Stop cock in road doesn't shut water off completely

[biggerlebowski]

hi there

I can turn the outside cock off by hand to a point where it definitely doesn't want to turn any more. But water still flows in taps in the house under low pressure. I'm reluctant to apply harder pressure on the cock in case I knacker it completely. Don't want to call southern water because they will probably put in a water meter (even if I take the "insurance" out then call them in a few weeks' time).

Is this a common problem? Is there anything I can do about it myself? ( I suspect not).

I had problems with the same stop cock a few years ago when it started leaking and we had to dig it out to put a spanner on it. I'm wondering if it's not been adjusted properly and is stopping the valve closing completely?

Best
Dude

 

[seco services]

hi there

I can turn the outside cock off by hand to a point where it definitely doesn't want to turn any more.

more likely will with a stopcock key.

 

[biggerlebowski]

hi there, thanks

I got quite a lot of purchase on it with a standard socket set and a suitable socket. I agree that a key would give it more welly but what happens if it "gives"? I don't want a fountain in my driveway

As I say, it feels as it it's gone all the way it can....I just spoke with a plumber's merchant and he says it happens all the time around here.

Best
Dude

 

[seco services]

but what happens if it "gives"? I don't want a fountain in my driveway

thats a chance you have to take or call them out.
i get the same gut feeling everytime i shut an old stopcock, it's a gamble.
but cross fingers never had one shear yet.

 

[netech]

call the water board out and they will shut it off to prove if it works or not. if its knackered then they should replace it with a meter box but they wont fit a meter unless you request one.

 

[adlplumbing]

also is it the right one this may not be as daft as u think
use to fit water meter the mistake is easily made
as i have found them on opsit side to road before know
while their was one in from of the property