How to Fix a Leaking Stopcock
The stopcock, a water shutoff valve which controls water flow into your house, is one type. These valves can be found outside your house or inside your home. A leaking stopcock can cause serious damage to floors and walls. To avoid more damage, you need to have your stopcock fixed immediately if it isn’t working properly.
Many stopcocks can be found in similar places in the house, such as the basement and utility rooms. They are usually made from glass or ground glass, and have a plastic plug retainer to hold them in place. A washer-and-nut system holds them together.
If your stopcock is malfunctioning, it’s easy to get angry. If you’re equipped with the correct tools, you may be able to repair your stopcock yourself. However, if you’re not handy with a wrench, or don’t have the time, a professional can help. You may need to replace an emergency valve. This requires some guts, and the ability to screw in new sections.
The best way to fix your stopcock is to take a look at what’s wrong. Generally, a leaking stopcock is the result of a leaky gland nut. A leaky nut can be easily replaced with some PTFE tape and some water pump pliers.
You may be able, if you are lucky enough to find the leaky gland nut by yourself. To stop the leak, tighten the bolt. This should be done with care, or you could wreak havoc on your plumbing system.
In a pinch, you can use a tin of WD40 to loosen up a faulty stopcock. You can also seal a faulty stopcock with thread sealer.
It can also be done quickly and inexpensively. You can find the right components at a local hardware store. A replacement washer and a few bits of PTFE tape can go a long way to repairing your leaky stopcock.
You might consider installing a “sure stop” to ensure your stopcock stays in top condition. This device is designed to prevent overflows in case of a pipe breakage or emergency. If you have a sure stop installed, you can also turn off the water supply for maintenance. This can save you from expensive water damage.
If you don’t have the skills or confidence to do a leaking stopcock repair, you should call a specialist. A trained plumber can do the trick in a jiffy. The main advantages of a stopcock are that they allow you to shut off the water in an emergency, and that they allow you to control the amount of water entering your home. A stopcock can be used to repair a damaged tap. If you’re not sure whether to install a stopcock, you might also want to check with your local water company. They can let you know whether or not yours is a viable option.