Outside Tap Repair London
Dripping, seized, burst, or leaking outside tap? We repair all outdoor tap faults across London — same day. Washer replacement, full tap swap, and new outdoor tap installation. WRAS double check valve included on all work.
Diagnose Your Outside Tap Fault
Dripping When Closed
Cause: Worn rubber washer or O-ring inside the tap valve
Note: Drip rate: even a slow drip wastes 5,500 litres/year
Washer replacement £65–£95 inc. part
Tap Won't Turn
Cause: Limescale seizing the valve head, or corroded spindle
Note: Operate the indoor isolation valve first to confirm the tap body is the problem
Tap head replacement £85–£120 or full tap replacement £120–£180
Leak Around the Tap Body
Cause: Gland packing worn (spindle seal), cracked tap body, or failed connection to wall backplate
Note: Identify exact leak location — gland (around spindle), body, or back connection
Gland repack £65–£85 · Full tap replacement if body cracked £120–£180
Burst After Frost
Cause: Water left in the tap or supply pipe froze and expanded, splitting the metal
Note: Isolate indoor supply valve. Check entire visible pipe run for further damage
Tap replacement £120–£180 · Pipe repair if burst · Frost-proof tap recommended
Leak Inside Wall at Entry Point
Cause: Supply pipe connection through the wall has corroded or the thread has worked loose
Note: Check if water is tracking back inside through the wall cavity
Connection resealing £95–£150 · May require accessing pipe inside wall
Low Pressure at Outside Tap
Cause: Partially closed isolation valve, kinked supply pipe, or pressure reducing valve on the mains supply limiting flow
Note: Check the indoor isolation valve is fully open. Compare pressure at indoor tap
Valve adjustment £45 · PRV bypass or adjustment if mains pressure issue
Outside Tap Types
| Tap type | Notes | Tap cost | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard bib tap (chrome) | Traditional side-mounted bib tap. Very common in London terrace gardens. Separate indoor isolation valve required. | £25–£50 | 3–7 years (washer wears) |
| Frost-proof (anti-siphon) tap | Automatically drains when turned off — water drains back inside the wall, preventing freeze damage. Best for London winters. | £35–£80 | 7–15 years |
| Hose union tap (with lock) | Standard bib tap with a lockable hose connection. Deters unauthorised use. Common in shared garden arrangements. | £30–£60 | 3–7 years |
| Wall-mounted quarter-turn tap | Ball valve mechanism — turns off with a quarter turn. Less prone to washer wear. Modern alternative to traditional bib tap. | £25–£55 | 7–12 years |
Outside Tap Repair Prices — London 2026
| Job | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Outside tap washer / O-ring replacement | 30–45 min | £65–£95 inc. parts |
| Outside tap head replacement | 30–60 min | £85–£120 inc. parts |
| Full outside tap replacement (existing supply) | 45–90 min | £120–£180 inc. tap |
| Frost-proof tap replacement | 45–90 min | £140–£210 inc. tap |
| Burst tap + pipe repair | 1–2 hrs | £150–£280 inc. parts |
| Double check valve (WRAS backflow preventer) | 30–45 min | £75–£110 inc. valve |
| New outside tap installation (new supply pipe) | 2–4 hrs | £180–£280 inc. tap + fittings |
| Indoor isolation valve installation / replacement | 30–45 min | £75–£100 inc. valve |
Fixed quote before starting. WRAS double check valve included. No call-out fee. 7 days a week.
Outside Tap Repairs Across All London Boroughs
Same-day response across all 33 London boroughs.
Outside Tap FAQs
How much does outside tap repair cost in London?
Washer or O-ring replacement costs £65–£95 including parts. Tap head replacement is £85–£120. Full outside tap replacement on existing supply is £120–£180. A new outside tap installation with new pipework is £180–£280. Fixed quote before we start.
Why is my outside tap dripping?
Almost always a worn rubber washer inside the tap valve. Outside tap washers wear out after 3–7 years — faster in London's hard water. A dripping tap wastes ~5,500 litres per year. Washer replacement is the first fix at £65–£95 including the part.
My outside tap has burst — what should I do?
Isolate the outdoor tap at the indoor isolation valve (usually under the kitchen sink or where the supply exits through the wall). If you can't find it, isolate at the internal stopcock. Call us for same-day repair. Burst outdoor taps are almost always caused by water freezing in the tap body over winter.
Do I need a backflow preventer on my outside tap?
Yes — under UK Water Regulations (WRAS) an outside tap must have a double check valve to prevent backflow of potentially contaminated garden water into the mains. This is a legal requirement. We fit a WRAS-approved double check valve on all outside tap work.
How do I winterise my outside tap?
Before first frost: close the indoor isolation valve, then open the outside tap to drain the pipe. Leave the outside tap open through winter. In spring, close the outside tap, then reopen the isolation valve. A frost-proof (anti-siphon) tap does this automatically and is worth specifying when replacing.
Can I add an outside tap in my London garden?
Yes — we install outside taps across London. Supply is typically taken from the cold mains under the kitchen sink. We drill through the wall, fit a WRAS double check valve inside, run the supply pipe, and fit the tap outside. Takes 1–3 hours. Cost is £180–£280 depending on pipework length.
Related Services
Outside Tap Leaking? We'll Fix It Today.
From £65 · Same day · WRAS compliant · No call-out fee
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