My stopcock is still seized up

[Stargazer]

Several of you offered advice which I have tried to no avail. Would it be foolish to get an adjustable spanner and force it? It is quite an awkward place to get at and it is definitely turned on so I know which way to turn it. I freed the gland as advised and also smothered it with vaseline having previously lubricated it with WD40.More help appreciated.

[Old_Geezer]

At own risk.
Maybe it'd just be easier to take the hit and pay for the expert to freeze and replace ?

[patsyann]

We had the same problem and Hubby managed to snap the tap off which luckily didnt cause water to gush out or we would have been in trouble. So in the end we had to call in a plumber, Job done.

[danchip]

my great uncle restores antiques and if there are screws bolts etc that wont turn he uses a blow torch to heat them up which loosens them, you could try something like this!

[scotman]

If you are going to use brute force methods make sure the main stop cock is off before you start.

[gollysailor]

You may need a plumber and a fireman.

[The Builder]

Still going on, Starry? I guess this is the old brass/bronze type?
Get an identical replacement.......... turn off your main incoming stopcock ......... unscrew the whole valve body, leaving the main tap body in place.
Take the new valve out of the new tap and screw that in........ new tap!!!

[Stargazer]

To The Builder. Thank you so much for your advice and you others. Will I be able to purchase an identical thread stopcock. Will I have to saw the old one off first? Is this something I can do myself?

[AlBags]

Look ..

As I said before .. brass on brass is so tight, WD40, goose fat .. lard .. brylcream .. will NOT free it.

A bit of heat from a blowtorch and wriggling with grips on the head may free it.

If it is not too old, a head only from a replacement 1/2" stopcock may well screw in. If it does not, and it is compression fitting, then old threads should match old.

1/2 hour job that .. finished.

[AlBags]

If you have rising main before the stopcock you want to service .. turn that off.
If not .. turn off at street.

[The Builder]

Go for it, Starry ........................ Brylcreem? hahahahahahah pmsl

[AlBags]

: )

[AlBags]

(and I correct myself .. I meant to say 'new threads should match old')