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Getting an outdoor tap ready for winter: shut off and drain
Short answer: close the separate shut-off valve inside, then open the outdoor tap and let the last water run out of the pipe. Leave the outdoor tap open during the frost period if your installation is made that way and check calmly for leaks in spring. That prevents standing water in the cold putting the pipe under pressure.
👷 Calling in a professional is never unnecessary. If the pipe has no separate shut-off, the tap sits in an uninsulated wall or you see a crack or leak, an installer should assess the situation.
What should you look for?
- Shutting off inside starts the job: with a shut-off valve you can close the supply to outside separately. Test whether there really is no pressure left.
- Let it drain: a garden tap such as a garden ball tap must be able to drip empty after opening. Catch water in a construction bucket under the tap.
- Check in spring: open everything in reverse order and feel fittings dry. You see a small leak sooner with a dry cloth than with the naked eye.
What do you need?
- A water pump pliers set and a adjustable wrench only for a fitting that does not work hand-tight.
- A rechargeable LED work lamp in a dark crawl space or cellar where the shut-off valve is.
- An 12-litre bucket and cloths for residual water.
- A 6 metre hose disconnected and put away empty, so no full section of water remains hanging on the tap.
Step-by-step plan
- Find the inside shut-off and close it. Put masking film under the working point against residual water. If you do not know which valve it is, test with two people.
- Open the outdoor tap and let the water run away completely until dripping stops.
- Disconnect hose and accessories and store them empty and dry.
- Note in the calendar that the tap must be checked in spring before you water the garden.
Working safely
Wear work gloves with nitrile coating in a cold cellar or outside and safety goggles when working under a fitting. Never force a stuck valve with extensions on pliers. Water and frost damage in the wall are work for an installer, not a winter job to force. Also read our blog on getting your home ready for winter about getting the home ready for winter.
Must every outdoor tap be shut off?
If the pipe runs through a cold wall and there is no frost-free build-up, draining it is the safe habit. If you doubt the type, have it checked.
The outdoor tap keeps dripping after shutting off. What now?
Then the inside valve or the outdoor tap does not close properly. Have that repaired before real frost comes.
More autumn jobs are in our blog on getting your garden ready for winter; plan garden water in spring only after the check.
Read also: Getting your home ready for winter: practical autumn jobs | How to get your garden ready for winter: step-by-step DIY guide | Water pump pliers or pipe wrench: which to use?
Where can you find everything for this job?
At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.
- Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
- Create a customer account and order easily.
- Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
- Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
- Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.
In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.
Saniso – Build your home with Saniso.
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