Old stopcock

[whistler]

The original stopcock in my house, built 1971 is buried away behind some bathroom fittings. To make a more accessible stopcock, I fitted a new one further along the pipe. This is easily accessible when I need to turn of the water supply.

However this has now started to leak around the gland nut. I have tried wrapping PTFE tape which worked for a while but has now started to leak again.

To replace this 'new' stopcock, which is actually around 15 years old, I guess I need to turn off the original stopcock. However it has never been turned for 15 years, and I wonder if it's a wise thing to do. Am I going to end up with a second leaky stopcock making matters worse?

Should I leave well alone?

What's the alternative, if any?

The photo is the old stopcock.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet.

How did you manage to wrap the PTFE around, without turning the supply off? Waxed string might be better than PTFE.

When you have finished using a stop cock - open it up fully, then close it by 1/2 to 1 turn. It helps to avoid them seizing.

 

[matlob]

Can you access a shut off in the street rather than trying to turn the old one?

 

[terryplumb]

Re pack the gland ,can be done without closing the old stopcock.