Mains water shut - off valve handle question

[Brian Lacey]

Hi all, the shut-off valve on our mains water meter/Pipe has a longish (15cm ?) plastic rod/stem with a T piece top that turns the valve. I need to turn the mains water off but the plastic is very flimsy and bendy and I cannot get enough pressure to close the valve really tight, I'm afraid to twist too hard in case the rod snaps. It seems to be a piece that just pushes into a socket as it pulled up and out but difficult to see as the hole is full of water !
I was wondering if there is a metal replacement available anywhere, something with more strength to it ?
Thanks.

 

[CountryFan]

Nope, these heaps of crap are the future unfortunately. Although, a big enough hex/Allen key should do the same job.

Edit: If you need to replace the inside stopcock, consider a freeze kit or snatch it if not too much pressure behind when you turn off outside.

 

[Brian Lacey]

Thanks for the idea, an Hex or Allen key fitted to a socket extension might work. I will have a look in the morning and see what the end of the plastic looks like sizewise.
Cheers.

 

[polesapart]

It's a quarter turn valve, not one you screw down.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Shouldn't need to close it off tight, just until you feel it reach a natural stop should be ample.

 

[Brian Lacey]

Thanks. The plastic rod T-piece turned 360 five or six times before it met resistance, definitely not a quarter turn type. Yes, I expected the flow to stop when the resistance felt really firm, it was lessened but only by a little. Possibly the valve is not seating properly to close, can't tell but I will see if I can do something in the morning after emptying the pot which is full of water.
Cheers

 

[Exedon]

You have the valve that's fitted commonly in Anglian water area DO NOT overtightened they can lock down and not come undone!
I've never done it but know others who have.

 

[denso13]

Is it outside of your boundary, on a pavement perhaps? If so, call the Water company, they should fix it if faulty.

 

[Brian Lacey]

Thanks all. Anglia have been brilliant and when I told them I couldn't turn the stop tap off they sent someone out. Very quick, very good.
Valve was fine, I just needed to be more forceful with it, chap gave it quite a twist, much harder than I would have dared to. Advice was to turn it back on slowly so as not to round off the plastic fitment. I will definitely get myself a correct sized Allen key for future use.