Mains Stopcock has been replace by my builder, is that right?

[Holly2011]

Hi,
I wonder if someone could give me some advice please? I have been having some work done in my house. My builder told me because of a slow leak in the main water pipe to my property he had to replace the old lead pipe,which he did. The stopcock to the water mains was under the front door in a hatch under the mat.

However, on doing my mid inspection I found that the builder had relocated the water mains stopcock into the electrical and gas cupboard under the stairs, which I am fine with if it is ok to re-locate it here? if anyone can tell me if this conforms to building regs i would be grateful.

My 2nd main concern was that he showed me that he had replaced the stopcock with some kind or lever which I was concerned with as I have never seen such a thing. I was concerned that If somone moved a chair in the cupboard they could accidently switch off the water. This lever thing also to me looked a bit weak, althoguh it did look easy to turn off or on. My main worry was that as the water coming into the house will be under mains pressure especially with the leak in the old piping eradicated I was anxious to know if this lever thing can burst, seize up or ever stop me from turning off the water if I am in a situation where I need to turn it off.

Is it best to stick with this new lever thing or go back to my old stopcock. If I need to get a new stopcock can anyone reccomend a reliable brand??

You answers are fully appreciated,

Thanks Holly

 

[Mike Jackson]

if youve never seen a leaking lever valve you havent lived, they are prone to sticking if not operated reglarly such that the first time you close them the nylon bush inside breaks and theres water everywhere. Water regs still require a stopcock to my knowledge and its bad practice not to use the required item even if old ladies like them. standards as ever going to the dogs!

More a case of people not keeping up with the standards. Spherical ball valves are now permitted to be used as the main stop valve within a premises. Have a look at Arrow Valves Ltd - Water Regulations and read fact sheet 9.

 

[lame plumber]

as interpreted by s hockley grace working for a valve co, so some bias may be forthcoming, omho as is allowed on forums,

 

[Mike Jackson]

So Oh disbelieving one, how about information from the horses mouth. Have a look at Water Fittings and Materials Directory - Copyright of WRAS 2005 which lists WRAS approved lever valves and note that a lot of the valves have a note which states " Meets the requirements of a stop valve".

Perhaps this information will put this one to bed finally - lever valves are suitable for use as a stop valve and are listed as such in the WRAS water fittings directory.

 

[lame plumber]

if you cant have a little tease occasionally life a bore, happy to agree that lever valves are allowed, I own a copy ofwater regs guide and know that there is a small para saying lever valves may be used and also the all valves must be servicable. Being of an age where change is hard! (joking) I would rather repair a good old stopcock rather than trying to strip down a lever valve with some harder to see bits. My main hate of lever valves is once they fail its normally fairly catastrophic and you dont half get wet.

 

[otherwayup]

More a case of people not keeping up with the standards. Spherical ball valves are now permitted to be used as the main stop valve within a premises. Have a look at xyz and read fact sheet 9.

The way I read the fact sheet, ball valves are permitted, but backflow protection is also required. Therefore a separate checkvalve needs to be fitted, if a ball valve is used.

I mention this as I was hoping to replace my old stopcock with ball valve without having to change any pipework. No such luck.

 

[SafeGasInstall]

You better of turn water from street and change the head of the valve but keep body in , this is possible if a your old stopcock is not the one that is fitted to lead pipes
post a picture and I can advise you what to do

 

[Mike Jackson]

The way I read the fact sheet, ball valves are permitted, but backflow protection is also required. Therefore a separate checkvalve needs to be fitted, if a ball valve is used.

I mention this as I was hoping to replace my old stopcock with ball valve without having to change any pipework. No such luck.

Backflow protection is not required in a normal domestic house at the point of entry, point of use protection is required. In multi occupancy properties with a single rising main where backflow could occur from higher to lower properties protection is required at all but the lowest property.

Although a loose jumper stop tap will function as a primitive back check valve it is not recognised as such within the water regulations.

 

[Keefy]

Speaking of ease of use and access, anyone seen this? (16) Controls, Fixtures & Fittings · 16 Design Criteria (up to 5 July 2010) · Lifetime Homes

 

[otherwayup]

post a picture and I can advise you what to do

Thanks for offering, but it's done. I just replaced with the same type with the flow direction arrow on the side.

All sorted for another 30 yrs, till I snap the handle off again.

 

[SafeGasInstall]

Well done ! Now turn it on fully and then go back 1/4 turn !
Also if you turn it of and them on every year