My son has just purchased a house (approximately 40 years old) and the stop cock is jammed solid. Liberal applications of WD40 have not done the job. We are afraid of using further force for fear of causing damage. Is there anything we can try or is this a job for a plumber?

Hi LEN

The stop cock to what exactly... whole house, toilet, sink, what?

Is the stop cock after the meter or before the meter?

More info. Here...

Mark

Hi LEN

The stop cock to what exactly...whole house, toilet, sink, what?

Is the stop cock after the meter or before the meter?

More info. here...

Mark

It is to the whole house.
Thank you for taking an interest. As you will have no doubt gathered I am not a practical person.
Regards,
Len

What does this stop cock look like? Does it have a handle on it?
Post picture if possible.

Hi Len

If this setup is anything like in my area then there should be a stop cock (shut off valve) before and after the water meter. I usually advise people to touch the one AFTER the meter and to never touch the shut off before the water meter because if that valve goes bad you could end up replacing the line that goes out to the strett, right?

Anyway, if this valve is stuck and BEFORE the meter I would have the city/town water department come out and shut off the water supply into the home. At that time, have a plumber install a new full port ball valve AFTER the meter and then never touch the old shut off valve. In this way, your son will always be able to easily shut off the water supply to the home when needed.

If the stuck shut off valve is installed AFTER the meter then I would have a plumber come in and install a new ball valve... just not worth shutting off the water only to find that the shut off breaks and will not turn the water supply back on (or breaks and ends up flooding the home). That could lead to an emergency and emergency charges... UGH!

Back to you...

Mark