A stop tap controls the flow of water to the plumbing in a private property and is located at the water meter, usually found in the front yard near the property boundary.
Unitywater Executive Manager Customer Delivery, Rhett Duncan, said turning off the water at the stop tap is a simple and effective way to prevent costly leaks when no one is home.
“In December last year we heard from a resident who returned from a two-week holiday to find a pipe in her private plumbing had burst in the backyard,” Mr Duncan said.
“This led to a significant amount of water lost and a bill that was $700 higher than usual for this property owner. We understand it can be distressing to receive a large bill and we’re encouraging our customers to turn off their stop tap when they’re away to help avoid this.”
Mr Duncan said stop taps could be turned off by turning the tap or lever clockwise until it can’t be turned anymore.
“All it takes is a turn of a tap on your meter – it may take a few turns but shouldn’t need excessive force.
For a full step-by-step guide on how to check for leaks and turn off your stop tap, head to www.unitywater.com/leaks.
