subject: Should I turn off my property mains water while I'm on holidays? [print this page] Should I turn off my property mains water while I'm on holidays?
There are many things to consider before leaving your home for holidays abroad. From cancelling milk and deliveries to redirecting post and protecting your home against thieves, it can be easy to overlook other considerations that could end up costing you dearly - such as switching off your property mains water.
We often take our water supply for granted, and a relaxed attitude can lead to problems in the case of a leaking tap or other water source being left unattended for weeks on end. The last thing you want to come home to is damp, flooding and other signs of damage, which could be expensive to repair - especially if you've just spent your disposable income on a lavish holiday.
You can avoid such problems by switching off your mains water, something that's easier to achieve than it may first sound. The first step is to isolate precisely where the water supply is coming from, something a professional plumber may be able to help you with. Stopcocks are usually located under the kitchen sink, though if you live in an older property they may be found in under-stairs cupboards instead.
Once you've found the stopcock, you might wish to spray it with lubricant such as WD40, which will make it easier to turn and switch off. Turns should be made in a clockwise direction, and you should ensure you don't turn beyond the threshold, as this could cause problems of its own - particularly with most stopcocks being made of lightweight metals such as brass.
This relatively straightforward job should not require any tools, and can be carried out by hand. If you feel the stopcock is too resistant to turning, do not under any circumstances force the turn or over-tighten it, as you could be left without water. You can test whether your mains supply has been switched off by turning on a tap such as one on the kitchen sink, and checking that the water supply ceases after a few seconds. You'll then be free to set off on your travels, without worrying about your water supply causing a crisis when you arrive back home.
If you're unsure about dealing with your water supply yourself, you should call in a plumber who will be able to carry out the job promptly for you. This way, you can ensure you don't accidentally cause any damage to your property or water system, which may not be covered by your home insurance.
The author of this article is a part of a digital blogging team who work with brands like LV. The content contained in this article is for information purposes only and should not be used to make any financial decisions.
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