Was thinking of getting one of these to aid the DIYphobic occupants of a property in case of water problems.
Anyone out there who has installed one of these and can give some feedback?
My main concerns are any effect on water pressure and also if their supposed simple operation will be affected by limescale build up.
Cheers.
Had one fitted approx 12m, because original stopcock is stiff enough to need a spanner. I wanted a simple way to turn cold main on and off quickly for ongoing diy tinkering, without repeatedly stressing the stopcock.
No evident effect on pressure, no problems. Works fine so far. On & off like a light switch, great fun to play with.
If that's the case, then I'd want _simplicity_ in such a gadget,
Apart from finding it in the first place, and dealing with jammed stopcocks that are over 100 years old, what's wrong with a perfectly simple stopcock of traditional form?
How the hell do they work? I've always wondered?
Cool. I think I'll try one out in that case. I was concerned it may be a gadget that didn't live up to the blurb. Cheers!
I know they use the water pressure to their advantage. Anyone else know more ? Simon.
I couldn't see inside and wasn't going to risk opening it before installation, but the sound & feel of operation suggests a hinged or levered mechanism. The main 15mm pipe runs through it of course, but then there's also two small hardwalled plastic tubes (maybe 2mm id) which run from the unit to the switch. I guess there's a small flow through the switch, and this is used to move a larger valve in the main unit (like an electrical relay).
If you Google for Surestop, you get quite a few hits - one of which is
"What is it?
Regular Bulletin readers will be aware that SureStop is a device that allows users to isolate their mains water supply in the event of an emergency, or as a preventative measure. The unit uses SERVO valve technology to shut the water off and requires no outside power source other than water pressure.
The main component within the unit is an EPDM diaphragm that is controlled by differential water pressure. This pressure is in turn controlled by a piston that is operated manually via a rocker switch. The whole system is incredibly simple to use and can be particularly welcomed by those who might struggle to operate a traditional stop valve."
Sounds a bit like a Torbeck...
They are fine. They work, they are very expensive.
I bought full bore quarter turn valves. Cost a pound.
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