Where's my stopcock gone?

[Davie77]

Hi all,
I had an outside stopcock (tap type).
A neighbour went through the pipe in his garden, whilst digging, and had to have it all replaced up to my house (lifting up and replacing my patio). I was away at the time so didn't see it all happen.
Now, a few years later, I went to find check on my stopcock and it doesn't appear to be there any longer! Instead I have two blue plastic connections (at least that's what they look like) and no stopcock as before.
Unless...is this some new kind of integrated stop valve?
The work was apparently signed off by the waterboard, but maybe the inspector thought there was a stopcock inside. (There isn't).

See pics

Any ideas?

 

[JohnD]

Have you got a water meter?

 

[Davie77]

Yes, in the street.

 

[JohnD]

The water meters I've seen incorporate a stop cock. Yours might have a T-handle, or somewhere to insert one. Ask your water co if it's not obvious, and/or post some photos.

The T handle might be removable so it may be worth getting a spare, in case it gets lost or a neighbour pulls yours off when he loses his own.

It is a good idea to fit your own internal stopcock as well. Easily done after turning off the meter.

 

[Davie77]

Thanks, The water meter is in the street and underground though, and not readily accessible. I would not be able to turn the supply off there in an emergency even if there was some kind of valve on it.
Or are you saying there may be somewhere to insert a T handle in the pipe in my pictures, which IS accessible?

 

[JohnD]

That's why it is best to add an indoor stopcock. That can easily be done after turning off the meter.

 

[Davie77]

Yes, that sounds like a good idea. Do you know how much it would cost to get it done? Roughly?

 

[Mottie]

Thanks, The water meter is in the street and underground though, and not readily accessible

All those down our street are underground underneath a plastic cover. Meter is about 18” down. They have a valve which requires a quarter turn to turn it off. They leave plastic key to turn them off. Whether you have a meter or not, we all have an isolation valve as you can see in the picture - one is mine with meter, neighbour's is unmetered.

 

[JohnD]

No, but start by looking at your meter stopcock.

If you can't DIY ask around friends and neighbours for a trustworthy local plumber. Don't use an online advertising site masquerading as trusted recommendations. Don't use a freephone or out-of-area number. You don't need a 24 hour emergency callout or a qualified gas engineer.

 

[Davie77]

Thanks local handyman has just quoted £77 - £84 (depending on size of pipe, either 15mm or 22mm) to fit a new one.
Does that sound about right?

 

[JohnD]

Bit higher than round here, but within the bounds. Maybe he calculates as £60 call out plus parts at five times retail or something.

15mm copper pipe is the size of your finger, 22mm is a pork sausage. The bigger the better as an undersized one restricts flow. Metric pipe is measured by external diameter. What's yours?

A genuine stopcock has a T handle and a unique shape.

Flomasta Brass Stopcock 15mm - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Brass, steel and plastic construction. Compression connection. Suitable for water systems only. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

Stopcock 22mm - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Brass, steel and plastic construction. Compression connection. Suitable for water systems only. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

Poly Stop Cock 25mm x 15mm - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. For use on 25mm MDPE. Certificate number 0507060. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

A few alternatives are available but not common.


Don't accept a little thing like this last link. The one shown is utter rubbish but widely used by bodgers.

Flomasta Isolating Valve 15mm 10 Pack - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Brass, steel and plastic construction. ¼-turn Operation. Compression connection. Suitable for water. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

 

[foxhole]

I prefer these , they require only a 1/4 travel to turn on/off.
Also if access is tight can be operated at distance .

Made4Trade Gas & Water Lever Ball Valve PN25 15mm | Toolstation

• Manufactured to EN331

www.toolstation.com

 

[JohnD]

Yes, so do I, though I get the Pegler ones with T handle.

But I am guessing a local handyman will use the more common (cheaper) type.

 

[DiyNutJob]

Sorry to the OP for a quick hijack. I was playing with my inside stopcock only last night and it was seized. To crack it open, I risked breaking it. So, I was thinking about a possible emergency shut off using the outside stopcock. The outside one, along with the meter, is beyond the boundary of the house. Are there any rules for me using the outside stopcock?

 

[Nige F]

Only rules are - don't leave the pit uncovered ! so someone could trip in it