Locating stopcock - and why only shuts off hot water

[Sarahb]

Hello all

Have spent all evening trying to find the stopcock for my mains water supply into my flat; and hoping someone can help me

I have located a tap under the sink (photoone ), but when I turn clockwise to close off, it only closes off the hot water. There is another 'screw' nearby to this, but this only turns off the water to the kitchen tap - but I need to turn off for the entire flat as I am having building work done at the flat tomorrow


The flat was built in the 1980s and originally had a water tank system. This was replaced by the previous owner with a combi boiler a few years ago. It would seem that the tap that my neighbours' currently use to close off their water is were their original bolier is, but in my flat this now looks sealed off - see photo two.

I have tried all the little levers under the bolier and none of them seem to effect the water

Any ideas for where this blinkin stopcock may be? Help very much appreciated before I have to call in a plumber!!

Thanks

Sarah

 

[Best]

Hello Sarah. That valve that is in your second photo (that shows back of unit) is your mains stopcock. It is the brass valve that is down low below the drain and plugged off pipe.
Good luck trying to get at it. Clockwise is off. If it is not too seized you might find something to aid leverage would help you, like an adjustable spanner
It is advisable you get that stopcock moved to a slightly higher position later. Better it centres approx 100mm at least above the bottom shelf.

 

[Sarahb]

Thank you so much. Yes seems previous owner has built a low shelf that almost covers the stopcock - so I couldn't see it originally (well spotted!). I can get at it and it turns, but I can't get enough leverage on it to fully turn off so will be hacking down the shelf tomorrow

Thanks again for such a quick response!!

 

[Best]

You are welcome Sarah. To be honest, it does look very awkward for anyone to get at it to turn.
Looks in good order, so as you say, remove plenty of the shelf to get at it.
It is the most important valve for an emergency, so you want it workable

 

[Radioman]

Get your plumber to fit one of these, they are a really great idea
http://www.surestop.co.uk/owners/

 

[Simon F]

as it has not been turned in a while, if you do get it to move,
expect to also have to give the gland nut a tweak after opening again as they usually drip!