Is Your Garden Tap Ready for Winter? What to Check Before the Cold Hits
It’s easy to forget about your garden tap once summer’s over — but if you leave it unprotected, you could be in for a nasty surprise when the temperature drops.
At EPM, we’ve seen cracked pipes, flooded kitchens, and ice-damaged fittings — all because a simple outside tap wasn’t winter-ready.
Here’s what to check before the cold sets in.
What Can Go Wrong?
Outdoor taps are exposed to the elements. In cold weather, the water inside the pipe can freeze. When water freezes, it expands — and that pressure is what causes:
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Split copper or plastic pipework
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Cracks in tap fittings
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Leaks behind walls or under floors
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Flooding when the pipe thaws
It’s not just about the tap — it’s the pipework that runs inside your home that’s at risk too.
Quick Checks You Can Do This Month
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Does the tap have an isolation valve?
Check inside (usually under the kitchen sink or near where the pipe exits) for a valve you can turn off. -
Can you drain the pipe?
After turning off the isolation valve, open the outside tap and let any remaining water run out. -
Is the pipe insulated?
If the pipe runs along an external wall or in a cold area (like a garage), check for pipe lagging or foam insulation. -
Do you have a tap cover?
These are cheap, easy to fit, and help prevent the brass tap body from freezing. -
Any signs of past damage?
Look for signs of green staining (leaks), cracked fittings, or rust around the tap body. If it’s stiff or dripping, it may be worth replacing.
Do I Need a Special Outdoor Tap?
If you're upgrading, we recommend:
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Double check valves to stop water flowing back into the system
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Insulated external taps or internal shut-off kits
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Compliant fittings with UK regs for outside water supplies
We can supply and fit frost-resistant taps that are properly isolated and lagged — especially useful in exposed spots or new builds.
What If the Tap Freezes?
Don’t try to force it open. Instead:
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Turn off the isolation valve
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Let it thaw naturally
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Once defrosted, check for leaks or damage
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If water has entered your wall or property, call us straight away
We’ve handled burst tap pipework that ended up flooding under kitchen units — not a fun fix.
Final Word from EPM
Your garden tap might be out of sight, but it can cause big problems if you leave it unprotected.
A quick 10-minute check in August or September could save you hundreds in repairs later.
Need help draining, insulating, or upgrading your tap before winter? We’ll sort it properly, with no cut corners.
