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Old external stopcock. Should I be worried?

  • 04-01-2025 09:21PM
    #1
    pakb1ue
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 187 ✭✭


    I've an old external stopcock outside my house. It was filled with clay when I first opened it and I wasn't sure if that was done by a kid or by someone trying to insulate the valve. I needed to replace the kitchen tap and I couldn't get the internal stopcock to move so I tried the external one but ever since I turned the valve I've noticed water around it.

    image.png

    I read online that the shut off valve should be 60cm underground but mine is only 30cm.

    image.png

    In this cold weather we are having should I have a frost guard on this valve?



Comments

  • #2
    Lenar3556
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,059 ✭✭✭Lenar3556


    I wouldn’t be unduly concerned about it. If it becomes a problem you will need to dig up around it, but I wouldn’t be doing that until I had to. Separately though, it would be worth getting the internal stopcock replaced so as you have a means to easily isolate water within the house.

    You could put an old bath towel down the opening to help act as an insulator.

    Do you have a water meter?



  • #3
    pakb1ue
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 187 ✭✭pakb1ue


    Nope none of the properties in my estate have a water meter.

    I was able to get some movement in the internal stopcock but it's at such an awkward position I cannot get any tools at it to give me any extra leverage. The pipe isn't fixed to the wall either so I don't want to put too much pressure on the compression fittings that hold the stopcock together.



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