stop cock problem

[jon1954]

Our stop cock seems to have tightened itself up into the open position and does not want to close, it just will not budge. Does anyone have the solution to loosening it without water flowing everywhere (the mains outside the flats is hard to get at, hence this seemingly easy question).

Thanks in advance.

[stoneyboy]

jon1954,
Make sure you can turn off the mains then use mole grips on the valve. If it's plastic pipe into the valve go very carefully and grip the valve body with a second pair of moles.
Good luck.
end