How to Check and Maintain Your Outside Taps

How to Check and Maintain Your Outdoor Taps

(And Prevent Costly Repairs Down the Line)

Outdoor taps—also known as garden taps or hose bibs—are incredibly useful, especially in the warmer months when you're watering plants, washing the car, or filling a paddling pool. But because they’re exposed to the elements all year round, they need a little care to keep them running smoothly.

At Able Girl Plumbing, we often get calls from Edinburgh homeowners dealing with leaking or burst outdoor taps—most of which could have been avoided with a bit of simple maintenance. Here’s how to check and maintain your outdoor tap to keep it in great shape, whatever the weather.

Step 1: Inspect Your Outdoor Tap Regularly

Make it a habit to check your outdoor tap every few weeks—especially after a cold snap or a spell of heavy use.

Look out for:

Dripping or leaking even when the tap is turned off
Corrosion or rust around the joints or handle
Cracks in the pipework leading to the tap (often caused by frost)
Signs of damp on the wall behind the tap

Even a small drip can waste water and may lead to more serious damage if ignored.

Step 2: Check for Freezing Damage After Winter

In Edinburgh, freezing temperatures are common in winter—and outdoor taps are particularly vulnerable. If water is left inside the pipe or tap and it freezes, it expands and can cause cracks or bursts.

After winter, check for:

Cracks in the tap body or fittings
Leaking once you turn the supply back on
Poor water flow, which might suggest a split pipe or partial blockage

If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to get it repaired or replaced before using the tap heavily in spring or summer.

Step 3: Fit (and Use) an Isolation Valve

One of the best ways to protect your outdoor tap is to ensure it has an internal isolation valve—this allows you to shut off the water supply to the tap from inside your home.

If you're not sure where yours is, it’s usually:

Under the kitchen sink
In a utility room or downstairs cupboard
Close to where the outdoor tap connects to the main pipework

Tip: Turn off the isolation valve during the winter months to prevent freezing, and drain any remaining water from the tap.

Step 4: Use a Hose Connector with a Non-Return Valve

If you use a hose with your outdoor tap, invest in a hose connector with a built-in non-return valve. This prevents dirty water from being siphoned back into your clean water supply, which is a requirement under UK Water Regulations.

It’s a small detail many people miss—but it’s vital for protecting your water system from contamination.

Step 5: Insulate During Cold Weather

In the colder months, protect your outdoor tap from freezing by:

Using a tap cover or thermal insulation jacket (cheap and widely available)
Turning off the internal isolation valve and draining the tap
Disconnecting any hoses and storing them away

This simple step can prevent burst pipes and costly winter damage.

Step 6: Clean and Grease the Tap Once a Year

Once a year—preferably in spring—take a few minutes to:

Remove any dirt or moss from around the tap
Turn the tap fully on and off to check smooth operation
Apply a little plumber’s grease to the handle spindle to keep it moving freely

This keeps your tap in good working order and extends its life.

When to Replace Your Outdoor Tap

Even with the best care, taps don’t last forever. You might need a new one if:

The tap won’t stop dripping, even after washer replacement
The body is cracked or heavily corroded
You want a more modern tap with a built-in non-return valve

At Able Girl Plumbing, we can supply and fit outdoor taps for homes across Edinburgh quickly and affordably.

Final Tip: Keep an Eye on Water Usage

If you notice unusually high water bills or soggy patches around your garden wall, your outdoor tap or its pipework could be leaking. Early detection means you avoid unnecessary water waste—and save money too.