Universal Stopcock Key

[nyquist]

Hi All,

I've recently purchased a stopcock key for future use. It has the crutch pattern and an inner square socket.

I've noticed that the square socket is tapered. Are stopcock shafts likely to be similarly tapered, or is the purpose of the taper to enable it to be used for different sizes?

If it's a tapered socket turning a straight shaft, would it tend to slip?

Unfortunately the stopcock is at the bottom of a very deep muddy hole, so it's difficult to see exactly what it looks like

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[ChrisR]

A lot of the old ones ARE a tapered squared sort of end.
You'll probably find it's ok, have a go.
Some are an exact half inch square, and an extension from a socket set, reversed, is good.

If there's too much compressed road dirt and dog droppings down there to get to it, put the garden hose down and flush it out.

 

[Happyplumber]

havent you got the specialist spoon Chris to clear them out first before you stick in the stopcock key,the waterboard lads are issued with them

 

[nyquist]

Many thanks ChrisR for the information and suggestions, all noted for future use.

The stopcock was probably installed around 1965. It's difficult to see exactly what type it is, due to the depth of the hole, and mud at the bottom. I suspect it may be seized up, due to flooding from a neighbor's faulty meter installation.

I'll have to rig up some better lighting to see bottom of the hole.

Fortunately, my immediate need to turning off the water at the boundary has now passed, as I've now managed to free the stopcock in the house. I'm also reluctant to do too much on the boundary stopcock, just in case it starts to leak

BTW Happyplumber I've found the crutch part of the stopcock key, quite useful for removing mud fro the bottom of the hole.

 

[adlplumbing]

i have one idea for you but its bit cheaky
ask for external water meter and they will replace your stop tap
with atplas which you can turn on off with ease
and if you end up paying more on water meter just ask for it to removed i know they use copme 12 month trail contract to try and get people to sign up for them
but as i said its bit cheeky

 

[nyquist]

i have one idea for you but its bit cheaky
ask for external water meter and they will replace your stop tap
with atplas which you can turn on off with ease
and if you end up paying more on water meter just ask for it to removed i know they use copme 12 month trail contract to try and get people to sign up for them
but as i said its bit cheeky

I've already got a water meter inside the house, which I had for about 15 years, so I don't think that would work! AFAIK you can't go back to not having a meter, once you have one.

The problem with my neighbor's water meter installation was that the contractors who installed it did a botched job, which leaked after a few years. This caused a major flood in the road. It was many weeks before the water company fixed it!

IIRC the water company is responsible for the stop cock on the property boundary, but in view of my neighbor's experience in getting them to fix a serious leak, it might be difficult to get them to fix a lesser problem

 

[adlplumbing]

currently to have 12 month opout period on new meters or u did when i installed them but if u got one then they won`t put new one in

 

[joevirgo]

I have had the same sort of problem discussed about shutting off the water at the main outside the house. I have now had a few made that solves the problem. It has a square 10mm socket and is in steel, and it has a 13 inch long shaft making it a lot easier to operate. If anyone wants one give me a ring on 07961-950477.

 

[Charnwood]

Are they free? If not, that's a case of blatant advertising, which may not go down well with the mods.
Especially in a first post.

 

[Agile]

He is not talking about the Victorian type originally being discussed which used a 1/2" square.

In fact he seems to be talking about a "T" stopcock which has had the "T" part removed! A bit odd !

 

[HERTS P&D]

Are they free? If not, that's a case of blatant advertising, which may not go down well with the mods.
Especially in a first post.

Especially when he's a driving instructor.



Andy