Stopcock repair in Exeter
Professional stopcock repair services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£110
Typical Duration
0.5-1.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Stopcock seized, leaking, or won't turn? I'll free it up if possible, or replace it with a new valve - job done same visit usually.
Your Emergency Shut-Off Needs to Work
Water emergency and you need to shut off the water. You rush to the stopcock and... it won't budge. Seized solid from years of not being touched.
Your main stopcock is the most important valve in your house. It needs to work when you need it. If it's seized, leaking, or the handle has snapped off, get it sorted before you've got water spraying everywhere.
💡 Pro tip: Test your stopcock a couple of times a year - full turn off, then back on. This stops it seizing up from sitting in one position for years. Also makes sure you actually know where it is.
Common Stopcock Problems
| Problem | Can It Be Fixed? |
|---|---|
| Stiff to turn | Usually - penetrating oil and patient persuasion |
| Leaking from spindle | Yes - repack gland or replace washer |
| Completely seized | Maybe - if spindle isn't snapped |
| Broken handle | Definitely need replacement |
| Won't close fully | Washer worn - replace stopcock |
What You Get
🔧 The Repair
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Assess | Check if it can be freed or needs replacing |
| Repair/Replace | Free seized valve OR fit new stopcock |
| Test | Make sure it opens and closes smoothly |
📦 You're Left With
- Stopcock that actually works
- Easy to turn on and off
- No leaks
- Peace of mind for emergencies
Pricing Guide
| Job Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Free up seized stopcock | 30-45 mins | £60 |
| Repack gland, stop leak | 45-60 mins | £60 |
| Replace stopcock | 1-1.5 hrs | £85-£110 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. New stopcock included if replacement needed.
Perfect For Your Situation If...
✅ Seized solid - can't turn it at all
✅ Leaking from top - dripping around the spindle
✅ Won't shut off - keeps water flowing even when "off"
✅ Broken handle - snapped off or crumbled away
Why Choose Us for Stopcock repair in Exeter?
Turn your water on and off easily
No more leaks from stopcock
Emergency shut-off that actually works
New valve if beyond repair
What to Expect
Step 1: Find & Assess
Locate your stopcock (if you don't know where it is), check what state it's in, work out if it's repairable or needs replacing.
Step 2: Repair or Replace
If it's seized I'll try freeing it carefully. If it's beyond saving, I'll turn off the external stop tap and fit a new valve - you'll be without water for 30-60 minutes.
Step 3: Test & Explain
Make sure it opens and closes smoothly, check for leaks. Show you how to operate it properly and recommend exercising it occasionally.
🔧 DIY Tips
Freeing a seized stopcock needs care - force it and you'll snap something:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Penetrating oil (WD-40, Plus Gas, etc)
- Adjustable spanner (to grip handle)
- Cloth (to protect handle)
- Patience!
🚰 Freeing a stiff stopcock
- Spray with penetrating oil around the spindle
- Wait 30 minutes (or overnight for really seized ones)
- Try turning VERY gently, back and forth
- Little movements - don't force it
- More oil, more waiting if it won't budge
- Once it moves, work it back and forth several times
- Turn fully off then fully on to check it works
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Forcing it (snaps the spindle inside)
- Using too much leverage (cracks the valve body)
- Not using penetrating oil (trying to move it dry)
- Gripping the pipework instead of the stopcock (bends pipes)
💡 Pro trick: If your stopcock handle is one of those little plastic ones that you can barely get any grip on, you can buy proper wheel-head handles for a few quid. They clip on and give you much better leverage for turning. Makes operating the stopcock way easier.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
⚠️ Know where your external stop tap is: In the pavement or verge outside your property there's usually a cover with a stopcock underneath. This is the water company's valve but you can turn it off in an absolute emergency. You'll need a special key (buy from DIY shops) to reach down and turn it. Worth knowing where it is.
Stopcock in an awkward position? Under floorboards, behind a bath panel, built into a cupboard - I've seen it all. If yours is really inaccessible, might be worth relocating it somewhere easier while I'm doing the work. I can advise.
Multiple stopcocks? Some houses have the main stopcock plus individual isolation valves for different floors or areas. Good system - means you don't have to shut off the whole house for every repair. Make sure you know which is which.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is my stopcock usually located?
Most commonly under the kitchen sink, but also check utility rooms, downstairs toilet, under the stairs, or in the garage. In flats it's often in a cupboard near the front door. Older houses sometimes have them in odd places - I've found them under floorboards, behind bath panels, all sorts.
My stopcock is seized solid - can you fix it or does it need replacing?
If it's completely seized I'll try freeing it first with penetrating oil and careful persuasion. If the valve inside is damaged or the spindle is corroded through, it needs replacing. I carry stopcocks in the van so can usually do it the same visit.
Can you fit a new stopcock without draining the whole system?
No - to replace a stopcock I need to turn off the water at the external stop tap (in the street). I coordinate with the water company if needed, but usually I can just turn it off at the boundary, do the work, and turn it back on. You'll be without water for 30-60 minutes.
Should I try forcing a seized stopcock myself?
No - if it's genuinely seized, you'll snap the spindle or crack the valve body trying to force it. Then you've got a bigger problem. Give me a call and I'll free it up properly or replace it if needed. Much cheaper than emergency repairs after you've broken it.
How often should I operate my stopcock to keep it working?
Turn it off and on a couple of times a year - stops it seizing up. While you're at it, make sure everyone in the house knows where it is. In an emergency (burst pipe, etc) you need to find it and shut it off fast - not the time to be searching.
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