I need to change the washers on some taps but having bought my house recently, I simply cannot find the stop cock in my house anywhere! I've looked under the kitchen sink, in cupboards, in the outhouse, everywhere it might be hiding but to no avail. There is a tap behind my washing machine but when turned off, it doesn't stop the taps running so I don't think it is the stop cock. Any ideas anyone? I have asked neighbours and they all say it's under the kitchen sink but mine really isn't. Thanks.

R Downton, September 2008

is your kitchen a different layout from your neighbours?It's highly unlikely that if your sink is moved then the stopcock would have been moved too.find out from a neighbour with the same house type as yours where the water main comes into the house,look behind back panels in units,under kick space panels but usually the mains enters the house in the same place in each house type.The valve in the street isnt always easy to find or switch off plus you need a water key to reach it.If the taps need new washers then I assume it's an older house so shutting off outside is a last resort.

steeveepee, November 2008

you should have a stop tap outside that can be used should you not be able to find yours

ck, September 2008