STOP COCKS

[alang498]

Should stop cocks and valves in pipework be turned fully on ?
I have heard that it is better to leave approx. a quarter or half turn ?
It seems that the valves/cocks in our loft may only be " half open " = Should I open them further ?

 

[helptavner]

open fully then half turn back to stop sieeeasing up

 

[TicklyT]

I usually fully open valves until the mechanism stops turning, then close them about a quarter to half a turn so the threads aren't jammed. Less chance of it seizing up, and more chance of freeing them up if it does, as you can turn it both ways.

 

[Charnwood]

Not a bad idea to 'work' them every couple of months. This also helps to stop them seizing.

 

[alang498]

Thank you for the suggestion, but should I leave the stop cocks fully open ? and I wonder why at least one only seems to be half open ?

 

[JohnD]

Thank you for the suggestion, but should I leave the stop cocks fully open ?

no.

like the men said, give them a half or quarter turn back from the "full on" position.

If it is turned right the way to the end of the travel, it is much more likely to jam and you will be unable to turn it shut again, after it has been left for a while.

 

[alang498]

Many thanks to all for the advice = Much appreciated

 

[libby lou lou]

One maybe only half open for a reason you are not aware off, tread safely.

 

[alang498]

Thank you: I must admit the thought has crossed my mind. I seem tio recall that, many years ago, we had problems with banging pipes, etc, and I am now wondering if a contractor may have solved that problem by adjusting the stop cocks in the loft.

 

[JohnD]

there are modern "silent" bal lcoc ks now that are very quiet, you could swap to one if that noise occurs.

 

[alang498]

Thank you for the suggestion.