How to turn off your home's water supply and what to do if a pipe bursts or you have a leak

If a pipe bursts then you need to know how to turn off the mains water supply, to stop loads of water pouring out and destroying your home.

There is always a mains water valve (often called a stopcock) that is located on the connecting pipe linking the main water supply to your home. This is where you will turn the water off, find it!!! The quicker you know where it is, the quicker you can turn it off.

The mains water valve could be anywhere in your house, so hunt around. More common locations include above or around the front door, in utility rooms and near boilers.

It may be a valve with a turnable knob, and they are often red in colour. If the valve isn't hand adjustable then you will need a wrench. Turn the valve until the water stops, depending on the valve it could be clockwise or anti-clockwise - mine is clockwise. The water should stop pretty quickly as it stops the system having water pressure.

Different valves need to be turned a different way so try turning it anti-clockwise, it only needs a quarter turn. If the water doesn't stop then try the other way. If you have a valve that needs a wrench then it's a good idea to keep one close in case you have to stop the water quickly in an emergency.

For more complex repairs and plumbing work, we say - call in the professionals!