Stopcock Replacement Cost
How much would a plumber charge to change a stopcock?
On average, you can expect to pay between £50 and £250 for a stopcock replacement in the UK. The total cost depends on accessibility, location (internal vs external), and whether additional pipework is required. Here we’ll break down the typical stopcock replacement cost in the UK, what affects the price, and why it’s an essential part of your home’s plumbing system.
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User submitted stopcock prices
| Job type | Description | Price | Units | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stopcock repair | Replaced stop tap and fitted a outside tap, | £150 | Total price | North East |
Stopcock repair | replace stopcock | £160 | Total price | West Midlands |
Stopcock repair | Rising mains stopcock in a 1960s bungalow was not shutting off correctly. Plumber took apart old stopcock, fitted new washer/packer and reassembled. Tested and left working perfectly. | £65 | Total price | South East |
Stopcock repair | Stop tap under kitchen sink was leaking came out to fix it same day. He had to turn water off at the stop tap outside. Supplied and fitted new one. | £80 | Total price | North East |
Stopcock repair | Supply and fit new stop cock under the kitchen sink. Very clean and tidy. | £92 | Total price | North West |
Stopcock repair | replaced damaged cock for new | £85 | Total price | Cymru Wales |
Stopcock repair | Replaced stop cock that was jammed closed & tap washer at same time. Stop cock was extremely difficult to get to. part of kitchen cabinet was cut away for access. | £45 | Total price | West Midlands |
Stopcock repair | supply and fit stop cock to 20mm MDPE (Blue Plastic) to 15mm copper | £120 | Total price | South East |
Stopcock repair | Replaced a leaking stop cock, had to turn it off in the street first. whole job took about one hour. | £88 | Total price | West Midlands |
Stopcock repair | leaking main water supply stopcock | £183 | Total price | North West |
Stopcock repair | replaced leaking stop cock, had to go to plumbers merchants pick up part, 1 and half hours from time of arrival | £125 | Total price | London |
Stopcock repair | Replace leaking stopcock, Involved freezing incoming water main. | £248 | Total price | South East |
What is a stopcock?
A stopcock (also called a stop valve or stop tap) is a valve that controls the flow of mains water into your home. It’s typically located:
- Under the kitchen sink
- In a utility room
- Near the water meter (external stopcock)
You can turn it clockwise to stop the water supply which is important to remember during plumbing work or if a leak starts somewhere in your home.
A faulty or seized stopcock might seem like a small problem, until you need to turn off your water in an emergency. Whether you’re planning a renovation, fixing a leak, or just want peace of mind, knowing the cost to replace a stopcock can help you budget and avoid nasty surprises.
Do you need to replace a stopcock?
You might need a stopcock replacement if:
- It won’t turn at all (seized or stuck)
- It’s leaking from the body or spindle
- It won’t fully shut off the water supply
- It’s old or hard to operate
Even if it’s working, many plumbers recommend testing your stopcock every few months to ensure it functions properly when you need it most.
If your stopcock is stiff but not completely seized, a plumber may be able to free it up or replace just the washer, reducing cost.
What affects the cost of replacing a stopcock?
Several key factors can affect the price you pay:
1. Location of the stopcock
Internal stopcock replacements are typically cheaper as they are usually easy for a plumber to access and replace. External stopcocks are the responsibility of your water company in most cases and may require digging, road access permissions, or water authority involvement.
If the external stopcock is faulty or you can’t shut it off during an emergency, contact your water company. They’ll usually inspect and repair it free of charge.
2. Accessibility
If your stopcock is buried behind units or boxed in, the plumber may need to remove panels or cabinetry to access it, increasing labour time.
3. Pipe material and condition
If your existing pipework is old, corroded, or lead-based, the plumber might recommend upgrading adjacent fittings for safety and compliance. This can add to the cost.
4. Emergency or out-of-hours work
Calling out a plumber in the evening, on a weekend, or for a same-day emergency can significantly increase the cost.
Can you replace a stopcock yourself?
Replacing a stopcock is a relatively straightforward job for a plumber, but it involves turning off the water supply, cutting pipes, and ensuring watertight connections.
Unless you’re confident in plumbing work and have the right tools, it’s best to leave it to a qualified professional, especially if pipe freezing, soldering, or compression fittings are involved.
What is involved in a stopcock replacement?
A straightforward stopcock replacement can usually be completed in under an hour. Here’s what a plumber typically does during a stopcock replacement:
- Turn off water supply (internal or external)
- Drain down water from pipes if needed
- Remove the old stopcock
- Fit the new valve using compression or solder joints
- Check for leaks
- Turn water back on and test operation
More tips to keep in mind
- Test your stopcock every 3 to 6 months
- Label it clearly so anyone can find it in an emergency
- Consider installing an isolation valve or Surestop remote stopcock for easier access
- Ask your plumber to inspect pipework during replacement; this can be a good time to upgrade ageing plumbing
How to find a trusted plumber
Always hire a qualified plumber with good reviews and public liability insurance. Look for professionals registered with:
- WaterSafe
- CIPHE (Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering)
- Checkatrade or TrustMark
Ask for a written quote before any work begins, and make sure it includes all labour, materials, and VAT.
It’s also important to find and compare quotes from 2 to 3 plumbers to be sure you are paying a fair price
