Most outside taps that have been professionally fitted include something called a check valve. One issue with this type of valve is that it is prone to fail in sever weather. Therefore, the rules have been amended, so now that all outside taps need to be fitted with another separate check valve in the house. Older taps can keep their built-in check valve, so if you replace one of these taps you can replace it with a tap with a built-in valve. Dalston Plumbers can fix frozen pipes. If you replace a tap with one that hasnt got a built-in valve you must fit a double check valve inside the house, and as close as possible to the outdoor tap. A Dalston Plumber can fit new taps.Tools:Stop Tap, Adjustable Spanner, PTFE Tape.A). Isolate the cold water, the outside tap should have an isolation valve fitted. This will allow just the tap to be isolated. Open the tap to confirm the water is isolated. Should your tap not have an isolation valve, fit one. This valve allows you to turn off the tap in winter and eliminate the risk of flooding due to frost damage. B). Using an adjustable spanner undo the old tap. Count the number of full rotations needed to remove. On the new tap wrap PTFE tape around its thread clockwise with at least four full wraps. Place the new tap on the back-plate and tighten, hopefully with the same amount of turns required to remove the old tap. (PTFE will keep the joint dry even if it isn’t completely tight, but not if you’ve tightened it and then loosened it off, then this is why we’re counting the number of turns).C) Make sure the new tap is straight and secure, now close it and turn the water back on. Check the tap for leaks inside and out. Note:If there’s a leak (repeat the process) and use more tape, or smear jointing compound on the thread, making sure that remembering that you use compound suitable for drinking water.
