Help/urgent - leaking stopcock and damp wall

stargirl04

Hi MSs, do I need to get a plumber out to fix this asap?

I have a leak and a nasty damp wall in my airing cupboard, which I've only just noticed - don't know how long it's been there but I only moved in 6 months ago (mortgaged flat) and haven't noticed it before.

My stopcock is leaking at the tap point itself. I've turned it slightly to the right a few turns and the leak seems to have slowed down but I am fearful of doing much else in case I !!!! up the water supply - I am totally clueless about this!

Is there any way I can post pictures on here to show everyone the problem?

Also, how much does anyone think it will cost me to correct the damp problem on the wall? It seems to be contained in a small area. Thanks!

pickledonionspaceraider

Is it damp where the water has been leaking?

*j*

Can you describe exactly where it is leaking from?

If you dry off the stopcock and then look carefully to see where the water is actually leaking from, we will be more than likely be able to offer some suggestions.

stargirl04

Hi, it's the stopcock that's leaking. The handyman who works for our management company (I am a leaseholder in a block of flats) came to have a look at it and says I just need a new stopcock, or, if I'm lucky, some stopcock parts.

Apparently the leak is causing the damp wall, which, he says, will dry out. He's sorting out a plumber for me.

In the meantime I've shut off the stopcock and turn it back on when I need to run water. I've got a towel around the stopcock to absorb drops and a plastic container on the floor to catch the drops.

*j*

There are only three places a stopcock can leak from:

The two ends where the inlet and outlet pipes are connected to it, and the spindle where the tap handle goes into the tap body.

If it's leaking at the pipe connections, then a little tightening of the compression joint is likely to stop the leak.

If it's leaking where the operating spindle goes into the tap body, then again a little tightening of that nut can usually reseal the packing in there. Sometimes the gland in there needs repacking to effect a seal.

Always unsure the tap is well supported when using a spanner on it, so it doesn't flex and damage one of the pipes....then you have a bigger problem!

Neither is a big job.

cyclonebri1

Remamber that to change the cockstop you will likely need to isolate the incoming water to all the flats, your hany type man should know where this is.

Posting poics is simple enough, try Imgur as a host site and copy your picture into "forum" format then drop or copy into your post.

I'm a computor dork and I can do it:D