After working as a plumber for 15 years, Hattie Hasan started her own company to provide job opportunities for female plumbers. Today, she is the CEO of Stopcocks Women Plumbers, a major plumbing firm employing 150 women. Recognized in Queen Elizabeth II’s “Honors List” and awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), known as Hatice ‘Hattie’ Hasan.
Hasan appeared on the ITV’s This Morning program with hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard to share practical advice on dealing with plumbing issues. Introducing Hattie, the hosts said, “If I were to ask you where your stopcock is, would you know? We have somebody who officially can tell us all about it and avoid any plumbing disaster known to man… Hattie Hasan MBE has been plumbing for thirty years.”
Cat Deeley started the segment by sharing a personal experience: “Hattie, I recently had a plumbing disaster at home. The problem was fixed but then there was a drip that took a long time to resolve. It was a real nightmare. I know nothing about plumbing, it’s something I never learned.”
What Should Your First Step Be When Facing a Plumbing Issue?
Hattie: “The thing about plumbing is that it’s all about having control. The best way to control it is to know where your stopcock is. I’ve got a stopcock here, actually. It’s a naked tap. What I would suggest to everybody is to turn the stopcock off and turn it back on at least once every six months. When you turn it back on, turn it fully on, and then turn it back.”
Adding the stopcock normal can be located near your appliance of taps. If you’re unable to locate it the utility company stopcock outside normal found along the front boundary of your home is the next place to stopping the water.
What to Do if the Stopcock is Stuck?
Hattie: “There’s nothing worse than a stiff stopcock. And i’ll tell you how you can prevent that. If you put some white vinegar on it, that will clean the lime away. That’s why I suggest that you turn it off and back on again every three or so months, and that will stop it from getting stuck.”
What to Do About a Leaking Tap?
Hattie: “A screw-down tap has basic washers inside. It’s crucial to control your plumbing before you reach the tap, so you don’t have to turn off all the water. You can find an isolation valve under your sink or toilet. Take a screwdriver, and here’s the trick: if the slot is in line with the pipe, it’s open. Turn it a quarter turn so it’s across the pipe, and it’s closed. If you have a leaking tap, just turn off the isolation valve. If you don’t have one, get one installed.”
Hattie Hasan’s practical tips aim to empower homeowners to take control of their plumbing and prevent minor issues from turning into major disasters. Also telling viewers the 5 things you should never flush down toilet.
