Is your stopcock in good shape?
I adore those old black and white Laurel and Hardy films from the 1930s. Their bungling nature and all-round, hopelessly incompetent approach to even the simplest task has me cracking up.
But whether you've seen it in one of their films, or any number of other slapstick comedies, we're all familiar with the scenes where a nail is hammered into a wall, piercing straight into a water pipe, and thus resulting in utter pandemonium.
The truth is, this kind of situation is not uncommon. Though more often than not, a leak has sprung through no fault of anyone's, the problem remains the same: where do you turn the water off?
Most people have no idea where their stopcock is, and even if they did, there's no guarantee that it will work at the critical moment. Many become rusty, seize up, or have also sprung a leak.
And don't fall into the trap of thinking that the tap under your sink is your stopcock. It could be, but there's also a good chance that it controls the kitchen water only. Or it could even be outside, 10-20 yards away.
You're probably thinking, "We'll just call Thames Water, they'll sort it." I wouldn't hold your breath - God only knows how long you'd have to hold the line for before you even got through.
So, what's the best way to solve this problem? Well, I'm glad you asked. The solution is in a gizmo called a Stopcock Isolation Valve.
It's an additional tap/valve that we can install elsewhere in your home or property and, in any emergency, you can quickly access it and turn off the water in seconds. What's even more amazing is the fact that it can be installed while the water is still running.
It's simple to fit, takes just 1-2 hours to complete the job, and could save you a ton of hassle in the future.
To learn more, give us a call or use the contact form.
Samuele The Italian Plumber
Other blog posts by Samuele can be read at theitalianplumber.co.uk/blog.
Until next time, if you have any plumbing or heating issues around the home, give us a call on 020 8945 7457.
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February 24, 2023
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