Outside Tap Has No Water — Common Causes and Fixes
An outside tap that's suddenly run dry can be frustrating, especially when you need it most. The good news is that nine times out of ten, the culprit is straightforward—usually a closed isolation valve, a deliberate winter shut-off, or a simple blockage. Many UK homeowners encounter this issue seasonally or after extended periods without use, and it's almost always something you can diagnose yourself in a few minutes. This guide walks you through the most common causes and how to restore your water supply quickly. If you've worked through these steps and water still won't flow, that's when a qualified plumber should take a look, as the problem may lie hidden within your pipework.
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Most likely cause & what to check
Check the indoor isolation valve — outside taps should have a dedicated shut-off valve inside the property (usually under the kitchen sink or in a utility cupboard). Make sure it is open (slot parallel to the pipe = open).
If the tap was winterised (isolated and drained in autumn), simply reopen the isolation valve to restore the supply.
Check that the tap itself is not seized — turn the tap handle fully and check if you can feel resistance. Seized outside taps can be freed with penetrating oil and patience.
Check for a frozen pipe — in cold weather, the external section of pipe can freeze. Follow the frozen pipe guide to thaw it safely.
If the indoor valve is open but there is still no water, check whether cold water is flowing normally to other taps inside the house. If not, the problem may be with the main supply.
If only the outside tap is affected and the valve is open, the issue may be inside the wall — the pipe may have corroded, kinked, or been damaged. A plumber will need to investigate.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does my outside tap have no water when the kitchen tap works fine?
Outside taps usually have their own dedicated isolation valve inside your property, separate from the rest of the system. If only the outside tap is affected, the problem is almost certainly that valve, a blockage in the external pipe, or damage to the pipe itself rather than a mains supply issue. Start by locating and checking that isolation valve—it's your first port of call.
Should I have turned off my outside tap for winter?
Yes, isolating your outside tap before the first frost is best practice in the UK to prevent frozen pipes and water damage. If you deliberately shut it off in autumn, simply reopening the indoor isolation valve (usually found under the kitchen sink or in a utility cupboard) will restore your supply straightaway.
How do I know if my outside tap is frozen?
A frozen pipe usually happens only during prolonged cold spells and affects the external section of pipework. If it's been freezing overnight, gently feel the pipe leading to the tap—it may feel rock solid. Turn off the isolation valve, then carefully apply warm (not boiling) water or a heat source to thaw the pipe gradually and safely.
What should I do if the isolation valve is open but water still won't come out?
First, check whether cold water flows normally from other taps inside the house—if not, the issue is likely your mains supply. If the rest of the house has water, the blockage or damage is probably within the external pipe or at the tap itself, and you may need a plumber to investigate the hidden section of pipework.