Outside tap cover fitting in Exeter
Professional outside tap cover fitting services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
30 mins - 1 hr
Location
Exeter, Devon
Insulated cover fitted properly over your outside tap. Secured so it won't blow off in winter gales, with extra lagging on exposed pipework - gives you decent protection against light to moderate frosts.
When Draining Down Isn't Practical
You know you should drain your outside tap for winter, but maybe you use it for the hot tub, or topping up the pond, or washing muddy boots every week. Can't exactly drain it down and turn it back on three times a week.
This is where a proper tap cover earns its keep.
💡 Pro tip: Combine a tap cover with pipe lagging on any exposed pipework. The pipe behind the tap is usually what freezes first, not the tap itself.
Not Just Shoving A Jacket On
Anyone can stick a tap jacket on. Making it actually work is another matter:
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Quick Job |
|---|---|
| Cover secured properly (won't blow off) | Loosely fitted, flies off in first storm |
| Exposed pipe lagged as well | Just the tap covered, pipe freezes anyway |
| Right size cover for your tap | Too small (doesn't cover) or huge (useless) |
| Checked for leaks before covering | Covering a dripping tap (makes it worse) |
What You Get
🔧 The Fitting Process
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Check | Tap inspected for leaks, exposed pipe measured |
| Lag | Any exposed pipework wrapped in foam lagging |
| Fit | Insulated cover fitted and secured properly |
| Advise | You'll know what it protects against (and what it doesn't) |
📦 You're Left With
- Properly fitted insulated tap cover
- Lagged exposed pipework
- Realistic expectations of protection
- Instructions for removing it in spring
Pricing Guide
| Service | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Fit cover you've supplied | 30 mins or less | £60 |
| Supply and fit cover | 30 mins - 1 hr | £60-£85 |
| Multiple taps | Add 15 mins each | +£25 per tap |
Based on £60 minimum. Includes basic pipe lagging if needed.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Regular winter use - can't drain down because you need the tap
✅ Exposed pipework - visible copper pipe that'll freeze before the tap
✅ Elderly or mobility - easier than draining down from inside
✅ Belt and braces - extra protection even with drain-down
Why Choose Us for Outside tap cover fitting in Exeter?
Cover fitted securely over tap
Extra insulation around exposed pipework
Proper fit - not flapping about in the wind
Peace of mind in cold weather
What to Expect
Step 1: Tap Check
I'll check the tap isn't leaking (pointless covering a dripping tap - it'll just make an ice sculpture). Look at what pipe is exposed and how much lagging it needs.
Step 2: Pipe Lagging
Any exposed copper pipe gets wrapped in foam pipe lagging. That's usually the weak point - the pipe freezes before the tap does.
Step 3: Cover Fitting
Proper insulated cover fitted snugly over the tap and secured so it won't blow off. If it's a windy spot, I'll wire it or strap it properly - the cheap covers blow off in the first gale.
🔧 DIY Tips
This is definitely something you can do yourself:
🔧 What you'll need
- Insulated tap cover (foam/fleece ones are best)
- Pipe lagging foam (if pipe is exposed)
- String or wire ties to secure it
- Scissors for cutting lagging to size
📐 Fitting properly
- Check the tap isn't leaking first
- Measure exposed pipe and cut lagging to fit
- Split the lagging and wrap around pipe
- Secure lagging with tape or cable ties
- Fit tap cover over tap and exposed pipe
- Secure cover with drawstring or ties
- Make sure it's not going to blow off
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Buying a cover that's too small for your tap
- Not securing it properly (blows off in first wind)
- Forgetting to lag the pipe behind the tap
- Leaving it on all year (tap rusts underneath)
- Thinking it'll protect against severe frost (it won't - drain down instead)
💡 Pro trick: Stuff some extra foam insulation or bubble wrap in the gap between tap and cover. Gives better insulation than just the cover alone. And take it off in April - let the tap dry out over summer.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
⚠️ Not a replacement for draining down: If the forecast says minus five for a week, drain the tap down from inside as well. Covers protect against light frosts, not Beast from the East weather.
Exposed pipes are the issue: Most outside taps that freeze do so in the exposed pipe run, not the tap itself. Make sure that's lagged as well as covering the tap.
Take it off in spring: Leaving covers on year-round traps moisture and makes taps rust and seize. Whip it off in April, let everything dry out, put it back on in October.
Devon's variable weather: We can get weeks of mild weather then suddenly drop to minus three overnight. A cover gives you peace of mind for those unexpected cold snaps when you haven't got round to draining down yet.
Combining protection methods: Best approach is drain down the tap, ADD a cover, AND lag exposed pipes. Triple protection. Bit over-the-top maybe, but you'll never have a frozen tap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tap covers actually work?
They help, yes - but they're not magic. A good insulated cover protects the tap body and exposed pipe from light frosts. But if it's proper freezing for days, you still need to drain down the pipe from inside. Think of covers as extra insurance, not a replacement for proper draining.
What type of tap cover is best?
The thick foam/fleece ones work better than the thin plastic jackets. Look for ones that wrap around the pipe as well as the tap. I can supply and fit a decent one, or fit one you've already bought.
Can you fit a cover if my tap is in an awkward spot?
Usually yes - high-up taps, ones in corners, behind bushes - I can get to most of them. If it's properly inaccessible we might need to look at draining it down from inside instead.
Do I need to take the cover off in summer?
Good idea to take it off in April/May and let the tap dry out. Leaving covers on year-round can trap moisture and make the tap rust. I can take it off when I'm doing other spring garden jobs.
Will a cover protect against a burst pipe?
Not if the pipe freezes inside the wall - the cover only protects the visible bit. That's why draining down is better for severe weather. But for most Devon winters, a good cover plus lagging on exposed pipes is usually enough.
Outside tap cover fitting Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your outside tap cover fitting job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Why Trust Us
Need Outside tap cover fitting in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your outside tap cover fitting job in Exeter today.