Replacing a water tank ballcock

[Mrs B]

Hi All. I have a fast dripping overflow. Apparently the ballcock in the cold water tank is rusty and 'on it's last legs'. How easy a job is it to replace DIY or how much should I expect to pay a plumber to come out and do it? Thanks

 

[Rickster123]

Hi mrs b. welcome to the forum!

easy peezy DIY job if you are confidant enough. Have a look at the ball valve you currently have. Buy a similar replacent. And buy a new fibre washer too. Isolate mains water and open the downstairs cold tap to release the last drop of water in the pipework. Then change it. 2 spanners and 10minutes later you can sit back and admire your work! Have buckets and towels ready just incase!!

 

[chris watkins]

Hi & welcome, ballcock = float valve & they are made of brass, so do not rust as such.
Main thing to find out before attempting anything is can you shut the water off to it ?? If so, then it might be worth a go, just make sure you have a replacement one handy most domestic ones are still 1/2" BS1010 brass & what is called a part 1 (i.e. water comes out straight down into the cistern) although you can replace like for like I would recommend you by a Part 2 (water comes out at the top & there is a little plastic spout to send it down).
If all goes well you should be able to just replace the working parts inside the cistern by undoing the union nut on the old & new ones & exchanging parts leaving pipe connection in place.
Hope the helps & make sense.

 

[mountainman]

Hi & welcome, ballcock = float valve & they are made of brass, so do not rust as such.
Main thing to find out before attempting anything is can you shut the water off to it ?? If so, then it might be worth a go, just make sure you have a replacement one handy most domestic ones are still 1/2" BS1010 brass & what is called a part 1 (i.e. water comes out straight down into the cistern) although you can replace like for like I would recommend you by a Part 2 (water comes out at the top & there is a little plastic spout to send it down).
If all goes well you should be able to just replace the working parts inside the cistern by undoing the union nut on the old & new ones & exchanging parts leaving pipe connection in place.
Hope the helps & make sense.

Piece of cake