Ballcock

hilary1

I need to change the ballcock in the col water tank in the loft as its causing an overflow, small one but the drip is so irritating.

There is a red handle on the front side but this doesnt turn the water of to the tank nor does the handle in the bedroom cupboard.

So where is the turn of knob for the water to the cold tank?

And I hope its easy to fit a ballcock. Not just the orange ball but the whole thing.

Hints and tips appreciated.

N9eav

If you are unable to find a shut off valve. Try the main cold water feed (usually under the sink) Check first by pushing the ball valve down to make sure it's off.

If you can't find that then the stopcock on the pavement or road.

It should be easy to replace. You will need a couple of spanners or adjustable wrenches.

Without seeing the set up, it would be just a matter of undoing the nut which has the cold water pipe attached and pulling the pipe asside.

there will then we a holding nut inside the tank holding the ballcock assembly in place.

Put the new one in and re-connect the cold water pipe.

NOTE: Use some teflon tape on the threas of the water pipe feed to prevent any leaks.

Haggis_n_Neeps

Is the ballcock is on a steel rod?

If so, save yourself money and try to bend the steel rod and ballcock down a little. This should make the ball lower in the water compared to where it is just now, so when the ball floats on top of the water it should shut off the water feed fitting tighter. I've not described this well but try it and you will find it works. I did this last week to my cold water tank which was starting to overflow and fixed the problem in less than 30 seconds!! :j

p4u1_2

If the ballcock is more than 10 years old then personally I would buy new, they only cost a few pounds from a plumbers shop. Don't foget to buy a new fibre washer that goes between the tap connector and the ballcock, this will help avoid any leaks.

Once replaced you can bend the metal arm to adjust the water level. In my experience, doing this to resolve an overflowing tank is only a short term fix. Although I have had success in the past striping and cleaning the ballcock, although given the cost of buying new I would question if its worth the effort.

hilary1

It is on a metal rod and OH tried bending it but I think he made it worse as there is a permanent dribble where there was a drip before. I know it would normally work as I remember doing the same thing many years ago but he is too strong for his own good. Its 14 years old anyway and I think a complete thing is only about £7.

Its letting the OH do the job which might end up the probelm (DIY SOS):rotfl:

Thanks for all your help.

p4u1_2

Go to somewhere like Plub Centre and it will be a lot less than £7, I seem to remember paying £3 to £4 just a couple of years ago.