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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Plumbing Questions >> Outside Tap Stopped Working https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1233475855 Message started by Lectrician on Feb 1^st, 2009, 8:10am

Title: Outside Tap Stopped Working
Post by Lectrician on Feb 1^st, 2009, 8:10am

I fitted an outside tap last year.

Tee'ed from the rising main to a stop tap, then a checkvalve, then out to the tap. (no drain cock).

The pipe enters directly into the rear of the tap connector, and I fitted a tap with a non return valve, as I picked up the wrong one!

The tap has stopped working, and I believe it to be the check valve outside (have not looked). I am guessing the check valve and the cold have caused this?

Title: Re: Outside Tap Stopped Working
Post by CWatters on Feb 1^st, 2009, 10:13am

Expanding ice can create a lot of pressure. If it froze up between the tap and non-return valve perhaps that put a lot of back pressure on the valve jammng if closed? .

Title: Re: Outside Tap Stopped Working
Post by Lectrician on Feb 1^st, 2009, 10:25am

Thanks. I was kind of hoping that because I used one of the rear entry plates that the pipe would not have frozen, just the tap. But with the cold we had for over a week at christmas, I would not be surprised!

It is in a friends house. I must get around to going over. I may just loosen the tap outside and see if water flows. I will atleast know it if it is the tap outside or the check valve inside.

If I had fitted a drain off I could of opened that and seen if that flowed!

I guess I should change the tap anyway, it was meant to be a standard tap. They are only a couple of quid!

Title: Re: Outside Tap Stopped Working
Post by Lectrician on Feb 1^st, 2009, 10:26am

Also...

When I fit these taps, I always fit the tap to the tap connector, and then fix it to the wall to make sure the tap is vertical. When the wall plate connecter is already fixed, I find it difficult to get the tap tight enough and still vertical? Any tips for this?

Title: Re: Outside Tap Stopped Working
Post by Zambezi on Feb 1^st, 2009, 5:58pm

If you tried it today it would have been frozen ;D ;D

Title: Re: Outside Tap Stopped Working
Post by Lectrician on Feb 1^st, 2009, 6:20pm

Not where I am :)

Still 3°c here a couple hours ago. It was exactly zero when I went up on the moors earlier.

Expect it to get colder tonight!

Title: Re: Outside Tap Stopped Working
Post by Lectrician on Feb 1^st, 2009, 6:25pm

Issue with displayed names/ex-members sorted.

Title: Re: Outside Tap Stopped Working
Post by Goodsparks on Feb 1^st, 2009, 9:43pm

Quote:

I find it difficult to get the tap tight enough and still vertical?

Boss White / Hawk White around the thread, tighten until vertical and leave to 'skin over' before filling up. Well, works for me - whatcha reckon Scruff ?

Title: Re: Outside Tap Stopped Working
Post by thescruff on Feb 2^nd, 2009, 3:05am

wrote on Feb 1^st, 2009, 9:43pm:

Quote:

I find it difficult to get the tap tight enough and still vertical?

Boss White / Hawk White around the thread, tighten until vertical and leave to 'skin over' before filling up. Well, works for me - whatcha reckon Scruff ?

Not a good plan in my books GS.

Locktite 55 string is what I would use, although PTFE tape will do the same job, if you wrap the thread, then bunch a load up against the shoulder.

Title: Re: Outside Tap Stopped Working
Post by Goodsparks on Feb 2^nd, 2009, 3:57pm

Ahhh, could you use hemp and still use jointing compound ?

Title: Re: Outside Tap Stopped Working
Post by thescruff on Feb 2^nd, 2009, 5:07pm

Technically it's potable water so no you shouldn't, although it's the best in it's day.

Title: Re: Outside Tap Stopped Working
Post by Headrush on Feb 3^rd, 2009, 3:52pm

Lectrician wrote on Feb 1^st, 2009, 10:26am:

You could try using one of these:

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/82202/Plumbing/Brassware/Comap-Hose-Union-Back-Plate

Then you can connect the tap 1st nice and tight then offer it up to the wall to mark your fixing holes without worrying about the wall plate being skewif.

Title: Re: Outside Tap Stopped Working
Post by Goodsparks on Feb 3^rd, 2009, 4:50pm

Thats a good idea. Dunno about sleeving the pipe through the wall though, would probably cock-up the fixing holes.

Paul

Title: Re: Outside Tap Stopped Working
Post by Goodsparks on Feb 3^rd, 2009, 4:51pm

LOL, I didn't write thingy.

Title: Re: Outside Tap Stopped Working
Post by Lectrician on Feb 3^rd, 2009, 7:40pm

Headrush wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2009, 3:52pm:

Lectrician wrote on Feb 1^st, 2009, 10:26am:

Thats what I DO do!

This is already fitted to the wall now though, and I am changing one tap for another ;)

Title: Re: Outside Tap Stopped Working
Post by Lectrician on Jan 18^th, 2010, 6:06pm

Thought I would bump this thread back up.

It was the check valve inside the house that failed. I replced it and is good.

During the snow, my own tap at home as stopped working, and this is just a standard bib tap outside, with a check valve behind the washing machine, and a stop tap in the cupboard.

I assume the same thing has happended.

Is there anyway to releave the stuck check valve, or is it a matter of relacing it?

I guess I will have to learn to winterise the tap when the cold hits, which is what the drain cock is for I guess. I wonder how many people suffer from this issue (actually, I wonder how many people actually have the correct setup!).