Maya Ellison
A stopcock or stop tap is a valve that controls the flow of water into your home. When it malfunctions, you may need to replace it. This can be a complicated and costly process, especially if you are unable to shut off the water effectively. Before attempting to replace a plastic stopcock tap, it is important to locate the isolation valves or the nearest stop tap, which may be in the street or in your garden. If you are dealing with a leak, it is crucial to identify the source and determine whether it is due to a faulty tap, a leaking pipe, or another issue. Once you have isolated the problem, you can consider repairing or replacing the plastic stopcock tap. This may involve turning off the water supply, removing the old tap, and installing a new one, ensuring that you have the necessary tools and skills to complete the job safely and effectively.
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What You'll Learn
Locating the stopcock
The first step in locating your stopcock is understanding what it looks like. The stopcock looks like the top of an outdoor tap but without a spout to let water out. It will sit between two pipes, working as a connector, so it can block the water flow when closed. Your home's stopcock sits on top of an existing section of pipe and resembles a tap without a spout.
The next step is to understand the difference between internal and external stopcocks. While every house has an internal stopcock, not all houses have an external one, especially older properties or those with shared water supplies. If you do have an external stopcock, it will be located outside along the edge of your property, often marked by a metal cover stamped with the word 'stopcock' or the letter 'W'. It may be located under a cover on the road or path just outside the boundary of your property, or in the same area as your water meter.
Now, let's focus on locating the internal stopcock. The most common location for an internal stopcock is under the kitchen sink, as this is often where the cold water feed enters the house. However, if your kitchen has been renovated, it may be located elsewhere, such as in a bathroom or under the floor. If you're still having trouble finding it, try following the pipes from the kitchen tap and looking behind drawers and cupboards. You can also check the airing cupboard, the bathroom, the cupboard under the stairs, the gas meter, and the utility room. If you live in a new development or a similar house to your neighbours, ask them where their stopcock is located, as it will likely be in the same place.
Remember, if you're unable to locate your internal stopcock or are dealing with a leak outside, you can use the external stopcock as an alternative. In an emergency, if you're unsure about the location of your stopcock, don't hesitate to contact your local water authority or supplier for assistance.
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Turning off the water supply
If you need to turn off the water supply to change a plastic stopcock tap, there are a few options available. The first step is to locate the stopcock tap. It is often located under the stairs or in a cupboard. If you are unable to locate it or if it is stuck, proceed to the next step.
The next step is to check for localised isolation valves underneath the specific area where you need to turn off the water. These valves are usually installed by good plumbers to allow you to work on specific areas without shutting off the entire water system. If you are unable to locate any isolation valves or if they are not effective, move on to the next step.
If you are dealing with a leak or need to make a repair, you may need to turn off the mains water supply. This can be done by locating the stop tap, which is usually in the street or in your garden. They are often under a metal cover, and you may need a universal stop tap key to turn it off if it is too deep to reach. Be aware that turning off an old-style stop tap from the street may also turn off the water to neighbouring properties, so it is important to let them know in advance.
If you are unable to locate or access the external stop tap, you may need to contact your local water company for assistance. Additionally, if you are dealing with a live mains water supply, it is recommended to seek professional help as it can be dangerous.
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Using a pipe-freezing kit
If you are unable to turn off the water supply to change a plastic stopcock tap, you can use a pipe-freezing kit. This method is often used when the stopcock is faulty and cannot be closed.
Freezing kits are generally used on copper pipes, but they can also be used on plastic pipes. However, it is important to note that freezing can damage plastic pipes, especially PVC pipes, which can become brittle and may crack open. Therefore, it is recommended to do a trial run on a spare piece of pipe before attempting to freeze the actual pipe.
To use a pipe-freezing kit, you will need enough exposed pipe to apply the freezing agent. Plumbers recommend having at least 30 cm of pipe to freeze effectively. The process involves applying the freezing agent to the pipe, which will cause the water inside to freeze and create a plug, stopping the flow of water. This method may not work if the pipe has thick walls, as the freezing agent may not penetrate deep enough.
When using a pipe-freezing kit, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and take the necessary safety precautions. It is also crucial to work quickly, as the freezing effect may only last for a short time, and the plug can melt quickly, especially if the water pressure is high.
While using a pipe-freezing kit can be an effective way to stop the water flow and change a plastic stopcock tap, it is important to consider the potential risks and costs associated with this method.
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Replacing the stopcock
Before you start, make sure you have turned off the water supply. If you can't locate the stopcock, it may be in the street or in your garden. They are often hidden under a metal cover. If you have a water meter, there will be a plastic stop tap next to the meter. If you are unable to turn off the water supply, you may need to use a pipe-freezing kit, but this is not recommended for novice plumbers.
Once the water supply is off, you can start to remove the old stopcock. If your stopcock is leaking, it may be possible to simply tighten the nut on top. If not, you can try unscrewing the nut, wrapping PTFE tape around the olive, and putting the nut back on.
If you still want to replace the stopcock, you will need to buy a new one of the same size. You can then swap out the old stopcock for the new one, using the existing nuts so you don't have to remove the olives. Make sure you have the right tools and that your new tap or guts are ready before you begin.
If you are unable to turn off the water supply, you may need to install a new stopcock above or below the old one, without removing the old one. This will allow you to shut off the water supply using the new tap before removing the old one.
Finally, test your new stopcock to make sure it is working properly. It is important to test your stopcock at least once a year to ensure it is functioning correctly.
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Testing the new tap
Once you have installed your new plastic stopcock tap, it is important to test it to ensure it works correctly and there are no leaks. Testing your new tap is a straightforward process and should be done at least once a year.
Firstly, locate the new tap. It is often found under the stairs or in a cupboard. If you cannot find it, it may be located outside in the street or in your garden. External stop taps are usually found under a metal cover, around 150mm square. If you have a water meter, this will be located next to it.
Now you have located the tap, try turning it off. If it is a modern tap, this should be easy to do by hand. If it is an older tap, you may need to use a universal stop tap key, which can be purchased at any hardware store. Be careful not to force the tap if it is stuck. If it is seized up, it is likely scaled up and full of debris, rather than rusty. Do not use lubricating oil or WD40 to try to loosen the tap, as this can make it slippery and hard to work with. If you are unsure, call a plumber for advice.
Once the tap is off, check that the water supply to your home has stopped. If you have an external tap, be aware that turning it off may also cut the water supply to neighbouring properties. It is a good idea to let your neighbours know you will be testing your tap, so they are aware of any disruption to their water supply.
Finally, turn the tap back on. Check that the water supply to your home has resumed. If the tap is difficult to turn back on, do not force it. Try using a spanner to gently get leverage, but be careful not to use too much force, as this could damage the tap.
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Frequently asked questions
If your plastic stopcock tap is leaking, you can try tightening the nut on top. If that doesn't work, you can replace the headgear of the old stop tap with the headgear from a new 22mm stop tap. If you want to replace the entire tap, you'll first need to turn off the water supply by finding the nearest stop tap, which may be in the street or in your garden.
If you can't find the nearest stop tap, you may need to turn off the water supply in the street or road on the main inlet.
If there is no way to turn off the water supply, you can use a pipe-freezing kit to freeze the supply while you replace the tap. However, this method is not recommended for newbie plumbers.
