releasing a trapped stopcock cover

Whitling2k · 3 Feb 2014

Hi all,

Trying to sort out some plumbing and move my internal stopcock - but my external valve cover is quite well sealed - the little 6x6" square outside my property

Any hints/tips on getting it off?

So far - I've bent a 12" spanner handle and a mini wrecking bar trying to lift the thing up!

I think it's been driven over for decades for a start-off..

Whitling2k

footprints · 3 Feb 2014

Maybe WD 40 using the straw in the crack over night, wipe off excess you don't want someone going a*** over t** and sueing you! Then try alternate hot and cold water around the edges to see if it expands and contracts enough to free it. I assume it is an old type stopcock, it might be inadvisable to use hot water if it was plastic.

Whitling2k · 3 Feb 2014

Yeah - it's an old cast iron jobbie. Had thought of WD - but have none so might be an exuse to restock!

Like the hot/cold water idea too. I wonder if larger wrecking bar would also help!

Whitling2k

MIGEM · 3 Feb 2014

Call your water authority, as it belongs to them.
If you crack it, how are you going to stop someone putting their foot down it?
They should open it/replace it for free, and they might even replace your stopcock for a plastic quarter turn.

Dont ask? Dont get!

footprints · 3 Feb 2014

They might even throw in a water meter for free

MIGEM · 3 Feb 2014

footprints said:
They might even throw in a water meter for free

Only if you ask.

Ive had many old weeping stopcocks replaced, by South West Water and they will fit you for a meter, but not with a meter. (If you dont have one already)
Its only a blanking cap, where the meter would go.

Whitling2k · 5 Feb 2014

Simples! Called Yorkshire Water and they came, released and tested it for me! All free

Whitling2k

diynot

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.

Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

releasing a trapped stopcock cover

Similar threads