stopcock change

pal · Jul 18, 2016

Hi All

I am about to do up the kitchen which is where the rising main is. The stopcock is like most, kna****ed, so I will change it (I can easily get to the valve on the water meter). Is there any reason why the old style stopcock can't be replaced by a full bore ball valve? The Pegler PB300T is rated up to 16Bar up to 30 degrees C so should be ok. I have never seen a ball valve as a stopcock so is there a good reason why not?

Thanks

chris watkins · Jul 18, 2016

Yes they can & are used.
However they have a couple of negative points to remember.

Being quarter turn they can be shut off very quickly which could be bad as it will send shockwaves through the system (water hammer) which can cause damage.

They still suffer from sticking as they are not used from one year to the next, stop valves have a proven track record & although they also stick they can be freed off again (well most of the time).

joni os · Jul 18, 2016

Be cautious with the valve on the water meter. If turned off with too much force, problems can occur turning them back on. Better to work with a trickle of water than risk having to call on the services of the water company.

pal · Jul 19, 2016

Thanks for both replies both useful.

Ball valve - ON on water hammer. It wont be used much so sticking could be a problem and there's not much meat to get a spanner on. Maybe I should just fit a conventional stopcock and pack the stem out with some more grease before fitting. Its high time they improved on the design.

From recollection the meter is all plastic so lots of care necessary and no forcing the issue.

Thanks again