Can't isolate an upstairs toilet

[Ianblackburn]

This is a bit of a saga!

I am changing a cistern - I had a problem getting the plastic pipe off the inlet pipe so I had to saw it off. There was a micro valve that I used to isolate it at this stage and then unscrewed the top part of it. The plastic pipe was jammed solid and I couldn't remove it. So I ordered a new valve but it is a slightly different thread on the top part so I need to change the whole valve (rather than just screw the new bit in which would have been simple!)

So I turned off the main supply under the downstairs sink which isolated some of the cold taps and another toilet but not this one. I assumed then that it must be fed off the tank (we have an indirect system). I went into the attic and found a valve on the outlet pipe leading to this bathroom - turned it off but it didn't isolate the toilet!

So is this valve broken or am I missing something else. Could there be another stop-cock that turns off the supply to this bathroom, or do I need to drain the tank (I'd rather not)?

Help?

Cheers

Ian

 

[calorific]

Are you sure that valve on the outlet wasn't supplying water to the hot water cylinder?

Is there another outlet pipe from the tank, or does it tee off anywhere prior to the valve?

 

[Ianblackburn]

Are you sure that valve on the outlet wasn't supplying water to the hot water cylinder?

Is there another outlet pipe from the tank, or does it tee off anywhere prior to the valve?

Many thanks for the quick reply!

There are two valves - one marked "cold water supply F & E tank" and one unmarked - I tried both as it happens, but it is the unmarked one I thought was the correct one. It doesn't tee off before the valve and I can follow the pipe along the attic to the bathroom in question.

The cistern inlet comes from the floor though - does this have any significance?

 

[calorific]

The cistern inlet comes from the floor though - does this have any significance?

Not necessarily.

What would be of significance would be if you opened the isolation valve near the cistern with your thumb over the end of the pipe. If you can hold the water in then it'll be coming from the tank, if not then you'll get a bit wet but will discover that it's mains fed which means you need to find somewhere else to isolate it - either another stopcock downstairs, or possible the street.

 

[Ianblackburn]

The cistern inlet comes from the floor though - does this have any significance?

Not necessarily.

What would be of significance would be if you opened the isolation valve near the cistern with your thumb over the end of the pipe. If you can hold the water in then it'll be coming from the tank, if not then you'll get a bit wet but will discover that it's mains fed which means you need to find somewhere else to isolate it - either another stopcock downstairs, or possible the street.

Excellent idea - ill try that tomorrow - many thanks your help.

Ian

 

[Ianblackburn]

The cistern inlet comes from the floor though - does this have any significance?

Not necessarily.

What would be of significance would be if you opened the isolation valve near the cistern with your thumb over the end of the pipe. If you can hold the water in then it'll be coming from the tank, if not then you'll get a bit wet but will discover that it's mains fed which means you need to find somewhere else to isolate it - either another stopcock downstairs, or possible the street.

Excellent idea - ill try that tomorrow - many thanks your help.

Ian

Ok just tried this - I could easily hold the water with my thumb, so that means it's from the tank. I also let the water run a bit from the cistern valve (I had a hose on it to the toilet) and the tank water went down so that is pretty conclusive.

I looked inside the tank and can see 6 holes for the pipes that are attached, only two of those have a valve on the pipe. Could I get something to temporarily 'plug' the hole from inside the tank going to the pipe leading to the bathroom? Or if I do let the tank drain is that going to lead to other problems with the the boiler etc?

 

[calorific]

Carrots.

 

[Ianblackburn]

Carrots.

??? - put them in the hole? Ok I'll give it a go!

 

[footprints]

There are proper rubber bungs for tanks, most plumbing shops sell them often called Radiator Valve Change Kits, (try a search on Radiator Valve Change Kit) usually about 15 quid a pair.

But check the tank connectors first if they have lugs on the inside of the pipe they will not seal. Best bet in that case just drain the tank.

Regards,
footprints

 

[Edenbronxian27]

Could just do it live if it's only off tanks the pressure won't be to scary... Cut pipe, thumb over end, pushfit isolator... Done.