How Do I Turn The Stopcock Off Please

[rosyposy]

The cold water will not come out of the bathroom handbasin tap, presume it needs a new washer, but when we tried to turn the stopcock off, which is under the floorboards at the front door, nothing happens. We went on a water meter about three years ago, could the water board have altered things then? If so, what do we do next please. Also if it is the washer at fault do we use rubber or fibre washers? TIA rosy

[tonyav]

These sure stop remote stop cocks are good.
http://www.screwfix.com/p/surestop-remote-stop-cock-push-fit-15mm/48604

[jomifl]

The most common cause of the tap not working in my experience is that the tap has been closed too tightly and too often because of a faulty washer seating causing the tap to leak. As a result the jumper becomes wedged into the seat and although the tap can be undone the water pressure is insufficient to un-wedge the jumper. Try opening the tap in the early hours when the water pressure might be high enough to lift it off.

[rosyposy]

An update for the above. Plumber came, when he messed about with the tap said something had snapped inside,wear and tear he said. (the taps are about 17yrs old) He went out to look for the part but unfortunately it isn't made anymore so had to buy new taps :( he fixed those and replaced a washer in kitchen tap while the water was off. £50 for taps + £50 for labour. Quite a bit more than we were expecting to pay, but hey it is done so got peace of mind (until the next things goes wrong!) I wish he had given me a bill for the taps tho', but didn't think of it 'til he had gone.Thanks again for trying to help, everyone -rosy
P.S. we really couldn't have done it ourselves, all black water came out, I would have had a fit :0)

[dannyk13]

All's well etc.