Replace kitchen tap - issue with Stopcock

newbieFTB

The stopcock under the sink is seized but I need to replace the kitchen sink tap. Can I just turn the water off using the outside stopcock? 

There’s a combi boiler if that makes a difference. It sounds straightforward enough but not sure if there’s something I’m missing! 

ThisIsWeird

Yes.

The outside s/c will shut off all the water inside your house, hot and cold.

Perhaps the first task should be to replace the internal stopcock? With luck you'll find an identically-sized one, so dead easy.

newbieFTB

ThisIsWeird said:

Yes.

The outside s/c will shut off all the water inside your house, hot and cold.

Perhaps the first task should be to replace the internal stopcock? With luck you'll find an identically-sized one, so dead easy.

Thanks, that’s a job for a plumber as we have lots of other jobs that need doing but the tap needs doing ASAP as it leaks when used! 

ThisIsWeird

Two things to consider when having the new internal S/C fitted - first is to make it a full-bore lever ball valve instead, so it can be shut off with a mere quarter-turn of a handle and is also far less likely to seize, and the second - should you go for another typical multi-turn stopcock - is to open it up fully for use, but then close it off oneish whole turn. This won't affect the flow, but will make it far less likely to seize in the open position.

Happy New Tap. :-)

FFHillbilly

I would advise that whilst the plumber is there changing your kitchen tap you get them to replace your seized stop tap at the same time.
if you have a leak in the house and someone wastes time attempting to operate a seized valve and then wastes more time locating an and operating an outside stop tap(which from my experience are never easy and quick to deal with, the one I have on my road is under 500mm of water so requires a stop tap key (or long piece of wood with a notch cut into it) and it also takes a certain skill to be able to find the thing underwater quickly, and also requires 30 full turns to isolate flow) we could be talking about another 2-3000litres of water that escapes before anyone manages to shut it off

the additional cost of the plumber replacing the stop tap at the same time will pale in comparison to the potential cost to repair damage caused by thousands of litres of water escaping before you can isolate it

newbieFTB

FFHillbilly said:

I would advise that whilst the plumber is there changing your kitchen tap you get them to replace your seized stop tap at the same time.

Thanks, we’re replacing the tap ourselves because it needs doing ASAP - hence the Q about whether we can use the external stopcock.

 We have a big long list of work for the plumber (3 days worth apparently) but are still waiting for the quote and then for him to have availability to do all the work, including the internal stopcock, but the tap needs doing sooner as it leaks every time you turn it on. 

plumb1_2

What’s the difference between a stoptap and a stopcock? 

ThisIsWeird

Replacing the kitchen tap yersel'?!

I've got news for you, Newbie - swapping that stopcock is a LOT easier than changing a kitchen tap

plumb1_2

Stopcock are not installed in internal water mains. Stop taps are.

Apodemus

ThisIsWeird said:

I've got news for you, Newbie - swapping that stopcock is a LOT easier than changing a kitchen tap

Ok, you're on!   Next time you are passing through the Highlands, you are welcome to stop past here and we can have a race - I'll finally get round to replacing my kitchen tap and you can do the stopvalve!

...I'm assuming you are ok connecting the valve to the incoming lead pipe and working between the floor-boards?? 

ThisIsWeird

Gulp... Er...