Hi all, just found the stopcock in new property. As I started closing it, it became wet. Is this common? (The tap axis is horizontal). I didn't finish closing it, just thought I'd ask around first, and get a few bowls ready!
Lordy
Fairly normal if the stopcock is old, and not moved regularly. If it's a normal brass gate valve then you can usually either just tighten the gland nut (the screw-threaded part round the spindle), or (better) unscrew the gland nut and repack the gland with molybdenum grease and string.
If inexperienced, it might be as well to find the stop-c*ck in the road first, and have the right handle ready, just in case.
R.
Quite common. The 'Stuffing Gland' i.e. the packing round the spindle at the top of the valve is probably U/S. Fully close the stopcock. Unscrew the hexagon nut on the spindle (just under the crutch handle) slide it up the spindle out of the way. Then wind about six or so turns of PTFE tape around the spindle. Then slide the nut back down and push the PTFE into the body of the stopcock. Tighten nut, (not too tight) and all should be OK.
This implies that the fault is after the stop tap? - if this is the case, why is it not leaking all the time it is in the 'on' position?
Because whatever packing is left in the gland gets fully compressed when the tap is fully open.
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.