Even when it launched in 1999, it’s hard to imagine how the humble stopcock could have been reimagined into the form of the first Surestop® valve, redefining and addressing the challenges that remain with traditional stopcocks even today.
Twenty-five years on, Surestop is still going strong as the modern alternative to the traditional stopcock, solving the same age-old issues whilst making an essential water control for the home, accessible and reliable for when it’s needed most.
With the average claim for an escape of water on a building insurance policy being in excess of £9,000, Surestop remains the ideal solution to allow householders to easily isolate the water supply in an emergency, minimising the effects of a leak and thereby reducing the cost to make good from these often hugely damaging consequences.
The flick of a switch solution
Of course, the main benefit of Surestop is its ease and speed of operation. With Surestop available as a stand-alone valve solution but also with a remote switch option, Surestop® makes it easy to access and isolate the cold mains water supply in an emergency with the flick of a switch.
Unlike traditional stopcocks which can seize or become stiff to operate, Surestop’s glass-filled nylon construction means it is unaffected by limescale and therefore won’t seize or fall victim to the effects of hard water like a traditional stopcock. With no packing gland, there is also no risk of leaking from the valve once it has been operated for the first time after a long duration.
Electric free install
Owing to its unique design, Surestop is also completely free from electrics meaning it can be easily installed in under an hour with no electrical supply required. Instead, Surestop harnesses the pressure of the cold mains water supply to open and close the valve.
Registered as a WRAS-approved stopcock, Surestop is suitable for use on all cold mains water supplies up to 10 bar and is available in 15mm and 22mm push-fit and compression connection types. A 25mm MDPE version is also available for newer mains water supplies with all variants suitable for new or replacement stopcock applications.
Contact one of our team today to see how we can help you keep your tenants happy and find the most suitable solutions for your business.
Document M accessibility
Remote switch versions of Surestop also come supplied with 2 metres of connection tubing between the valve and the remote switch and can be further extended by up to 4 metres with the use of an accessory pack if required.
This makes Surestop ideal for compliance with the Building Regulations Approved Document M.
Category 2.3: Accessible and adaptable dwellings states; that stopcocks should “have their centre line between 450mm and 1200mm above floor level.”
Category 3.44: Wheelchair user dwellings state; that stopcocks should have “their centre line between 700-1000mm above floor level.”
With a Surestop remote switch, it is easy to install above a worktop or in an easily accessible location compliant with the guidance in Part M, which makes Surestop the ideal flexible solution for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility.
Mitigating cost pressures
The resulting benefit from the use of Surestop ultimately becomes that of cost avoidance. With the RSH (Regulator of Social Housing) having recently reported a 10% increase in repairs and maintenance spending in the first quarter of 2024, Surestop could contribute to the easing of increasing financial pressures for the social housing sector by helping avoid unnecessary expenses.
Enabling tenants to quickly and easily isolate water supplies in emergencies will reduce the cost of avoidable property repairs by minimising water damage through empowering tenants to take prompt action. Not only minimising property damage costs but also preventing the indirect costs such as temporary accommodation and void property lost revenue.
Sustainable credentials
Having recently been acquired by ADEY® Group, renowned for innovating the first MagnaClean® magnetic heating system filter, Surestop is set to continue in a new phase of development and growth. Surestop continues to be manufactured in the UK with the most recent development to the range being the introduction of 100% recyclable packaging; Fully FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) approved and made of 86% recycled content.
To learn more about Surestop or to speak to your local Business Development Manager then get in touch via the button below:
References:
Quarterly Survey Q1 2023-24 (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Trace and access insurance explained – Confused.com
BR_PDF_AD_M1_2015_with_2016_amendments_V3.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Last Edited: 20/01/2026