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Seized Stopcock

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Comments

  • tacpot12
    tacpot12 Posts: 9,497 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I would recommend replacing the existing stopcock with a Surestop stopcock. These don't stick and can be operated remotely so that you don't have to go crawling around in an emergency. 

    I would try working the existing stopcock in both directions. You might also try releasing the gland slightly, you will get water weeping past the gland, but a drip-tray will catch what will come out while you figure out if you can move it. Do be gentle with it. 
    The comments I post are my personal opinion. While I try to check everything is correct before posting, I can and do make mistakes, so always try to check official information sources before relying on my posts.
  • SteveQ
    SteveQ Posts: 31 Forumite
    10 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 11 January 2021 at 9:46AM
    The outside tap does not have a seperate valve but the meter (in a box in the pavement) does have a way of killing all of the water to the house !
    The stop c ock is in the kitchen - not under the sink so is easy to get to ..
    The problem is actually getting a plumber to attend !
  • In that case this is as simple a job as can be for a plumber (or most DIYers).

    When you call up a plumber, explain the job - replace garden tap and inside stopcock - and that you have a water meter with a shut-off valve. If you've sensibly decided to have a lever valve in the house instead of the old 'ock (or a Surestop if that turns you on), then tell the plumber this in advance so they can bring the parts with them on their first visit.

    Please report back - it all adds useful info for others on here about such jobs and likely costs. :-)  


  • SteveQ
    SteveQ Posts: 31 Forumite
    10 Posts Name Dropper
    Thanks everyone for your input
    Managed to get a plumber out - he managed to free the stopcock and fitted a replacement tap-top
    Total cost £55 !
  • Belenus
    Belenus Posts: 2,790 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    That sound like a great plumber to know.

    £55 for his time, his skills and the parts is surprisingly low.

    Keep a record of his contact details
    A man walked into a car showroom.
    He said to the salesman, “My wife would like to talk to you about the Volkswagen Golf in the showroom window.”
    Salesman said, “We haven't got a Volkswagen Golf in the showroom window.”
    The man replied, “You have now mate".
  • Jeepers_Creepers
    Jeepers_Creepers Posts: 4,339 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    edited 11 January 2021 at 3:15PM
    Sounds great, Steve.

    The stopcock, if he hasn't done so, open it fully - and then close it a half-turn. It won't affect flow, but it'll help prevent it seizing in future.
  • mersey
    mersey Posts: 1,298 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Keep the plumbers details,good to know there are some decent tradesmen out there.
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