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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Plumbing Questions >> Chewed up drain off cock https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1103576566 Message started by Slug on Dec 20^th, 2004, 9:02pm

Title: Chewed up drain off cock
Post by Slug on Dec 20^th, 2004, 9:02pm

Howdy doody Peeps.

I have just replaced a radiator and found the drain off cock to empty the system is under the floorboards , through and poking out of the outside wall over the downstairs' flats' kitchen roof.

The d.o.c has been 'sealed' into the wall with tarmac type stuff and looks hugely permanent. Opening it was no problem but when tightened to close, drips. Presumably the seals inside have rotted.

The only way to reach the blooming thing to open/close it was to hang upside down from a window :P, which, to cut a long story short, has resulted in my chewing up the spindle end trying to close the bloody thing. So now theres nothing tangeible to grip.

Is there some magic tool or even more magical technique for getting these buggers out. If I can remove just the inners to replace with new but the original stuck one appears to have no outer ring to remove the inners, the inners going straight into a sleeve.

I think I know what the answers going to be, but I have been known to miss the bloody obvious ;D

Title: Re: Chewed up drain off cock
Post by Chaddy on Dec 20^th, 2004, 11:44pm

Hi. ;D Snap on make some pliers called "channel lock". They are brilliant for gripping anything thats rounded off as long as you have about 5mm left protruding.

Title: Re: Chewed up drain off cock
Post by poolcorgi on Dec 21^st, 2004, 12:52am

6"" stilsons if there is anything to grip ;D

Title: Re: Chewed up drain off cock
Post by Slug on Dec 22^nd, 2004, 10:34am

Thanks Chaddy, sadly I doubt theres even 5mm left. Oooer. Poolcorgi, think i'll have to resort to the Semtex method rather than the Stilsons ;D.
Got a call from the lady this morning saying that she needs to top up the system a couple of times a day, which is no problem but also that overnight the system falls to about three quarters bar, so the heating is starting at about this level. Knowing me, it probably will be, but, is this going to be a massive problem to the pump. I am due to totter off for Crimbo today and sort it when i'm back on the 28th, but is this being a moronic knobhead or ought it be ok.

Title: Re: Chewed up drain off cock
Post by HandyMac on Dec 23^rd, 2004, 7:34am

wrote on Dec 22^nd, 2004, 10:34am:

but is this being a moronic knobhead or ought it be ok.

Weeeelll......

Might be worth popping along, shaking your head, stroking your chin, sucking your teeth and saying "that'll cost yer missus!" :)

Seriously, worth taking a look - it might be something real simple and you'll be a hero just before Xmas. Or it could be something more involved and you won't be able to fit it in. I don't think the customer can really complain.

HM

Title: Re: Chewed up drain off cock
Post by Chaddy on Dec 23^rd, 2004, 8:44am

Hi Slug.
Don't know if this is feasible, but can you freeze the pipe or drain down the system, and then change the drain cock? Possibly siting it inside?
Hanging out of the window doesn't strike me as very safe or desirable!!!
I don't know about you but i get a nose bleed up a step ladder!!! ;D ;D ;D