This is the first thing we all look for when we have a problem.

WHERE DO WE SWITCH OFF THE WATER???!!!!!

It is therefore very important to make sure you chose a shut off valve or isolator valve that will:

• be seen and located easily!!! Some home owners don’t even know where the shut off valve is. This will cost you money as the plumber will have to find it before any work starts.

• actually switch off. Some of the cheaper import don’t even switch off and is the same as not having a shut off valve at all.

• not break when you switch it off or touch it. some shut off valves are made so cheaply that a small touch of the valve and it falls off the wall!!! Especially the toilet ones.

• have a strong handle. Is quite irritating to find the shut off valve only to then realize that the handle has corroded over the years and now you must find your shifting spanner that you last saw your 5 year old son using in the sand castle he built, before you can switch off!!

Again there are many shut off/ isolator valves on the market and again one can choose between the local manufactured and the imported type.