What's the proper name for the device that turns off the water at the mains?

[sandyRoe]

A water mains key?

[scotman]

In Scotland it is called a 'toby' or 'toby key'

[JonnyBoy12]

A stopcock, perhaps?

[joggerjayne]

"little man"

[karenmac60]

Scotman - I've never heard that. I've always known it as a stopcock.

[sandyRoe]

Outside the house. It's metal and T shaped.

[scotman]

My answer is referring to the valve in the street that you operate with a large t-shaped key. Inside the house you have a stopcock or stop valve.

[sandyRoe]

Thanks all. I'll have a search around B+Q in the morning for one.

[scotman]

For KarenMac

Just in case you think I am making things up. This from Chambers -

toby (noun)
A stop-cock in a gas or water main under the road; the cover protecting it.

Derivation is given as Shelta word 'tobar' meaning road.

[The Builder]

............ or this Sandy ........... if the one Trim put up isn't right ..........

http://www.screwfix.c...stopcock-key-36/71652

silly price.......... there are cheaper ones

[boxtops]

My neighbour turned off the stopcock a few weeks back, not realising that she was cutting off the water to six other houses too!

[karenmac60]

Scotman - I never for a minute thought you were making it up. I thought it may have been a regional thing which I always find interesting if it's something new to me :) (and I thought sandy meant inside the house - beyond the front door I don't have a clue about these things)