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Protect Your Outside Tap This Winter: A UK Guide

By The FixDelivered Team · Updated 2026-08-05 · 5 min read

Frost and freezing temperatures can cause significant damage to your outside tap and garden plumbing. Protecting your outside tap this winter is a simple yet crucial task that can save you from costly repairs and water damage. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure your outdoor plumbing survives the cold months unscathed.

Why Protect Your Outside Tap?

Water expands when it freezes, and if this happens inside your pipes, the immense pressure can cause them to split or burst. This isn't just an inconvenience; a burst pipe can lead to significant water damage inside and outside your home, potentially affecting walls, floors, and electrical systems.

The consequences of a burst outside tap or pipe can be severe:

Extensive Water Damage: Water can leak into your home, causing structural damage and fostering mould growth.
Costly Repairs: Fixing a burst pipe, especially if it's within your property's wall, can be expensive. Typically, a professional repair for a burst pipe could range from £150 to £400, not including the cost of rectifying any water damage.
Insurance Issues: Your home insurance might not cover damage if it's deemed to be due to a lack of reasonable maintenance.

By taking proactive steps, you can avoid these problems entirely.

Essential Steps to Protect Your Outside Tap This Winter

Follow these practical steps to safeguard your outside tap and exposed pipework from the harsh UK winter.

Tools Needed:

Adjustable spanner or pliers (for hose connections)
Bucket or cloth (for draining)
Outside tap cover/jacket (readily available at DIY stores)
Pipe lagging (foam insulation for exposed pipes)
Zip ties or electrical tape (to secure lagging)

Safety Cautions:

Always ensure the main water supply to your house is off if you're unsure about the isolation valve or suspect a leak.
Never force stiff valves; call a professional if you can't turn them easily.
Work carefully, especially if using tools.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Disconnect Hoses and Attachments: Remove all garden hoses, irrigation systems, and any other attachments from your outside tap. Drain them thoroughly and store them in a shed or garage. Leaving them connected can trap water in the tap, leading to freezing and potential damage.
Locate and Turn Off the Isolation Valve: Most modern outside taps have an independent isolation valve located inside your house, typically on the pipe leading to the outside tap. This could be in a utility room, under the kitchen sink, or in the garage. Turn this valve clockwise until it's fully closed. This stops the water supply to the outside tap. If you can't find one, or if it's stiff and won't turn, it's best to seek professional help. You can find local plumbers through FixDelivered who can assist. Learn more about how FixDelivered works.
Drain the Outside Tap: With the isolation valve closed, open your outside tap fully. Any water remaining in the pipe between the isolation valve and the tap will now drain out. Let it run until no more water comes out. You might want to place a bucket underneath to catch any drips.
Leave the Tap Open (Slightly): Once drained, leave the outside tap in the open position (or slightly open). This allows any residual water to escape and prevents pressure build-up if any water were to somehow get back into the pipe and freeze.
Insulate the Outside Tap: Fit a purpose-made outside tap cover or jacket over the tap. These are inexpensive and designed to provide effective insulation. Secure it firmly in place according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Insulate Exposed Pipes: If any part of the pipe leading to your outside tap is exposed externally or runs through an unheated space (like a garage or crawl space), insulate it with foam pipe lagging. Cut the lagging to size, fit it around the pipe, and secure it with zip ties or electrical tape. This adds an extra layer of frost protection.

When to Call a Professional:

If you cannot locate or safely turn off the isolation valve.
If you discover a leak while performing these steps.
If your tap or pipe has already burst.
If you are unsure about any part of the process or feel uncomfortable attempting it yourself. A qualified plumber can assess your setup and ensure proper winterisation. You can quickly find emergency plumbers near you through FixDelivered.

What if Your Outside Tap Has Already Frozen?

If you find that your outside tap has already frozen, it's crucial to act carefully to prevent further damage:

Do NOT Panic: And do NOT try to thaw it with a blowtorch, boiling water, or any direct, intense heat source. This can cause the pipe to burst due to rapid expansion.
Turn Off Your Main Stopcock: Immediately turn off your main stopcock (usually located under your kitchen sink or where the water supply enters your property).
Open the Affected Tap: Open the frozen outside tap to relieve any pressure as the ice thaws.
Apply Gentle Heat: Use a hairdryer on a low setting or warm towels to gently warm the frozen section of the pipe, starting closest to the tap and working back towards the house.
Watch for Leaks: Once thawed, carefully check for any leaks. Even if it thaws without visible bursting, the pipe could be weakened.
Call a Professional: If a burst occurs, or if you're unsure about the extent of the damage, turn off the main stopcock, switch off your boiler (if it's a combi or system boiler), and call a professional immediately. For urgent issues, you can tell us your emergency and we'll connect you.

How FixDelivered Can Help

Even with the best precautions, plumbing emergencies can happen. If you encounter a burst pipe, a stubborn leak, or need expert help with winterising your plumbing, FixDelivered connects you with qualified local plumbers quickly. Our service ensures you get a professional who can handle the job safely and efficiently, giving you peace of mind.

Taking these simple steps to protect your outside tap this winter can save you significant hassle, expense, and potential water damage. Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to plumbing, and a little effort now can prevent a major headache later.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my outside tap has an isolation valve?

Most modern installations include an isolation valve, typically a small lever or stopcock on the pipework inside your home. You'll usually find it in a utility room, under the kitchen sink, or near the main stopcock, on the specific line feeding the outside tap. Follow the pipe from where it exits the wall to try and locate it.

Can I just wrap my outside tap in an old towel?

While a towel offers some minimal insulation, it's not as effective or durable as a purpose-made outside tap cover or jacket. Towels can get wet, freeze themselves, and lose their insulating properties when damp. For reliable and long-lasting protection, invest in a proper tap cover designed for this purpose.

What if I forget to protect my tap and it freezes?

If your outside tap freezes, do not attempt to thaw it with boiling water or a blowtorch as this can cause a burst pipe. Immediately turn off your main stopcock inside your home. Open the frozen outside tap, and then gently apply heat with a hairdryer on a low setting to the frozen section. Monitor carefully for any leaks once thawed. If you suspect a burst, or if you're unsure, call a professional immediately.

Need a plumber now? Tell us your emergency and FixDelivered will find and confirm an available local plumber near you, usually within the hour.

Written by the FixDelivered Team. Reviewed by Rupert Lowe, Editor. Last updated 2026-08-05.