DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Does anyone on here use full bore lever valves (1/4 turn) as mains stop tap ?

Mine needs replacing as it doesn't shut the water off fully, but will have to wait until I re-modernise the kitchen for access.

Just reading in a few places that many plumbers now fit lever valves rather than your standard stop tap.


htg

The Water Regs used to say that you had to use a screw down valve complying with BS1010. That is no longer the case. So yes a lever valve can be used but there are two inherent disadvantages. First you can't take the guts out to change them if they become problematical in future years (but that may not concern you unless you are staying where you are until the end of times) and secondly, they can be easily knocked off.

Some plumbers have a bee in their bonnet about fitting a double check valve with a lever operated valve to prevent back syphonage but that isn't considered a problem with the rising main either by the water council or the water companies.

HTH

Cheers