Is there a gadget/invention that lets you fit a new Water stop tap while Water is on?

Seronera

Mankysteve wrote: »

As above use your outside stop tap.

I think the OP has made it clear that the outside tap will cut off a terrace of houses. Now an experienced plumbing company will know how to deal with that and any other unforeseen emergency in what is normally a routine and quick operation for them.

As others have repeatedly advised. Do not even start unless you have a a rock solid plan in place in the event of a disaster. You could be sued by all sorts of people and the water company if you get it wrong and your insurance company will not want to know you.

I know just how irritating and tempting a stuck stop tap is, but unless you can reliably shut off the water and allow a much longer time scale in the event of a problem...just do not go there. Get a professional in who will be covered by insurance and pay up.

Obviously ring round to get an idea of cost, and make sure you explain FULLY about the local situation....other houses etc. As long as they know they can plan accordingly. Avoid cowboys..they will flood you and have no insurance and clear off. Ask if they carry insurance when you ring.

psychic_teabag

I had problems with seized valve under sink. Called a plumber who had trouble accessing the outside stop valve, and he suggested I ask water authority to give me a water meter - free in my area. A useful side effect of that is that it includes an isolation valve that is a lot more robust than the old-fashioned outdoors kind (and it's just below the surface and doesn't require a special tool to turn it).

I had been meaning to get a water meter anyway - just never got round to it. They came and fitted it within a few weeks. (I still haven't got round to fixing the valve under the sink, but at least I know I can shut the water off further along the line.)

However, looking at United Utilities page, it says they prefer to fit theirs inside the house, so maybe that won't have a built-in stop.

Kernel_Sanders

I would apply penetrating oil first. It probably won't free it but it could loosen it slightly which will help when you apply the heat. As a last resort apply leverage, though you may snap the spindle like I did, which didn't cause a flood. I replaced it by turning off the communal tap to three or four houses in the terrace in the small hours, but this was in the days before people had boilers directly fed from the mains.

arbrighton

Gordon_Hose wrote: »

I'd be onto a decent plumber. If it goes wrong you'll have a house full of water with no way to stop it.

Yup, this was what happened to us when the water main on our site was found to be leaking and then the stupid a**e 'plumber' twisted the UU stop**** too hard so we had basically a moat and no water over night. Fortunately, just in the trenches for the new foundations and not in the house

C_Mababejive

On terraced/older properties the main often runs down all the houses with a stop tap at the end of the block.

If you are tempted to operate it,be careful. It has been known for someone to shut it off and then when opening,the whole valve gland comes out of the body thus leading to a lively fountain in the street and the water distributor having to come and sort it.

In the right circs, I'd snatch a compression stop tap on it..but the circs would have to be right.

Other than that,shut the stop tap or if not possible, use a freezer kit.

I wouldnt recommend a diyer to use a freezer kit as if it goes wrong you will be up the creek and need a paddle..

Seronera

psychic_teabag wrote: »

I had problems with seized valve under sink. Called a plumber who had trouble accessing the outside stop valve, and he suggested I ask water authority to give me a water meter - free in my area. A useful side effect of that is that it includes an isolation valve that is a lot more robust than the old-fashioned outdoors kind (and it's just below the surface and doesn't require a special tool to turn it).

I had been meaning to get a water meter anyway - just never got round to it. They came and fitted it within a few weeks. (I still haven't got round to fixing the valve under the sink, but at least I know I can shut the water off further along the line.)

However, looking at United Utilities page, it says they prefer to fit theirs inside the house, so maybe that won't have a built-in stop.

Actually thats a good plan. Get a water meter installed and ask them to free off/replace the stop tap whilst they do it. Kill two birds with one stone at no cost to you...if they are a friendly bunch ( hint hint.. tea, biscuits, donuts:D:D) rarely fails.

colalba

if 15mm pipe you could try this product which cuts into pipe and creates a new stopcock.
http://www.screwfix.com/p/aladdin-easy-fit-isolator-starter-pack/36008?cm_sp=Search-_-SearchRec-_-Area2&_requestid=252141#_=p


there is a video showing how it is installed. I have not used it and just came across it when looking for something else. (if you do use it perhaps you might let us know how it went)

lancslass2008

Thanks for all your advice. He eventually applied a bit of heat to it then wiggled it about with pliers while directing lots of WD40 at it. It became a little less stiff and then he wiggled it while drenching it with 3 in 1 Oil. Now works well.

Thanks all.

Kernel_Sanders

Well done. Now, don't leave it fully open and then forget about it !

C_Mababejive wrote: »

If you are tempted to operate it,be careful. It has been known for someone to shut it off and then when opening,the whole valve gland comes out of the body thus leading to a lively fountain in the street and the water distributor having to come and sort it.

Would that apply to the type which have rectangular plastic handles?

C_Mababejive

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

Well done. Now, don't leave it fully open and then forget about it !
Would that apply to the type which have rectangular plastic handles?

No ,very unlikely. These are modern modular plastic valves and usually operate very easily.