Question About External Stopcocks Please...

[Pete E]

Below is a pic of my meter pit and I wonder if anybody could help with a could of questions.

The main I/C stopcock is on the right of the pic. I have turned it in the past and all was fine, but now it appears to be stuck.

1) Will the water company ( Welsh Water) come out and sort this and if so will they charge given it's their valve?
2) Is it worth spraying WD40 or similar first to see if that helps free it first?
3) Does anybody know what sort of key is suitable for this? The "bar" you grip to turn is 10mm by 35mm and I can't find anything that fits.
The pit is very deep and I can only just reach the tap with mole grips lying on my stomach on the wet grass which is obviouly less than ideal.

4) Finally, what's the large grey nut towards the top of the pic? It's 24mm if that helps...Is this a stopcock on my side of the supply and if so will it be another 1/4 turn valve?

Thanks in advance,
Peter

 

[Rtplumb]

Hi Pete.

For the 'stuck' stop tap, use a water key (Travis Perkins supply them so do many other retailers) and try turning the stop tap both ways (quarter of a turn each time). It looks new so it should be in good condition. Some taps only turn one way,

1) The water company should come and repair your stop tap if stuck.
2) DO NOT under any circumstances spray WD40 on your mains stop tap. If the water company see you've done that you could be fined (it's against water regs)
3) A standard water key will be perfect for turning the stop tap.
4) The large grey nut is a cap that covers the threads where a water meter will go.

Hope this helps.

 

[Pete E]

Thanks, that's all very much appreciated...I guessed the WD40 was a no-no, hence why I asked first lol ...
I shall have a look for a water key tomorrow....
Thanks again..
Peter