Square brass stop tap needs changing never seen one before

[craigy]

I've to change a mains stopcock that won't shut fully and I've never seen the type before, so do not know if I need to swap like for like or not.
its alcatheme pipe 20mm into the house then a 20-15mm brass stop tap but it has a 2 inch square brass body. It looks a bit like a pzr but I've only ever seen modern ones in commercial set ups and they are alloy coloured and spherical.. The house was built in the 1970s.
Anyone come across this or have any ideas from my description. No pics I'm afraid.

 

[JCplumb]

Can't you pop a new one above it?

 

[craigy]

It's been done once and that's knackered too. Flow rate has decreased since it was shut the re opened by customer, I tried having a fiddle to no avail so think it's come it's thread inside. No mains tap outside either it's either under the mountain of Tarmac on the drive or concreted over.

 

[PhoenixServices]

First thing I would do is get waterboard to locate or fit external stopcock. Or make sure you have a squeeze off tool.

 

[PhoenixServices]

You got room for a universal transition coupling then a normal 20mm-15mm stopcock?

 

[craigy]

Yes got about 2 inch one side and the other its in a corner. Are you talking plastic or brass?

 

[PhoenixServices]

MDPE, PIPE & COMPRESSION FITTINGS
Then either brass or plastic stopcock.

 

[stratplus]

Yes got about 2 inch one side and the other its in a corner. Are you talking plastic or brass?

You gotta isolate mains first!

 

[stratplus]

First thing I would do is get waterboard to locate or fit external stopcock. Or make sure you have a squeeze off tool.

Whats a squeeze off tool?

 

[stratplus]

Whats a squeeze off tool?

Just found on you tube, that is one major kink in pipe after the clamp has been fitted. My worry would be splitting the pipe!

 

[stratplus]

You can get a re-rounding tool for after the squeeze too!

 

[E4gas]

I've to change a mains stopcock that won't shut fully and I've never seen the type before, so do not know if I need to swap like for like or not.
its alcatheme pipe 20mm into the house then a 20-15mm brass stop tap but it has a 2 inch square brass body. It looks a bit like a pzr but I've only ever seen modern ones in commercial set ups and they are alloy coloured and spherical.. The house was built in the 1970s.
Anyone come across this or have any ideas from my description. No pics I'm afraid.

I got a key from drain center ( £15) , could not budge it , Thames water said I could have caused 1 million pound of damage if I turned it , back pressure to water mains in rd , ,, he was bit off a drama queen

 

[jtsplumbing]

As already stated get water board out to find O/Side stopcock, [soon find it if you tell them you want a meter fitted]

 

[E4gas]

As already stated get water board out to find O/Side stopcock, [soon find it if you tell them you want a meter fitted]

Two moths wait for stopcock or one week wait for meter

 

[stratplus]

Any one used a squeeze off tool?

 

[woodytheplumber]

I use the squeeze off now and again was sceptical the first time bu I have used it maybe 5/6 times now and touch wood never a problem with it

 

[kay-jay]

i would never use a squeeze off tool on black alkathene as it often gets brittle. fine if its blue mdpe.

can you not freeze pipe between the 2 existing stoptaps and unwind the workings of the newer one and strip and service it or replace the workings?

 

[craigy]

You gotta isolate mains first!

If you read the post there is no mains externally!

 

[stratplus]

If you read the post there is no mains externally!

Exactly, thats what I was saying

 

[craigy]

I use the squeeze off now and again was sceptical the first time bu I have used it maybe 5/6 times now and touch wood never a problem with it

Have you ever used on black pipe?

 

[woodytheplumber]

no as kayjay says its not worth it as it can be brittle

 

[craigy]

Will take the advice and try a freeze kit I reckon

 

[stratplus]

Will take the advice and try a freeze kit I reckon

Prob best option. At least you'll know its frozen as can open the stop tap a little to check.

 

[SJB]

Freeze it then get the guts out, it's very rare not to be able to give a stopcock a bit of tlc to get her going again

 

[craigy]

I have 20 mins working time so will take new stop tap and spares to service current and make a decision when I see inside the tap body. Thanks all for advice will do job Tuesday so will let you know if I end up knee deep in water or a happy man!

 

[craigy]

i would never use a squeeze off tool on black alkathene as it often gets brittle. fine if its blue mdpe.

can you not freeze pipe between the 2 existing stoptaps and unwind the workings of the newer one and strip and service it or replace the workings?

First stop tap is restricting flow so needs attention I wish I could just work on the one upstream instead much easier but thanks for advice anyway.

 

[PlumbBobBob]

what about taking the gubbins out of the first one and putting a plug in to do away with it totally? like this

 

[stratplus]

what about taking the gubbins out of the first one and putting a plug in to do away with it totally? like this
View attachment 20824

But brass to avoid rusty water.

 

[PlumbBobBob]

But brass to avoid rusty water.

of course lol