Removed kitchen sink but didn't cap pipes...

[Deleted User]

Thanks, Moss5.   That sounds like a plan!

First I'll have to see if I'm able to turn off the water.    Here's what it looks like.   The blue plastic handle easily detaches.   So do I need a stopcock key like this to be able to turn the bit of metal in the ground?  Or do I just push down on the blue plastic handle?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Faithfull-STOPCOCKU-Stopcock-Key-Universal/dp/B002SHLR50

[Deleted User]

By the way even without turning the water off, could I try removing the section of pipe above the left-hand valve?  Since there has never been any water streaming from that one, so the valve must be solid.  Then I can have got the practice in, and confirm that the cap fits.

Edit: When I try to turn that section that, the valve turns round also.  Probably because the white tape has secured it to the pipe above.

GDB2222

To be absolutely brutally frank, it might be better to get someone in. It doesn't need to be a plumber, just a handyman with the right tools. Or watch some videos about how to do this stuff.

However, in the meantime, you have to use two spanners on these fittings. Hold the fitting with one and turn the nut with the other. 

GDB2222

Moss5 said:

No need to buy more parts. Place a towel or drip tray beneath the service valves.
Remove the copper pipe with the cloth tied around. That would leave a half-inch  male thread at the outlet from the service valve.
Then fit the half-inch female cap that you have bought.

That would work. I just assumed he wanted to keep as much as possible of the existing pipework.

[Deleted User]

Oh I'm sure you're right, GDB2222!

However I did speak earlier this evening to the plumber I've used for years, and he's still on lockdown, not doing any work. I'd guess partly because what with the furlough scheme it's just not worth the bother.    And it's not *quite* enough of an emergency for me to call up someone new & pay whatever rate they'd want.

So my best bet is figuring how to turn the water off outside.   Do I need to buy a universal stopcock key (or ask on a FB neighbourhood forum if anyone has one), to be able to do that?

[Deleted User]

GDB2222 said:

Moss5 said:

No need to buy more parts. Place a towel or drip tray beneath the service valves.
Remove the copper pipe with the cloth tied around. That would leave a half-inch  male thread at the outlet from the service valve.
Then fit the half-inch female cap that you have bought.

That would work. I just assumed he wanted to keep as much as possible of the existing pipework.

Okay it feels like now I'm getting somewhere!  So all I need to do is turn off the water outside.   Take off these two sections of pipe using two spanners.  Then add the blanking caps that I already have.      Should be within the realms of possibility...

[Deleted User]

I even have two spanners!!!

[Deleted User]

I did the left-hand one!   So now here's a thought.  Could I use the two spanners to remove the same section of pipe from the right-hand pipe, and then quickly cap it, without having turned off the water outside?

Since it's a steady stream but not a total geyser.  And removing this section of pipe will make the flow faster (less distance to travel), but still not so fast as if the valve wasn't there at all.  So I should be able to just whack the cap on.  Right?

GDB2222

Yes, right. Removing that small section of pipe won't alter the water flow.

[Deleted User]

I did it!  Thanks for all your help!

Now I know how Red Adair felt!   

 Next challenge - reconnecting the washing machine with a new waste.