Metal Tool to switch off Water Meter Valve FAQ

Aug 28, 2024 Last reply: 1 year ago 7 Replies
M

I switched off the water at a 2017 installed Thames Water meter last week.



It's a quarter turn of a valve, which is controlled by a crappy blue plastic handle, that's about 150mm long.



I managed to turn it, and shut off the water fine, but the handle felt like it was about to snap.



It pulls away from the (PVC) valve shaft, and the shaft would fit one of these:-



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However, the space is too confined to use that above tool (or similar).



I can't find anything that is a metal equivalent of the crappy blue plastic thing (other than using a set of grips)



Picture of meter shaft etc



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T

Try a 'Double D' carburettor adjustment tool or socket:

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However you'd need one that's 10mm across, and they never say what size they are - I'd guess for a carb it would be a smaller size.

This is a 6x8mm one for shock absorbers:

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'd need a 6x10mm one.

Maybe there's some way to modify a hex socket to fit? Get a bigger socket and pack it with solder or epoxy?

Theo

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A

Will a "normal" stopcock key fit?

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M

I can't get any idea of scale from that photo . The shaft I'm trying to grab is 10mm x 6mm

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A

Not that blue handle with the arrows on it?

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M

No, that's the blue plastic handle, that has a crappy plastic stem, that turns the valve shaft, That's what I fear breaking as I twist it to open and close the valve (quarter turn)

The actual valve shaft, is a 10mm 'high' lump of PVC, 10mm long, and 6mm wide.

See OP, there are plenty of tools that fit that, but they won't fit in the meter chamber. I could bend one through about 80 degs I suppose !

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G

What's wrong with a mole grip (lockable pliers)?

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