How Water is supplied to the home

Most British homes have a mains water supply that flows straight to the property. This mains supply is provided by the regional water company, which distributes the water through older iron or even newer heavy plastic water mains pipework. From these mains, better known as a communication pipe takes the water to the water company’s stopcock, a control valve about 3ft (1m) below the ground at or near the boundary of each property. The stopcock, which is turned with a longer key, is at the bottom of a stonework guard pipe under a small metal cover set into the surface of the garden or the public footpath outside. SW11 Plumbers will be able to locate the main stopcock.


From the water company’s stopcock, a service pipe carries water into the home. The pipe should meander slightly in the trench to allow for ground movement, which would otherwise pull on the fittings at each end. To avoid frost damage it should be at least 2’6″ (750mm) and not more than 4’5″ (1.35m) below the ground. The pipe enters the house, usually under the kitchen sink, and from there is usually called the rising main. SW11 Plumbers use qualified tradesmen to carry out all their work. Another stopcock for cutting off the water supply should be provided where the pipe enters the house. You must make sure that you know where the main stopcock is located in your house. In a well-appointed house, there will be a drain cock immediately above the stopcock for draining the rising main. The layout within the house depends upon whether the cold water system is direct or indirect.