Switching off outside Tap from under the sink?

leeegglestone

In relation to my overuse of water
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2023871

They say im definitely using the amount of water and thats why my bill is so high.

A friend said that some outside taps you can shut off the water to it from inside the house, usually under the kitchen sink as that is where its situated, just beyond the wall.

Ive looked but there isnt a switch like i would expect

Here are some pics.





In the first pic I assume the pipe on the left, that must be going to the tap, midway on the pipe, there looks like a Screw driver slot to turn, is this to turn the tap off.



I no nothing so darent turn it just incase,
Someone here basic with plumbling knowledge?

[Deleted User]

Hi,

if the screwdriver slot is horizontal, it is open, turn it vertical to shut off, then check the tap.

leeegglestone

yes it is horizontal

so that small turn to vertical - a right turn?? should do the trick or more turns.

Will probs have to wait until weekend when its light
:rolleyes:

[Deleted User]

Hi,

it only takes a quarter turn, clockwise.

macman

And it's not going to get any lighter at the weekend under the sink...
Why don't you just fix the leak in the outside tap anyway (though at this time of year it's a good idea to drain it and leave the valve shut off anyway to avoid freeze ups).
Even a small drip can use a lot of water as it will be running 24/7, measure how much is leaking in an hour and then scale that up by 720 to see how many litres a month that represents.

27col

Yes, a quarter turn either way. Do not turn too far, as there is no stop on this type of isolator. As has been suggested, turn it off for the winter if you are not going to use the outside tap.

loulou41

Have got one of this, a bit of a pain to turn on & off in winter and spring. It has come to the stage that I cannot turn mine off. Does anybody know whether it is easy to change? Thanks

27col

If you are talking about the isolator valve, as shown in the photo. Then yes, it is easy to replace. However, you will need to turn off the water elsewhere in order to do it. If you buy a replacement valve it can be fitted instead of the existing valve. Just undo and remove the existing valve and replace it with the new one. Discard the new compression nuts and olives and use the old ones which will be captive on the pipe after you have removed the body of the old valve. If you do not know what I am talking about from my description, then I suggest that you get someone in to do it.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

nice straight forward instructions there, a wee suggestion might be to get one with the small lever on it, bit quicker and easier to turn.

Valve