Handy Direct (HD)

If you have an emergency or expecting a visit from one of our team then it is normally advised you find your mains shut off for the property. This is important for you to know in case there is ever an emergency!

There are over £12billion in water leaks in the UK each year. Check out Thameswater for more information: https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/emergencies/leaks

To switch off the water at home, you typically need to locate and operate the main water supply valve. The main water supply valve controls the flow of water to your entire house. Here’s a general guide on how to do it:

1. Find the main water supply valve: The main water supply valve is usually located close to where the water main enters your home. In most cases, you can find it near the water meter or where the pipe connects to your house. The valve is often a lever or wheel-like handle.
2. Turn off the valve: Once you’ve located the main water supply valve, you can turn it off. The direction to turn off the valve depends on the type of valve you have:
   • For a ball valve: The handle will have a lever orientation. To turn it off, move the lever 90 degrees (perpendicular) to the pipe.
   • For a gate valve: The valve has a wheel-like handle. Turn the handle clockwise until it stops. In some cases, gate valves may require several turns to fully shut off the water.
3. Verify that the water is off: After turning off the main water supply valve, check your faucets, showers, and toilets to ensure that no water is running. If you hear or see water running, you might have another water supply point or a leak that needs to be addressed.
4. Turning the water back on: When you want to restore water supply to your home, simply reverse the process. Turn the main water supply valve back on by returning the lever to its original position (ball valve) or turning the handle counterclockwise (gate valve).

It’s essential to know how to turn off your main water supply in case of emergencies, such as burst pipes or plumbing issues. If you’re unsure about locating or operating the main water supply valve, consider asking a plumber or someone with plumbing experience to assist you.

This sort of valve will be in newer properties/flat