changing stop tap

[young plum]

Hi everyone I have just been asked to nip round a friends house as his stop cock is leaking and he is worried. I was just thinking of changing it over as it is quite old am i right in thinking if I turn the water off in the road and drain down the water i will be able to change it to a new one. And if i cant turn it off in the road could I just cut into the pipe and place a second stop tap next to it.
Any advice is appreciated

 

[tabs]

Why not just try replacing the washer first? Being old its probably 3/4 inch

 

[young plum]

is that done the same way as a normal tap

 

[tabs]

Basically yes.

 

[young plum]

And if that does not work is it right what i said about turning water off outside off house and replacing it
cheers for help

 

[corgiman]

yes it is

 

[BoxBasher]

Just don't break the Main Stop Tap in the street. your local water company assuming it is the same as mine) will charge you for its repair/replacement.

 

[kevplumb]

is that done the same way as a normal tap

yup just don't lose the loose jumper

 

[sime10]

Put a sure stop in I think they are great