Old Stopcock on Lead 1/2" ~ 3/4"

Stanios · Jun 22, 2020

Encountered this old stopcock, male threads both ends attached to female fittings that are welded onto lead pipe both ends. Looked like 1/2", took it off, closer to 3/4" but quite a bit smaller than 3/4" still.. Photo is not of that stopcock but looks exactly the same (forgot to take a snap)
Took off the headgear bit I've done this before but new innards from new stopcock didnt quite fit.

So option 1 is to get exact replacement. Option 2 get any "old style" stopcock take the top bit off and swap. Any help would be much appreciated!

Ben-gee · Jun 22, 2020

What’s wrong with it?
Could you dismantle/free off/ re-grind/re-washer/pack the gland!

Aquarius · Jun 23, 2020

Iirc lead is done in lb weight, not “ sized?

JCplumb · Jun 23, 2020

Had a similar issue a few years ago, you can't get new parts for these anywhere. I also asked on here, best advice I got was go to local scrap merchants and check out the brass bins for spares.
With mine the handle had snapped off so couldn't just fix it. What's wrong with it, not fixable?

Last Plumber · Jun 23, 2020

Stanios said:
Encountered this old stopcock, male threads both ends attached to female fittings that are welded onto lead pipe both ends. Looked like 1/2", took it off, closer to 3/4" but quite a bit smaller than 3/4" still.. Photo is not of that stopcock but looks exactly the same (forgot to take a snap)
Took off the headgear bit I've done this before but new innards from new stopcock didnt quite fit.

So option 1 is to get exact replacement. Option 2 get any "old style" stopcock take the top bit off and swap. Any help would be much appreciated!

It will most likely be on 1/2" x 6, or 7, or 9 etc. (1/2" bore and weighs so many pounds per yard). Depends on pressure.
What's the issue with it?

ShaunCorbs · Jun 23, 2020

Install a new one and lead lock it either side

Stanios · Jun 23, 2020

JCplumb said:
Had a similar issue a few years ago, you can't get new parts for these anywhere. I also asked on here, best advice I got was go to local scrap merchants and check out the brass bins for spares.
With mine the handle had snapped off so couldn't just fix it. What's wrong with it, not fixable?

Water leaking out. I stripped it and chucked all the ptfe it could handle leak is no more but its hardly a functioning stopcock. Looks like I'l have to fit two leadlocks!