The cold weather can wreak havoc on our homes during the winter season – whether it's cracking roof tiles, freezing pipes, or encouraging mould growth through condensation.
Your garden tap is probably the last thing on your mind as we go into hibernation indoors, but leaving it to freeze could land you with a costly repair bill later down the line, so knowing how to protect it is key.
Below, our plumbing experts share their simple step-by-step guide to winterising your outdoor tap and explain why it's so important.
How do you winterise an outdoor tap?
Insulating an outdoor tap is easier and cheaper than you might think – here's the best way to do it, according to Martin Mackie, Plumbing and Drainage Trade Group Manager at Aspect.
Step one:
The first step is to remove any attachments fitted to the end of the tap's spout to stop water from becoming trapped inside, and freezing and expanding as the weather gets colder. Fail to do this, and you could end up with a cracked connector or damaged tap on your hands.
Once the connectors have been removed, find a dry space to store them to keep them protected over winter until you need them again.
Step two:
To prevent water in the pipework from freezing and expanding, you'll need to find the shut-off valve to turn off the water supply.
According to Martin, this will usually be under your kitchen or utility sink, where the main water supply comes into the house. It is often a small blue or lever handle on the pipe feeding the outside wall. You'll need to turn this clockwise to close it.
Step three:
Next, turn on the outdoor tap and drain any remaining water, as there may still be some liquid inside. Martin recommends catching this water in a bucket or water butt to use on your garden or to save for later.
Step four:
Rather than turn off the tap completely at this point, you'll instead need to leave it open for a while to ensure any remaining water has room to safely expand if it freezes.
Step five:
Last but not least, Martin recommends fitting an insulated cover on your tap to protect it against the cold and reduce the risk of a burst pipe.
Tap jackets worth buying
Available in four sizes, this waterproof, anti-freeze jacket will keep your outdoor tap protected throughout the year.
Still need to use your tap during winter? This thermal cover keeps the tap accessible while sheltering it from the frost.
Martin is plumbing and drainage trade group manager at property maintenance company, Aspect. He has more than 16 years’ experience in plumbing systems and drainage networks, working with residential and commercial properties. His work spans everyday plumbing and drainage issues to large-scale drainage infrastructure projects.
Why is it important to winterise an outdoor tap?
If you've never insulated your outdoor tap before, you might be wondering whether it's really worth it, but as plumbing expert Joe Horton explains below, it could result in costly damage if you leave it to chance.
"Water expands when it freezes, which puts pressure on the walls of the pipe and can cause cracks and splits. Outdoor taps are particularly vulnerable as they are constantly exposed to freezing temperatures throughout the winter," he warns.
"The real damage tends to go unnoticed until the ice thaws and water starts to escape; even the smallest leak can cause major damage, especially if the pipe is hidden inside walls, under floors, or behind cupboards. Winterising your outdoor taps can prevent burst pipes, hidden water leaks, and water damage."
Joe Horton is a plumbing expert and Managing Director of Able Group, the UK’s leading maintenance company. Initially providing coverage to London and Essex areas, the company gradually expanded and in 1998 became nationwide. Able Group then progressed in 2000 and moved to a larger premise in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.
Considering insulation covers cost just £5 and the job will take you 10 minutes, it's a no-brainer to winterise your outdoor taps to protect them against damage.
Found this helpful? You may also want to learn other ways to prepare your home for winter or learn how to check for damp if you suspect a pipe has already burst.
