Start by checking the accessible supply pipes or flexible hoses beneath or behind the tap. Many kitchen and bathroom taps have local isolation valves, but older installations, outdoor taps and some other configurations may rely on a remote valve or the property’s main water shut-off. Mixer taps commonly have separate valves for the hot and cold supplies.
A local valve isolates one fixture, while the main shut-off generally stops water to multiple fixtures or the whole property. You cannot confirm whether a tap has a local valve from its appearance alone.
Where to look
Follow the tap’s visible supply pipes or flexible hoses, where accessible. Typical locations include:
- Kitchen sink: Inside the cupboard beneath the sink.
- Bathroom basin: Beneath the basin, inside the vanity or behind an accessible panel.
- Outdoor tap: Near the tap or in a nearby garage, cupboard or utility area. Some have no dedicated local valve.
An isolation valve may have a small lever, turning handle or screwdriver slot. Trace the connected pipe towards the tap where possible rather than relying on the handle’s appearance. To isolate a mixer tap completely, both its hot and cold valves must be closed.
Do not force a valve that is seized, corroded, leaking or difficult to identify. It could break and cause an uncontrolled leak.
If there is no local valve
Use the property’s known main water shut-off if you need to turn off water to a tap or limit an active leak. Only operate a valve you can positively identify and access safely.
In an apartment or shared property, a valve may also affect other premises. Check with the building manager or strata representative before operating an unidentified shared valve.
After closing a known valve, briefly open the affected tap to release residual pressure and confirm the flow stops. Keep away from water near electrical fittings, and call emergency services if there is an immediate electrical or personal safety risk.
If the problem is a leak rather than the isolation valve, compare the common types of tap and mixer leaks without dismantling the fitting.
If the correct valve is missing, seized, leaking or unclear, stop and ask our Sydney plumbing team to identify and operate it safely.