Stop cock only giving half a turn

[Coniferman]

I have a standard looking stop cock under the sink. Probably 30/40 years old. I remember it always being a bit hard to turn but it always used to turn around multiple times. It will now only turn about 180 degrees. This does seem to give a full range from off (if quite tight) to fully on.

To be honest, it has been like this for a while. Should I be overly concerned about getting it fixed? Will it likely need an entire new tap or just a replacement mechanism? Is there a possible fix - like loosening the nut temporarily? Thanks.

 

[footprints]

It's one of those things someone may need someday in a hurry like a fire extinguisher, best to get it changed now before the water is lapping around your ankles.

 

[FiremanT]

It's one of those things someone may need someday in a hurry like a fire extinguisher, best to get it changed now before the water is lapping around your ankles.

Yeah. Change it. It is not a fine wine.

If changing is awkward, fit a 2nd one immediately after. And stop using the 1st

 

[fixitflav]

I have a standard looking stop cock under the sink. Probably 30/40 years old. I remember it always being a bit hard to turn but it always used to turn around multiple times. It will now only turn about 180 degrees. This does seem to give a full range from off (if quite tight) to fully on.

To be honest, it has been like this for a while. Should I be overly concerned about getting it fixed? Will it likely need an entire new tap or just a replacement mechanism? Is there a possible fix - like loosening the nut temporarily? Thanks.

If you slacken the gland nut it might turn. If it does, put silicone grease on the shaft and turn it fully both ways a number of times, till your confident it will work easily in an emergency. Retighten the gland, but don't overdo it.