Outside stop tap problem

JBR · 30 Mar 2020

I noticed today that our outside stop tap in the road - there is no pavement - has lost its cover and is completely full of earth. This must have been some time during the heavy rains, though how the cover has disappeared I don't know.

I'm concerned that the day will come when a leak occurs before our indoor stop tap in the kitchen and a flood may result. There will be no easy way of shutting off the water.

Whose responsibility is it to clear the external tap and replace the cover?
It isn't something I'd be happy to do because our road is really busy during most of the day and, ideally, any remedial work would require blocking off part of the road.

HERTS P&D · 30 Mar 2020

Contact your water provider.

Andy

JBR · 30 Mar 2020

HERTS P&D said:
Contact your water provider.

Andy

Thanks. I was hoping someone would say that.
I assume, then, that it is their responsibility.

HERTS P&D · 31 Mar 2020

Yes, it would be the responsibility of your water provider, once the external one is replaced or fixed, I would advise you to make sure your internal stopcock is working correctly.

Andy

JBR · 1 Apr 2020

I had a call from United Utilities today.
The young lady was very nice and assured me that they would replace the cover as soon as possible. I got the impression that they were more concerned about cyclists taking a tumble than the fact the hole was full of silt.
She informed me that their 'policy had changed now', and that they no longer take responsibility for external stop taps! However, if there should be a leak before the internal stop tap, and the situation was an emergency, they would send someone out on an emergency call - usually on the same day!
I'm glad I have home insurance!
Hopefully, any leak of that sort is probably unlikely.

I had thought about asking for a water meter in the hope that it would be fitted on the external stop tap but, on reflection, I'm sure they'd want to put it inside the house.

I have also thought about getting someone in to fit an additional tap outside the house but on our property. I did once try digging down where I believe the pipe is and got down about 3 feet, but no sign of it. Even then, to fit an additional tap like that they'd have to turn off the water at the tap in the road.

What to do for the best? Just leave it and hope, I suppose!

HERTS P&D · 1 Apr 2020

Do you have an internal stop tap? If so post pictures.

Andy

JBR · 1 Apr 2020

HERTS P&D said:
Do you have an internal stop tap? If so post pictures.

Andy

Yes, and it is working correctly. No problems there.

I'll have to pull out all the stuff from the cupboard under the sink and, if time, I'll do it tomorrow.

What are you looking for?

Incidentally, a United Utilities van appeared this afternoon and a chap replaced the cover. Of course, all the crap is still down there I'm sure!

Alec_t · 2 Apr 2020

JBR said:
She informed me that their 'policy had changed now', and that they no longer take responsibility for external stop taps!

If 'our road' isn't on your property then regardless of their policy and what she said it's my understanding that the responsibility for the external stop-tap lies with the water company. Any pipework/fittings on your property are your responsibility.

JBR said:
It isn't something I'd be happy to do because our road is really busy during most of the day

Can't you park a vehicle to give protection while clearing the hole? Silt is usually simple to remove.

HERTS P&D · 2 Apr 2020

If your internal stop tap is working correctly then I wouldn't worry.

Andy

JBR · 2 Apr 2020

Alec_t said:
If 'our road' isn't on your property then regardless of their policy and what she said it's my understanding that the responsibility for the external stop-tap lies with the water company. Any pipework/fittings on your property are your responsibility.

Can't you park a vehicle to give protection while clearing the hole? Silt is usually simple to remove.

Yes, well that's what I would have thought. The external stop tap in the road (outside of our property) is their responsibility. However, the young lady I first spoke to (United Utilities) assured me that their policy has now changed and they do not now clear out any dirt, silt or whatever from the stop tap containment.

I had thought about what you suggest about parking our car on the side of the road just above the stop tap in an emergency. There are no yellow lines, so no eager traffic warden could complain about it! I'd have to shovel out all the gunk, though, and I can't think of anything suitable other than my hands or a spoon(!), and I don't think I'd be able to reach down far enough anyway! I do have a 'stick-thing', about a yard long, for turning the tap though and perhaps I could just poke that down if the gubbins down there is not too solid.

JBR · 2 Apr 2020

HERTS P&D said:
Do you have an internal stop tap? If so post pictures.

Andy

Here is the internal stop tap. I'm afraid I can't show any more without dismantling the cabinet!
The tap turns very easily (just tried it again) and was last used when the kitchen was done out a couple of years ago.

HERTS P&D · 2 Apr 2020

Turn it off and on every six months, once turned on then turn it back 1/2 turn. This will ensure you stop tap is working correctly.

You have nothing to worry about.

Andy

Luckyphil · 2 Apr 2020

United Utilities must have changed their protocol re outside Taps then , I’m in South Manchester & I bought a Property last July to Refurb , the 1st thing I do is a have a full strip out , Pipework , wiring etc if required , I tried the internal stop tap , completely buggered , so I tried outside , it was full of all sorts including what looked like mortar , So i gave UU a call & fair play to them I had a visit next day to survey the job & mark which Stop tap it was , next day a Gang dug it out & put up some Barriers , day 3 a Gang turned up to replace the Tap , then day 4 a Team came to back fill , then day 5 another Team came back to Tarmac the Pathway ....,, then finally on day 6 a Guy turned in a Van to take away the Barriers

a bit long winded but they got there !!
Phil

HERTS P&D · 2 Apr 2020

Phil.........................................that was lucky.

Andy

JohnD · 2 Apr 2020

you should label the plug "dishwasher"

Not the socket.

anything might get plugged into it.

diynot

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.

Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

Outside stop tap problem

Similar threads