Where's the Water Supply Isolator to Fix Leaking Tap?

by **idavies01** » Mon Sep 24, 2018 10:19 pm

The taps in my bathroom and toilet don't have solid pipework. They have flexible hose instead. I'm looking for the isolator valve so i can fix a dripping tap but can't find it. Could it be within the wall fixing? Might there be an isolator for each room somewhere or am i going to have to turn off the mains supply and drain the hot and cold water systems (the taps are mixers)?
Thanks in advance,
Idavies01
https://www.dropbox.com/s/f46vfxm5efcshq5/20180924_230942.jpg?dl=0

by **KitchenGuy** » Tue Sep 25, 2018 11:36 pm

Sorry to say it looks like its been hard plumbed without isolator valves, so it looks like you have to turn off from the mains and drain down if you have a system boiler and can't locate any exit valves. If you have a combi the hot usually stops when you turn off the boiler, if not you can close the valve where the hot water exits the boiler. Fit some isolator valves when you re-fit, you can get them built into the flexi hose if it's easier for you.

by **idavies01** » Sat Sep 29, 2018 6:10 am

Kitchenguy
Thanks for the reply. I thought that it might be the case I'd have to drain the system. Not putting isolators in must have saved the original builder a few quid, but it's a hassle now.
As you suggest, ill add some in when I'm fixing the leak.
Cheers
Idavies01

by **KitchenGuy** » Sun Sep 30, 2018 1:46 am

Check you cant just close off some gate valves before you go to the trouble of draining it all down. It's a pain without isolation valves, some plumbers don't fit them to save a few quid, some believe they are just non essential and another component to cause problems in the future and some plumbers are just plain bloody minded and are of the opinion of why they should do some extra work just to make it easier for some plumber in the future or even, as I have heard one say, to make it difficult for a DIY repair as plumbing should be left for plumbers. Good luck