outside stop cock

[amstel]

In my previous post I forgot to ask about my outside stopcock in the pavement,.....its about 2ft below the surface, I tried to turn it off, but the little handle just broke, leaving just the square end on the spindle.
I,m sure if I get the right size socket adaptor onto it, I will be able to close the tap, and then do the job as previously described in the house.
Any help or advice welcome, thanks.

 

[TicklyT]

That sounds like a good way forward. The square socket in an extension bar may be a better fit on the valve spindle than a socket itself.

I have a selection of various sized bits of square steel tube, salvaged from old TV stands and the like over the years that occasionally come in handy.

 

[keego]

Get yourself one of these

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0001K9Q...de=asn&creative=22206&creativeASIN=B0001K9Q1S

I've got one with a 3 foot steel bar welded to it, works a treat everytime.

 

[amstel]

Thanks Keego,
In your experience, does the spindle usually turn easily once u have a good grip, or should I pour some oil or wd on it for 24 hours?

 

[keego]

It usually turns easy enough but like everything else in life you will get the odd one that's a pig. Remember when you turn any stop tap back on to open it fully & then close it down by half a turn, do that & you will always be able to operate it easy no matter how long it's left.

 

[gasman1987]

just get in touch with the water supplier (STW)
they will replace the stop stap but in this weather who knows when as the ground is rock hard