• 1. Most modern water feeds have an isolation valve on the water pipe feeding the tap or cistern. This should be found on the water pipe in question somewhere close to the sink or cistern. Using a flat headed screwdriver, turn the screw 90°clockwise so the screw position is angled across the pipe instead of going with the direction of the pipe.
  • 2. If there is no isolation valve on the pipe leading to the cold tap or cistern, then you will need to locate the stopcock, this is generally under the kitchen sink. Turn on the kitchen sink cold water tap so there is water coming through. Then turn the stopcock clockwise until it stops turning, the flow of water from the kitchen sink tap should stop. Turn off the kitchen tap.

    If you are working on the bathroom cold water tap, turn on the bathroom tap until the water stops flowing. It is now safe to disassemble the tap.If you are working on the cistern, then depress the Ball Float to ensure the water has ceased.
    NEVER force the stopcock, if it is stuck contact a plumber to address the situation.
  • 3. If you are working on the hot water tap and there is no isolation valve on the hot water pipe under the sink, and you have a cold water storage tank in the roof, then you need to locate the shut off valve between the hot water tank and the tap.
  • 4. If you can't find any other way to shut off the hot water, locate the stopcock (usually under the sink in the kitchen) and turn it clockwise until it won't rotate any more. Turn on the cold water tap in the kitchen, once the cold water has ceased to flow turn the cold water tap off again. Now turn on the hot water taps and drain the system of the hot water. Once the hot water has stopped flowing you can start to work on the tap.
  • 5. Open tap to ensure water flow has ceased.
  • We update the maintenance tips and troubleshooting guidance from time to time and aim to make it as helpful as possible. The purpose of the maintenance and troubleshooting section of this website is to provide you with general guidance. Please ensure you read and follow our instructions carefully and do not undertake the maintenance or troubleshooting unless you are aged 18 or over, are competent to do so and are confident that you can complete the maintenance. If in doubt do not attempt any actions and where an appliance is gas fuelled refer to a Gas Safe engineer for assistance.

    This website is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice and does not:
    - cover every reason that your product could fail;
    - cover all of the maintenance that can be undertaken for your product;
    - supersede any advice in your instruction manual or from your product manufacturer.

    Do not carry out any maintenance or use the troubleshooting guide if it puts you or anyone else in danger or if you believe it may cause damage to your, or another person’s property.