Replacing stopcock?

As the first answer you must isolate the water flow to the tank, then any work can be carried out on the ball valve, wether replacing the valve or the washer to the valve, I wouldnt advise bending the arm of the valve as this is only a quick fix, replacing it is the best option as they are very cheap. If it is a gate valve that you require the turn of the water supply and drain down the the hot water tank then you should be able to replace the valve without any water seepage. the gate valve is useually the the one with the red knob good luck.

Malcolm Leith Valley Maintenance.
May 2009

Thankyou very much sir

Glynn Cropper
May 2009

You turn off the water flowing to the tank - then you can replace the inlet valve (ball valve). Stopcock is a tap - often under the sink and often one in the street too - that stops the flow of water to the property.

Once you've turned off the water supply it's OK to dismantle the valve in your tank.

You may not need to though - first try bending the arm of the ball valve downwards a little to push the float lower in the water - that should cause the valve to shut off sooner and stop the overflow happening.

Peccavi
May 2009