Fitting a tap

[lindylou16]

Hi Is it possible for me to fit a tap to the incoming mains
I AM NOT ABLE TO TURN OFF THE MAIN SUPPLY can this be done, if so the incoming is the old 1/2 inch and new is 15mm would this be a problem also.
I thought about the self cutting taps but flow is too restricted.

[The Builder]

Lindy.........how does the incoming 1/2 inch connect to the 15mm pipework?

[raysparx1]

Hi lindylou, you could get one of these kits, that should give you enough time to do job, but if you can't turn of water it would be a good idea to install "ballofix" valve so you can isolate supply in future. good luck, Ray

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/13369/Plumbing/P ipe-Freezing-Kits/Pipe-Freezing-Kit-220ml

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/52623/Plumbing/B rassware/Isolating-Valve-15mm-Pack-of-2

[raysparx1]

Hi Builder, get round there and do it. won't take you long. :-)

[The Builder]

Hi Ray............freezing kit.................just what I was going to say.....................I'll be there a week on tuesday (honest)... ;o)

[raysparx1]

Don't know how well they work though do you? you say tuesday? ok you hear that lindy? get the jaffa cakes in, .

[The Builder]

They really are good Ray.........I've even used them on lead pipe in old houses...................................ahhh.........small problem, don't like Jaffas..............ginger biccies?

[lindylou16]

I want to replace an old tap Builder
You say Tuesday but which Tuesday
Thx for the link ray

[The Builder]

Hi Lindy..............fit a new stoptap on the upstream (house) side of the old one.....................if you can't locate your supply tap in the pavement..............then go for the freezing kit.

Make sense?

[lindylou16]

Ray/Builder Just visited the link Read reviews sounds good to me
If i freeze mains pipe and fit new tap with compression on mains side this should be quick for me and if i turn off tap i will have time to work on 15mm side Does this sound right?

[raysparx1]

You got it lindy, but as builder says be a good idea to fit stop valve inside property, if you have a burst it will cause hell of a mess if you can't isolate water.

[The Builder]

That's exactly right Lindy.
Don't panic.......... read the instructions carefully.......... use a whole can as instructed......... it really is very simple to use :o)

To go one better than Ray's "Ballofix" valve......... get something with a handle on it - preferably quarter turn..... simply because, in an emergency, you might never find a screwdriver... LOL
Then relax, and make the 15mm connection at your leisure.
Good luck

[The Builder]

...it depends Doc......... I had to do this on an old terrace of cottages once. The lead main ran to every house - with NO stoptaps anywhere.....................it was freeze the one, or turn the whole street off............

[raysparx1]

Should be that easy doc, but sometimes its not, when we were working on a terraced cottage, only one stop valve for all 6 cottages. about 50 yards from them as well.

[raysparx1]

Snap builder, happens often where I live, isolate one, the lot goes off :-)

[lindylou16]

Thank you all for your input Very informative even "im over there"should be able to do that.

Stop valve as well

[vulcan]

in the uk imperial sized pipe is INNER diameter,whilst metric is OUTER.a 15mm olive will fit 1/2 pipe.[did it last week and no leaks.]

[john91]

I don't know if they charge now, but my water board turned the stop valve off in the street for me for free when I replaced my rising main stop tap, you sometimes need a special key and its a bit risky, the street taps usually has been untouched for years and could be seized, and if anyone is going to break it make sure its not you.