How to isolate a leaking tap or toilet

Many taps and toilets have their own local isolation valve, which lets you stop the water supply to just that fitting without turning off water to the whole property.

Finding the isolation valve

1. Look under the sink or basin, or behind the toilet, for a small valve where the flexible supply pipe connects.
2. This is usually a small slotted or lever valve that can be turned with a flat screwdriver or by hand.
3. Turn it a quarter turn or fully clockwise, depending on the valve type, to shut off the supply.

If there's no isolation valve

If you can't find a local isolation valve, or it's seized and won't turn, use the main stopcock for the property instead. Don't force a seized valve, as this can cause further damage.