Outside tap repair in Exeter
Professional outside tap repair services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£85
Typical Duration
0.5-1 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Outside tap leaking, dripping, or broken from frost damage? I'll get it fixed or replaced - usually sorted same visit.
That Leak Won't Fix Itself
Your outside tap might only get used in summer, but a leak runs all year. That's water (and money) literally running down the drain. Plus water getting into your wall cavity causes damp, rot, and expensive problems.
Most outside tap issues are simple fixes - worn washers, loose connections, or frost damage. I see them constantly and know exactly what parts to carry.
💡 Pro tip: If your outside tap survived last winter but is now dripping, that's often delayed frost damage. The ice cracked something internally that's only just started to fail.
Common Outside Tap Problems
| ✅ Usually Fixable | ❌ Needs Replacing |
|---|---|
| Dripping from spout - worn washer | Cracked tap body - frost damage |
| Leaking from handle - gland packing worn | Water seeping from metal - split internally |
| Loose on wall - bracket needs tightening | Thread stripped - fitting failed |
| Hard to turn - needs lubrication | Valve completely seized - corroded solid |
What You Get
🔧 The Fix Process
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Check | Test tap, check for frost damage or worn parts |
| Fix/Replace | Repair if possible, or fit new tap if needed |
| Seal | Make sure wall entry is watertight |
📦 You're Left With
- Fully working outside tap
- No leaks or drips
- Properly sealed to wall
- Advice on frost protection
Pricing Guide
| Job Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Simple repair (washer, tighten) | 30 mins | £60 |
| Tap replacement | 45-60 mins | £60 |
| Complex repair + sealing | 1-1.5 hrs | £60-£85 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Standard tap included in price if replacement needed.
Perfect For Your Situation If...
✅ Constant drip - wasting water all year round
✅ Frost damage - survived winter but now leaking
✅ Wall leak - water seeping where tap joins the house
✅ Won't turn - seized up from winter or lack of use
Why Choose Us for Outside tap repair in Exeter?
No more water wastage from leaks
Frost damage repaired properly
Working tap for garden watering
Same-day fixes usually available
What to Expect
Step 1: Diagnose the Problem
I check the tap, test it, and look for frost damage or worn parts. Usually obvious what's needed.
Step 2: Repair or Replace
If it's repairable I'll fix it. If the body's cracked from frost, I'll fit a new tap (I carry them in the van).
Step 3: Seal & Test
Make sure where the pipe enters the wall is properly sealed - critical to prevent water getting into the cavity. Then test it thoroughly.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to have a go yourself? Here's how:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Adjustable spanner (two if replacing tap)
- Screwdriver
- PTFE tape
- Washer kit for outside taps
- Bucket (to catch water)
🚰 Replacing a washer
- Turn off water at the isolation valve (usually inside)
- Open tap to drain remaining water
- Unscrew the headgear (the top part)
- Remove old washer from inside
- Fit new washer (right size - usually ½" for garden taps)
- Reassemble and turn water back on
🔧 Replacing the whole tap
- Turn off water supply
- Unscrew backplate from wall
- Unscrew tap from pipe (you'll need two spanners)
- Wrap PTFE tape on pipe thread (clockwise, 8-10 wraps)
- Screw new tap on tight (don't overtighten)
- Fix backplate to wall, seal with silicone
- Turn water on slowly and check for leaks
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Not turning water off properly (garden flood)
- Over-tightening and cracking the tap body
- Wrong size washer (they look similar but aren't)
- Not sealing where pipe enters wall (causes damp)
💡 Pro trick: Before winter, turn the isolation valve off and leave the outside tap open. This drains the tap completely so there's no water to freeze and crack it. Takes 10 seconds, saves you £60+ on repairs come spring.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
❄️ Frost protection: If your tap gets hit by frost damage every winter, it's worth fitting a frost-resistant tap. They cost a bit more but the valve sits inside the wall where it's warmer - no more winter damage.
Multiple outside taps? If you're getting one fixed, worth checking the others while I'm there. Often they all get installed together and fail around the same time.
Old house with lead pipes? Some older Exeter properties still have lead supply pipes. If yours does and I'm replacing the tap, worth considering upgrading that section to copper while we're at it - I can advise when I see it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my outside tap leaking?
Usually it's frost damage from winter - ice expands inside the tap and cracks the body or damages the valve. Other common causes are worn washers (drip from the spout) or loose connections (leak from where it joins the wall). I can usually tell which it is just by looking.
Can you fix a tap that's been damaged by frost?
Depends how bad it is. Minor frost damage where just the washer or valve has failed - yes, I can repair that. But if the tap body itself is cracked (you'll see water seeping from the metal), it needs replacing. The good news is replacement taps aren't expensive and I can fit one the same visit.
Do I need to provide the new tap if mine's beyond repair?
No need. I carry standard outside taps in the van, or I can advise you on which type to get and pick one up from the local merchant. Most people go for a standard bib tap, but I can fit frost-resistant ones if you want protection for next winter.
How do I prevent frost damage next winter?
Turn off the isolation valve inside (usually in the garage or under the stairs) and open the outside tap to drain it completely. Even better, get a frost-resistant outside tap fitted - has a longer shaft so the valve is actually inside the wall where it's warmer.
The tap works but water leaks from where it joins the wall - urgent?
Yes, get it fixed soon. Water getting into the wall cavity can cause damp problems and rot your sill over time. It's usually a failed olive or loose compression fitting - quick fix if caught early, expensive repair if it's been leaking for months.
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