink. In older homes look under the stairs, in a downstairs loo, or under floorboards near the front door. Flats may have one in a cupboard by the front door or in a shared riser.

Is a dripping tap an emergency?

Not usually, but a tap that won't turn off, or a stopcock that won't close, is worth treating as urgent.

Should I have an isolation valve fitted?

Yes, it's a cheap, useful fix. Isolation valves on toilets, sinks and appliances mean one leak doesn't mean turning off the whole house.

Tap won't stop dripping or stopcock stuck?

Covering Bromley, Sidcup, Bexley and Dartford.

Call UsCall Us 07861 925301

Call us now and we aim to connect you to a local plumber within the hour.

Call, or leave your details for a callback
Price agreed with the plumber before work starts
Covering Bromley, Sidcup, Bexley and Dartford

Why it matters in an emergency

A working stopcock is what lets you stop a flood in seconds, so a seized or broken one is worth fixing before you need it.

Seized stopcock: don't force it; old brass stopcocks can snap. A plumber can free or replace it.
Dripping tap: usually a worn washer or ceramic cartridge, a quick repair.
Isolation valves: small valves on the pipes to toilets, sinks and appliances let you turn off one fitting without shutting off the house.

Quick fix while you wait

If a tap or valve is leaking and won't close, turn off the isolation valve on that pipe (a slot you turn a quarter-turn with a flat screwdriver) or the main stopcock.

Taps, stopcocks and valves by town

We arrange help with taps, stopcocks and valves across all four towns below; each page has local tips for that area.

How it works

You call or request a callback, a local plumber who covers your area rings you, and you agree a price with them before any work starts.

Call the number on this page. The line takes a few details: what's wrong, how urgent it is and your postcode.
Your job goes to independent local plumbers who cover your area.
A plumber calls you back to talk it through and agree a price before any work starts.

About the plumber

[Placeholder: the plumber's name, Gas Safe registration number, Checkatrade or Which? Trusted Traders profile and insurance details will be added here once a local plumber is signed up.]

Questions people ask

Where is my stopcock?: Usually under the kitchen sink. In older homes look under the stairs, in a downstairs loo, or under floorboards near the front door. Flats may have one in a cupboard by the front door or in a shared riser.
Is a dripping tap an emergency?: Not usually, but a tap that won't turn off, or a stopcock that won't close, is worth treating as urgent.
Should I have an isolation valve fitted?: Yes, it's a cheap, useful fix. Isolation valves on toilets, sinks and appliances mean one leak doesn't mean turning off the whole house.

Ready to get it sorted?

Call UsCall Us 07861 925301

Areas and services

Pick your town or the problem you have; every page is one tap from here.