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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Plumbing Questions >> Stop cock, SureStop or both? https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1408479937 Message started by completenovice on Aug 19^th, 2014, 9:25pm

Title: Stop cock, SureStop or both?
Post by completenovice on Aug 19^th, 2014, 9:25pm

Need to get a stopcock sorted as it is way too stiff and difficult to shut. While about it, would it be better to fit a direct replacement, go with a SureStop, or go with both please?

Also, the SureStop fitting that slots into the pipe looks plastic to me. I've read that any break in the copper plumbing 'circuit' might be a concern re earthing. Should I be concerned please?

Thanks :)

Title: Re: Stop cock, SureStop or both?
Post by thescruff on Aug 19^th, 2014, 10:31pm

Again a pic showing the problem would be best.

Most stopcocks are servicable if you can turn the water off elsewhere.

Title: Re: Stop cock, SureStop or both?
Post by completenovice on Aug 22^nd, 2014, 8:10am

Thanks for the quick reply thescruff and sorry for not being able to get a photo up sooner. Anyway, here it is.

This is all in a cupboard under the kitchen sink, lower shelf, with the stopcock just above the shelf. Two pipes heading off left above are to the washing machine (nowadays cold fill so hot pipe there is redundant).

I like the idea of the SureStop for its simplicity and the minimal strength required to use for anyone who struggles with this.

[gallery]completenovice/1408691111.jpg[/gallery]

Title: Re: Stop cock, SureStop or both?
Post by thescruff on Aug 22^nd, 2014, 8:20am

Your best bet would be to turn the water off elsewhere ( outside for example and take the valve out, you can service it in a vice and put it back. but the easiest way would be to take the valve to a plumbers merchant, BSS, Pipeline etc and buy a new valve.

Get the same make (looks like "Conex") all you need to do then is undo the two nuts and do them back up again, with the water off as above.

Title: Re: Stop cock, SureStop or both?
Post by woodsmith on Aug 24^th, 2014, 8:28am

I think there are two types of sure stop, one for use with a stop cock and one for use without. I have only fitted one which still needed the stop cock in a holiday cottage where they regularly turned the water off, and it worked well. No complaints anyway!

Title: Re: Stop cock, SureStop or both?
Post by completenovice on Aug 26^th, 2014, 12:47pm

Thanks both.

The feeder from the street is under a manhole cover straight out front, so I should be able to get to that easily enough. Would definitely go with a new valve, rather than a fettle on the old one. Will have a look this week for Conex locally.

Re the SureStop, that sounds good. Was concerned how the two could play together but assuming there is a design specifically for installations with a stopcock, think I'll go for this at the same time as the new valve.

Thanks again ;)

BTW, sorry for the delay replying. Although I've checked the option to be notified of replies I don't seem to be actually receiving notifications.