Stop Valve

[Leoki]

Hello, i need to replace the main incoming stop valve supplying my property, do you need to get the permission from the local water undertaker (water company) to turn the stop valve off in the service chamber which in my case is just outside of my boundary on the footpath ? I vaguely recall someone once telling me you need their permission as it is technically their equipment and if there is a problem, e.g a leak having touched their stop valve they can get funny about it.

I intend replacing the existing stop valve with a full bore level valve, EN331 standard for ease of use.

 

[SimonJohns]

you can turn the valve off in the meter box buried in your street

dont need to ask the water board

 

[PlumbBobBob]

i agree water company wont get ansty about you touching their stop valve

 

[kay-jay]

if you do bugger it up just say it wasn't you.......

 

[secret squirrel]

The only problem is if it is too stiff, I stop and don't force it (no puns intended). If you snap it and water stops or flies out of the hole its classed as an emergency and someone will have to pay.

If it is knackered then they'll come out repair it for free normally withing a week in my area

 

[PlumbBobBob]

i had a customer who had a crooked stopcock in the pavement there was no way i could shut it off so got customer to phone southern
water and it was replaced within three hours with a nice new plastic 1/4 turn one.

 

[Osp]

Don't be surprised if there doesn't appear to be a stopcock under the cover. If frequently needs half an hour of digging out the muck before you even get to see the blighter.

 

[ADM360]

I'm sure someone will put me right!! but I remeber being told that back in the day you were allowed to turn it off, but had to get someone qualified to turn it back on!! but I think that goes back to the old days where there was a chance off you indoing the ferrel when you opened up the stopcock!!
but that said the water companies have no probs with you turning it on and off, as that whats its for!!
EG. water pouring out and flooding the kitchen. do you?
A- run outside and turn off stopcock or
B- rumage round find suppliers contact number, phone listen to Greensleves for 10mins then ask if its ok to turn off your stopcock!!

 

[AWheating]

Don't be surprised if there doesn't appear to be a stopcock under the cover. If frequently needs half an hour of digging out the muck before you even get to see the blighter.

if its not accessible then call water board and they will uncover it. There was a faze of idiots putting needles down in stop tap chambers so care is needed when putting your hand down.

 

[AWheating]

you will need to give notice/gain permission if your tap turn off more than just your property.

 

[Leoki]

Thankyou to everyone who responded to my question.