Isolation and Service Valve

Isolating the water coming in at the main stopcock for a house will stop the water flow through into the storage tanks but will not stop the hot or cold feed from the tanks to the various appliances and outlets, like a sink, bath or toilet cistern etc. that is until, the tanks are empty. Having the ability to isolate the water from the tanks makes life so much simpler. When a tap washer needs replacing or the other parts of the water system needs work if the supply cannot be isolated, the usual routine is to empty the tanks. A Hammersmith Plumber is trained to locate service valves. It depends on the age of the system as to whether there may or may not be service valves (isolation valves) in the pipework. If work needs to be done on this type of valve the water needs to be isolated and the pipework concerned must be drained.Loosen and Remove a Valve.In order to complete this job you should have two wrenches. With the first wrench you will need to hold the body of the valve, whilst turning the nuts with the second. Once the nuts are loosened you will be able to lift the valve off the pipework and place on one side. Once the valve is away, you should take off the two olives from each end of the pipes, noting that they have been crimped onto the pipes by the nuts so they are probably going to be tight. A hacksaw may have to be used to cut back the pipes behind the olives if they will not come off. Clean the ends of the pipe ends with wire wool, ready for the new valve to be fitted. Hammersmith Plumbers are experienced in all plumbing issues.Fitting a new Service Valve.With the pipework and ends prepared, push the nut on the pipe and then the olive. Do the same for the other end. Place the new valve onto the pipe and push gently until it stops. Again, do this for the other end and hand tighten the nuts. Make sure to check the direction of flow is correct. As with the removal, use the wrenches in the same way. The olives will compress and create the seal. Once hand tight, use another half turn on the nuts. De-isolate the water and check for leaks and tighten further if required.