Ballcock Adjustment

[scottpetrie]

Hi
The ballcock in the header tank in my loft very slowly passes water once its full. Its like the ballcock is sagging slightly and not fully shutting off the water. When I get up in the mornings there is a small puddle where it has seeped out through the overflow pipe. Nothing major just annoying. Can the ballcock be adjusted in any way or is it a replacement job?

 

[denso13]

What kind is it? If it has a brass arm it could be bent down slightly but may just need a washer.

 

[scottpetrie]

Id have to take another look but Im assuming its original and very old.

 

[footprints]

Do as Denso13 says pop a new washer on, also unscrew the ball and shake it to see if it is leaking and partly filled with water.

 

[scottpetrie]

Okay. Where about I am looking for the washer

 

[denso13]

Okay. Where about I am looking for the washer

It depends what type it is. Don't suppose you can take a photo?

 

[scottpetrie]

Just been in loft and forgot my phone! Its a metal barrel coming through the tank with the arm held on with a split pin. Very basic. Ive bent it down as best I could but its solid and hard to bend. Its stopped it trickling out so Ill keep an eye on it

 

[oldbutnotdead]

There should be a screw cap on the brass cylinder. Turn the water off, unscrew the cap, remove the split pin. You can pull the inner brass piston out with the lug on the ball valve arm. In the end of it there'll be a small rubber washer. Replace that, lube the mech up if it seems tight, reassemble (do check ball for water).

 

[denso13]

https://www.practicaldiy.com/plumbing/ball-cock-repair/ball-valve-repair.php

It may be an old brass bullet inside rather than plastic. You could also just fit a new ballvalve at the large nut connection, if it fits.

 

[Bodd]

Easier to fit a new ballcock

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Easier to fit a new ballcock

Much cheaper just doing the washer

 

[Bodd]

Much cheaper just doing the washer

That's the Essex boy in me. We are just too flash.

 

[HERTS P&D]

Much cheaper just doing the washer

Replace rather than repair = less call backs.

Andy

 

[Bodd]

Replace rather than repair = less call backs.

Andy

I've learned that over the years.