Whoops - plumbing problem again!

[Jeanied]

I have had to get my trusty head torch out again to try and sort out my plumbing problem under the sink.

I had a plumber in today to replace the gasket on my loo cistern as it was worn out and leaking- that was fine but very expensive. When he came to turn off the mains water he had to do it in the street as my stopcock under the sink was seized on and he wouldn't mess with it as the pipes are lead!

So I paid him off (sharp intake of breath) and as my water is still on the house is functional - but being a bit curious I thought I'd try and release it using WD **.

I have persuaded it to start turning - probably 45' clockwise - so how far does it have to go to turn the water off?

I also discovered where the giant spider lives (shudder) and a small drip from my washing machine feed pipe. So, for now, I have tried tightening a bit and I'm tucking the dishwasher back in front of the problem using washing up liquid to help the glide factor!

Any advice on the stopcock?

[chris]

A few turns at least depending on how far it's on. Our old one did the same, since it was replaced we were told to turn it a few turns every month to make sure it doesn't seize again.

I did read a lot about them on some
Plumbing forums mind, but our resident hero will be along no doubt

[Potstubsdustbins]

Yes, unless you know exactly what you are doing leave well alone. Not my usual advice I know but this one is best left to the experts if it needs doing. If its on lead pipe its going to be very old, older than me in fact and thats old.

First the tap spindle runs through a stuffing box and it is at this point were its jamming. The water seal in the stuffing box is/was greased hemp like material (which will now be hard and dry) if it cracks you will have a leak that will require the stop cock replacing.

Second the lead pipe is equally old and could crack if any stress is put on it. This usually happens at floor level and will require the floor lifting to make a repair.

Finally the lead pipe has become lined with lime scale over the years and this is what stops lead from entering your drinking water, you do not want to disturb that lime scale.

Check your boundry box (stop cock in the road) to make sure its accessible and whether it just shuts off your house or more and I can offer further advice.

Colin

[Jeanied]

Thanks for that advice Potty! The stopcock was fully functional about 10 years ago so I was hoping I could fix it with WD**. Never mind, the stopcock in the street works just as well and I discovered the plumbers have left their long turner offer thingy on my front path so I won't have to lay down on the path in the street to turn it off if I need to!

I am glad I know how to stop the water now in an emergency and with your warning I'll leave well alone Potty!

[Potstubsdustbins]

Just one thing if its lead its likely to be Victorian or early Edwardian if its a terrace or semi it could be that your on a shared water service so that when you turn the water off at the boundry box in the street you will turn everyone off.

Colin

[Jeanied]

It's early Edwardian terraced Colin, and there are two little water mains taps side by side for me and next door. I shall take an interest in how these are configured down the road now

I still have the gas pipes for lighting in the ceiling and on the chimney breasts upstairs. (The street is not in the 1911 census though - must have been built later.)

[pigletwillie]

Our front stopcock turns off three houses lol but we are the first.

You can buy lead to mdpe or copper compression fittings. This allows you to cut the lead pipe below the stopcock and change material to copper or mdpe (the blue water pipe) and fit a new stopcock. It is not a very difficult job but requires a modicum of competence. The fittings are available at proper plumbers merchants. Relying on the street stopcock alone is never a good idea.

[Florence Fennel]

I'd leave well alone in this case Jeanie. I know you're very competent with a lot of DIY, especially wearing your head torch (can't quite visualise that), but you don't want to make matters worse. My mother used to live in a big yard, her house was at the bottom and when the water had to be turned off, all 6 in the yard were off.

[Jeanied]

Hmmm - reading that PW I think I'd better find a competent person to do just that, cut out the stopcock section and replace it. Fortunately it is quite accessible behind the dishwasher. But I won't get my expensive plumber back to do it, I shall look around for someone who is recommended personally.

My headtorch is great FF - it means I can work with both hands in dark places! Not that I'd go in most dark places but at least I know what is going on under the sink and behind the dishwasher and washing machine. And my resident spider is absolutely huge - I don't think it would fit under an inverted water glass, I'll have to use a beer mug when I see it next!