Knowing where your stopcock is before you actually need it is probably the single most useful bit of plumbing knowledge any homeowner can have.
If you smell gas
Don't touch any electrical switches or use a naked flame. Open the doors and windows, turn the gas off at the meter, leave the property and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Only once it's been confirmed safe should any remedial work be booked in with a Gas Safe engineer.
Burst pipe or a major leak
Work through these steps in order:
- Turn the water off at the internal stopcock, usually found under the kitchen sink.
- Open all the cold taps in the house to drain the system down.
- Switch off the electricity at the consumer unit if water is anywhere near wiring or light fittings.
- Contain what you can with buckets and towels, and take photos of the damage for your insurer.
What genuinely can't wait
Water you can't control, no heating in freezing weather where a vulnerable person lives, a suspected gas leak, a carbon monoxide alarm sounding, or sewage backing up should all be dealt with as a priority. A dripping tap, on the other hand, can easily wait for a normal appointment. If you're not sure which one you're dealing with, give us a ring and we'll talk it through with you.
How we handle urgent repairs
We're based locally and work 9 to 5, and for anything urgent we'll get you booked in fast, usually the next day. Every job comes with a Gas Safe registered engineer and a price agreed with you before any work starts, so there are no surprises.
Want it done for you?
If you want your plumbing or heating problem fixed professionally for you, contact IJS Trade Services today for fast, reliable service across the West Midlands and surrounding areas.
