how can i turn a stiff stoptap off?

rach!_3

we have 2 leaky taps, which i am confident we can fix ourselves
however both me and my partner have tried turning the stoptap off and it wont shift.
any ideas please?

bigblackdog

where is the stop tap?

Ebe_Scrooge

Try putting some penetrating oil on it, leave it overnight, then try again. This will often help.

Also, try twisting the tap ever so slightly as though you're trying to open it, then try and close it - this can sometimes help to crack off any limescale or rubbish that's accumulated.

Gary_zero

If all else fails freeze the pipe and fit a new stop tap nearby

bigblackdog

if the stop !!!! is inside , tou will also have one outside that you can use , under a small lid in the path / under a lid where there is a water meter fitted perhaps , which you could use in stead

rach!_3

hi thanks for that everyone
its inside under the kitchen sink
bigblackdog will this be in the garden somewhere?

OK_Sauce

Normally under a small metal cover in your front garden on on the pavement outside the front of your house.

rach!_3

i will have a look,
will this be only for our property?
i wouldnt want to stop anyone elses water supply

ormus

this is the normal/most common stop tap cover plate.

OK_Sauce

rach! wrote: »

i will have a look,
will this be only for our property?
i wouldnt want to stop anyone elses water supply

Have a look ouside your neighbours houses. If there is a similar one either side then chances are the one outside your house is just yours. This is normally the case. In any case if your inside tap really is stuck you need to kill your water supply to repair it.

keith969

rach! wrote: »

we have 2 leaky taps, which i am confident we can fix ourselves
however both me and my partner have tried turning the stoptap off and it wont shift.
any ideas please?

Get a better leverage on it with mole grips... just be careful not to overdo it!