With winter closing in, there’s a lot to enjoy as the seasons change—from crisp, frosty mornings to cozy evenings indoors. But as we settle into the colder months, it’s essential to prepare our homes for the unique challenges that winter can bring.

Freezing temperatures increase the risk of burst pipes, which can lead to damaged furniture, costly repairs and home disruption including the possibility you may have to leave your home whilst we make repairs. Taking a few precautionary steps now can help prevent damage and give you peace of mind.

Know Where Your Stopcock Is

One of the simplest yet most important steps you can take to protect your home from winter weather is to locate your stopcock. This valve controls the main water supply to your home, allowing you to shut off the water in an emergency. Acting quickly to turn off the water can significantly reduce damage if a pipe bursts.

Money-saving expert Martin Lewis highlights this essential step: “A stopcock is your mains water tap (the off switch). Everyone should know where theirs is, especially at this time of year when pipes can burst due to frost.” Lewis also notes that “burst frozen pipes create on average £9,000+ damage.”

Check Your Home Contents Insurance

While preparing your home, it’s also a good time to review your contents insurance. In the unfortunate event of water damage, contents insurance can protect your most important possessions. For more information on the value of home contents insurance, check out our FAQ page.

Why Knowing Your Stopcock Location is Important

Here are some key reasons why knowing the location of your stopcock is essential:

• Preventing Water Damage
  A quick shut-off can prevent flooding and reduce damage in the event of a burst pipe or major leak.
• Plumbing Repairs
  For repairs or replacements of fixtures like sinks or toilets, turning off the main water supply is often necessary.
• Emergency Situations
  Whether it’s a child or pet accidentally turning on a tap, knowing where to turn off the water can help avoid overflow issues.
• Routine Maintenance and Draining
  Draining your plumbing system before winter can help prevent freezing and bursting.
• Water Conservation
  In times of drought or temporary water supply issues, turning off the main valve can conserve water.

Knowing where your stopcock is located means you can react quickly in various situations, helping you protect your home, reduce repair costs, and feel more secure.

Enter Our Winter Ready Competition!

To encourage everyone to get prepared, we’re launching a Winter Ready competition. Simply follow our Facebook page and share a photo of your stopcock location on our competition post, and you could win a £100 M&S voucher!

Published 15/11/2024