Water dripping from the garden tap, a puddle by the wall, or a spray from the handle every time you turn it on. An outside tap leak wastes a lot of water over a few weeks, and in winter it can freeze and split the pipe. Most leaks are a quick fix once you know where the water is coming from.
First, find the isolation valve
Most outside taps have their own isolation valve on the pipe inside the house, often under the kitchen sink or on the wall behind the tap. Turn it off (the slot or handle goes across the pipe) and open the outside tap to drain it. If you can't find one, turn off the main stopcock.
Where is it leaking?
- Dripping from the spout when it's off: the washer inside the tap is worn. It's a small, cheap part and an easy repair.
- Leaking from the handle when it's on: the seal around the spindle (the gland or O-ring) has worn. Tightening the gland nut a little often stops it.
- Leaking where the pipe meets the wall or tap: a joint has loosened or the pipe has cracked, often after frost. This usually needs a new fitting or a short length of pipe.
- Leaking from the hose connector: the rubber washer in the connector has gone, or the hose fitting is loose.
Stop it happening again
- Before the first frost, turn off the isolation valve and drain the tap.
- Fit an insulated tap cover and lag any outside pipework.
- Outside taps should have a double check valve, which stops dirty water flowing back into your drinking water. Many modern taps have one built in. If yours doesn't, we can fit one.
When to call a plumber
Call us if you can't isolate the tap, the pipe has split, water is getting into the wall or under the floor inside, or the tap still leaks after a new washer. Frozen and split pipes are covered in our guide to frozen pipes, and a pipe that's burst indoors is an emergency.
Common questions
How do I turn off an outside tap?
Look for an isolation valve on the pipe inside the house, often under the kitchen sink. If there isn't one, turn off the main stopcock.
Why is my outside tap leaking from the handle?
The seal around the spindle has worn. Tightening the gland nut slightly often stops it; otherwise the seal needs replacing.
Should I turn off my outside tap in winter?
Yes. Turn off its isolation valve, open the tap to drain it, and fit an insulated cover so the pipe doesn't freeze and split.