Stopcock problem - any plumbers in?
Discussion
We have a drip coming from our stopcock - not a major issue but if left will possibly get worse and damage the carpet.
House is about 15 years old now and has been problem free but I needed to turn the water off at the mains about a month ago to change a sink tap and there has been this small drip ever since. Teach me to leave sleeping dogs I suppose.
I don't really fancy tackling this DIY as the consequences could be nasty. Apparently Welsh Water will come out and isolate the supply in the road for free by appointment but can anyone guide me as to how much this will cost or even better is there a simple DIY solution?
House is about 15 years old now and has been problem free but I needed to turn the water off at the mains about a month ago to change a sink tap and there has been this small drip ever since. Teach me to leave sleeping dogs I suppose.
I don't really fancy tackling this DIY as the consequences could be nasty. Apparently Welsh Water will come out and isolate the supply in the road for free by appointment but can anyone guide me as to how much this will cost or even better is there a simple DIY solution?
Pies - thanks.
I guess the gland is the big bugger off nut behind the tap handle itself? The drip is actually coming off the handle part by the way.
If I tighten this is there any or much risk of causing a big leak that I won't be able to turn off and cause me a 'don't panic Mr Mainwaring moment'?
I guess the gland is the big bugger off nut behind the tap handle itself? The drip is actually coming off the handle part by the way.
If I tighten this is there any or much risk of causing a big leak that I won't be able to turn off and cause me a 'don't panic Mr Mainwaring moment'?
elanfan said:
I guess the gland is the big bugger off nut behind the tap handle itself? The drip is actually coming off the handle part by the way.
The gland nut is the smaller nut, but it is the one under the handle. If the drip is coming from there then usually just nipping it up will stop it.There are pics here and there's also a link showing you how to re-pack it.
http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/stop_tap/leaking...
elanfan said:
That makes it a lot clearer but is there ANY risk of a big leak - I would never be forgiven if I flooded the place out.
Your local plumber center will have a freezer spray kit for about £7.50, which allows you 30 minutes to freeze the water entering stop cock allowing you to do all sorts of things to the stock cock. elanfan said:
That makes it a lot clearer but is there ANY risk of a big leak - I would never be forgiven if I flooded the place out.
The gland nut hardly needs any force - use a small spanner (fixed or adjustable), don't try and do it with a pair of Stilsons etc.There "shouldn't" be a problem, but if you're worried then find the outside water stop in the street and check it works OK. If it doesn't then get the water authority to replace it, it's their responsibility.
Edited by Deva Link on Saturday 14th February 00:03
Had a problem like this a while back, leak from the "tap" on the stop cock. had to turn the water off outside to work on it. If you have a water meter, there's usually a stop valve situated by the meter.
Turned out that the rubber seal within the valve had perrished causing water to travel up the shaft of the stop cock & exit out into the downstairs cloakroom.
Fiddly but easy fix.
Turned out that the rubber seal within the valve had perrished causing water to travel up the shaft of the stop cock & exit out into the downstairs cloakroom.
Fiddly but easy fix.
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