Replace kitchen tap - issue with Stopcock

FreeBear

newbieFTB said:

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.

Yes, you can use the external stopcock to turn the water off so that the kitchen tap can be replaced. I don't have an internal stopcock/tap, so have to use the external one..

It is a good idea to fit isolation valves to the pipes leading to the tap - If it leaks again, or needs replacing, a quarter turn on the valves, and job done.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/isolating-valve-15mm-2-pack/65251

https://www.screwfix.com/p/full-bore-isolating-valve-15mm/46860 - If you need full flow and don't mind paying extra.

GDB2222

Apodemus said:

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?? 

Piece of cake. Get one of these.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/flomasta-compression-reducing-lead-to-copper-coupler-7lb-1-x-15mm/53125

Better still, don’t get one of those. They come in several sizes, so get all the sizes in the right ballpark and return the ones that you don’t use. 

You need to measure the pipe diameter. If you don’t have callipers, an adjustable wrench does a passable job. 

Oh, and if the water is soft, you really need to replace that lead pipe.

FreeBear

GDB2222 said:

Apodemus said:

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?? 

Piece of cake. Get one of these.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/flomasta-compression-reducing-lead-to-copper-coupler-7lb-1-x-15mm/53125

A little cheaper from Toolstation - https://www.toolstation.com/lead-to-copper-coupler/p51039

bris

If you're turning off the water in the street do the internal stop !!!!!! first, its quicker and chances are your cutting the neighbours water too, so you may have to warn them. With the new stop !!!!!! you can take all the time you need for the tap.

You never know, if you have a problem with the tap the outside water could be off for longer than you think.

plumb1_2

Why change the stoptap, just service it. New tap washer, roll of cotton and a bit of tallow.

GDB2222

plumb1_2 said:

Why change the stoptap, just service it. New tap washer, roll of cotton and a bit of tallow.

I have done this job several times. Loosening the gland has ‘unstuck' the tap every time. Cotton string works a treat when unraveled into strands. I have never used tallow, but I have found that Vaseline works well.