Stopcock

[NBee]

Hi all. Below the kitchen sink there is my mains stopcock. I need to open it (it's currently restricting the flow), but if you take a look at my gallery you'll see that access is restricted. I can just about get a hand on it, but can't budge it.

//www.diynot.com/network/NBee/albums/3438

1) What tool would you recommend to try and turn this without risking damage? It hasn't been moved in several years so I'm a little concerned about forcing it too much.

2) Could you confirm which way I have to turn it, to open it?

Many thanks.

 

[Agile]

A wrench or adjustable will usually turn it.

However, if its not been turned regulatly then it may snap off.

Close it a little first which is clockwise.

Valves should be operated every three months!

Tony

 

[NBee]

Hmm, I don't think this has been touched in 7 years, and it was a pig then. I presume things like WD40 don't make any difference here?