Easier stopcock use

Biggles

I have a stiff !!!! (sorry, stiff stopcock!) but realised a few years ago that my meter pit was just outside and had a nice easy plastic handle to turn the water off. And, to return to the OP's question, I don't need to kneel to get at it, I just flip the lid open, bend over and turn it off.

I test it monthly now just to make sure that doesn't seize up in any way, so it will always work whenever I need it to.

27col

saverbuyer wrote: »

I think I've turned a stopcock once in my life. I'm intrigued to know why someone would need a super easy to use one? Is it worth the cost vs reward?

Stopcocks are mainly required due to the fact that lots of houses do not have local isolator valves on their sinks and other appliances.

saverbuyer

27col wrote: »

Stopcocks are mainly required due to the fact that lots of houses do not have local isolator valves on their sinks and other appliances.

But when will I need to isolate appliances really? Moving them maybe. But then the plumber will do that.


The only reason I've used it the once was to turn on a newly installed heating system. I really don't expect to use it again for years.

Biggles

saverbuyer wrote: »

The only reason I've used it the once was to turn on a newly installed heating system. I really don't expect to use it again for years.

If you get a burst pipe or other leak, esp from some inaccessible place, you'll need to be able to shut the whole rising main off as fast as you can to avoid water damage.

That's apart from replacing taps etc, or even just washers on the cold supply.

Cyclamen

Hello,

Just wanted to say that I have the 'surestop' isolater switch. My plumber suggested one and fitted it for me when he adapted my bathroom.

I can't turn traditional stopcocks but this is really easy to use and works.

27col

saverbuyer wrote: »

But when will I need to isolate appliances really? Moving them maybe. But then the plumber will do that.


The only reason I've used it the once was to turn on a newly installed heating system. I really don't expect to use it again for years.

How is the plumber supposed to isolate them if you don't have any fitted. They are worth the money just for the huge amount of hassle that can be avoided just to fix a leaking tap or changing a washer.
They are extremely cheap to buy and in most cases easy to fit.
You may not need an isolator 99% of the time. But, boy, are you grateful for one in an emergency situation.
If you have got an isolator you don't have to use it, most of the time. But if you haven't got an isolator then you can't use it. That's when the hassle clock starts.
On the same subject, I have never understood why people allow their bath panels to be fixed and not removable. So that any isolators cannot be reached in an emergency.