How do I change my mains stopcock?

How do I change my mains stopcock?

Grip the body of the tap with water pump pliers. Use a spanner to turn the large nut in the centre of the stopcock anticlockwise to loosen it. Unscrew the tap handle and pull the whole handle and spindle out from the body of the tap. Pull off the old washer from the end of the spindle and replace it with a new one.

Who is responsible for mains stopcock?

So the answer to stopcocks within the boundary of your property are your responsibility and outside of that on the public areas is the responsibility of the Utility Company.

Is it a legal requirement to have an internal stop tap?

Is a Stopcock a Legal Requirement? It is now a legal requirement for every home to have at least one stopcock. Most properties will have one, situated somewhere close to the water input from the main supply.

Can a plumber fit a stop tap?

A plumber will be able to turn off the water from the street, fit a new stop tap ahead of the broken / stuck one and then you’ve got a working stop tap on your property once more. See more of our expert tips on how to look after your plumbing system.

What size is my stopcock?

There are keys to fit all sizes and both shapes, including the most common – 1/2 inch (15mm) and 3/4 inch (20mm) crutch head stopcocks and 1/2 inch (15mm), 5/8 inch (16mm), 3/4 inch (20mm) and 1 inch (25mm) square head stopcocks. A key for wheel head valves will fit most sizes and patterns of wheel.

Is this the correct way to open a stopcock?

The correct way is to open them fully and then close them half a turn or so. This enables a little ‘wiggle’ room for the valve when it slowly becomes stuck again over the years. A valve stuck hard against the stops is very difficult to persuade to move again. They always stick.

Should mains water tap be fully open?

Keeping the stopcock fully open will cause no major harm but it can allow limescale to buildup in the spindle. We recommend that you have turn it fully open and then back by half a turn, which should prevent the spindle jamming up.

What should be fitted above a stop tap?

The stop tap must not be placed touching the outside wall and must have an air gap to stop the process of freezing up in really bad conditions. It is always good practice to fit the stopcock more than 150mm above the ground level.

How does a stop tap work?

A stopcock looks like a tap, but without an outlet spout. It will be between two lengths of pipe, acting as a connector. This allows the stopcock to block the flow of water when it’s closed off.

Why is no water coming out of my taps?

Leaks are one of the most common causes of no water coming from tap. If your tap is not running, it may be due to a leak in your plumbing pipes. A leak can lower your water pressure and stop the flow of water completely. If you notice any leaks, you should contact your plumber to fix your pipes.

Can a stop tap be moved?

It’s perfectly possible to move the mains stop valve on the water supply coming into your house but it’ll need a bit of planning. If you’ve ever fitted a new kitchen or built an extension you’ll know how the stopcock always seems to be in the most inconvenient place for your plans.

Are stop cocks a standard size?

Stopcock key sizes The most common sizes of stopcock key fit 1/2 inch (15mm) stopcocks, like the one shown here, and 3/4 inch (20mm). There are also keys to fit 3/8, 5/8 and 1 inch (10mm, 16mm and 25mm) stopcocks.