Outdoor tap winterising in Teignmouth
Looking for professional outdoor tap winterising help in Teignmouth? Hembury Contracting provides reliable misc services across Teignmouth and surrounding areas.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
20-30 mins
Location
Teignmouth
Outdoor taps and the pipes feeding them are vulnerable to freezing in winter. When water freezes, it expands and can crack taps, split pipes, and cause expensive leaks. We winterise outdoor taps properly by draining them completely, isolating supply where possible, and insulating exposed areas.
Most people don't think about outdoor taps until it's too late. A hard frost overnight can freeze water in the tap body or supply pipe. When it thaws, you discover a cracked tap or split pipe leaking water everywhere. Winterising prevents this damage.
Proper winterising isn't just wrapping insulation around the tap (though that helps). It means draining all water from the tap and pipe, closing internal isolation valves if fitted, and protecting external components from frost.
| Tap Type | Winterising Method | Protection Level | Time Required | |----------|-------------------|------------------|---------------| | Standard outdoor tap | Drain + insulate + cover | Good | 20 mins | | Tap with isolation valve | Isolate + drain + insulate | Excellent | 25 mins | | Frost-proof tap | Drain + check valve + insulate | Very good | 15 mins | | Backflow-prevented tap | Full drain + specific process | Excellent | 30 mins |
The process varies depending on your tap type and installation. Some outdoor taps have internal isolation valves that let you shut off water supply and drain the pipe completely. Others need to be drained by opening the tap and leaving it open over winter.
We also check for vulnerable pipe sections - exposed pipes on external walls are particularly at risk and need insulation.
Why Choose Us for Outdoor tap winterising in Teignmouth?
Prevents expensive freeze damage
Protects pipes and tap mechanism
Quick service before winter hits
Proper drainage and insulation
What to Expect
**Before we arrive:** Locate any internal isolation valves for your outdoor tap (often in the kitchen, utility room, or garage). Note if your tap has a drain valve or backflow preventer. **During winterising:** We'll turn off water supply (internally if possible), open and drain the tap completely, add insulation to exposed tap and pipes, and fit a protective cover if appropriate. **After completion:** Your outdoor tap will be protected from freezing. We'll advise on de-winterising in spring and show you how to check for any damage before turning water back on.
Our Teignmouth Service Coverage
We cover Teignmouth and a 30-mile radius from Exeter, meaning you get local service with the backing of an established business. Whether you're in the centre of Teignmouth or in the surrounding villages, we're here to help.
Good to Know
If you don't have an isolation valve for your outdoor tap, it's worth considering having one fitted. It makes winterising much easier and means you can turn off the outdoor tap year-round without affecting indoor supply. Frost-proof taps (also called freeze-proof or anti-siphon taps) have the valve mechanism further back in the wall where it's warmer. They're much less likely to freeze but still need basic winterising - mainly ensuring they're drained after each use. Heated tap covers exist for areas with severe winters, but they're overkill for Devon. Proper draining and basic insulation is sufficient for our climate. If you discover a frozen outdoor tap, don't force it. Gently warm the tap with warm (not boiling) water or a hair dryer. Never use a blowtorch - you'll crack the tap or damage pipes. Check outdoor taps in early spring before using them. Turn on the water supply slowly and watch for leaks. If water sprays from cracks, you'll need tap replacement. Garden hoses left connected to outdoor taps over winter can trap water and cause damage. Always disconnect hoses before winter. For houses that are left empty over winter, outdoor taps should definitely be winterised. An undetected frozen pipe leak can cause enormous damage if there's no one around to notice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Outdoor tap winterising in Teignmouth
How much does outdoor tap winterising cost?
Outdoor tap winterising costs £60 for most standard installations. This includes draining the tap, isolating the water supply if needed, and fitting insulation. Multiple taps can often be done in the same visit for additional cost.
When should I get outdoor taps winterised?
Late autumn before the first frost is ideal - typically October or November in Devon. Don't wait until it's already freezing. Frozen pipes can burst overnight and cause significant water damage.
Can I just put insulation around the tap or do you need to drain it?
Insulation alone isn't enough. Water trapped in the tap or pipe can still freeze and crack the mechanism. Proper winterising means draining the tap completely and insulating the external parts.
Do I need to winterise frost-proof outdoor taps?
Frost-proof taps are more resistant but not invincible. They still benefit from basic winterising - draining after final use and adding insulation in very cold weather. It's cheap insurance against damage.
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01392 964094Request Online QuotePricing for Teignmouth
* Same rates for all locations in our service area
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