Outdoor tap dripping or leaking
⚠️ Turn off the indoor isolating valve for the outdoor tap before starting work.
Outdoor taps are hardworking fixtures that often get overlooked until something goes wrong. A dripping or leaking outdoor tap is one of the most common problems homeowners face, especially as the seasons change. The causes range from simple wear and tear—a worn washer that's seen better days—to frost damage during winter months, when water trapped inside the tap freezes and cracks the body. Whether you're losing water (and money on your bill) or simply frustrated by that constant drip, most outdoor tap issues can be fixed without calling a professional. This guide walks you through diagnosing where the leak is coming from and how to tackle it yourself, from replacing a washer to preventing ice damage before it happens. If the tap body is severely cracked or you're not confident working with the supply pipe, that's the right time to get a qualified plumber involved.
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Most likely cause & what to check
Locate the indoor isolating valve for the outdoor tap (usually under the kitchen sink or in a cupboard on the external wall) and turn it off.
If water is dripping from the spout, replace the tap washer following the same steps as for an indoor pillar tap.
If water is weeping around the spindle (behind the tap body), the gland packing needs tightening or replacing. Try tightening the gland nut slightly first.
If the tap body is cracked (often from freezing), it needs replacing entirely. Outdoor taps can be replaced without a plumber if you're comfortable soldering or using push-fit fittings.
To prevent future freezing: fit an anti-frost tap or turn off and drain the outdoor tap supply each autumn.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does my outdoor tap leak only in winter?
Water left inside the tap freezes and expands, cracking the brass or plastic body—this is one of the most common causes of winter leaks. Even a tiny amount of water trapped in the pipework or tap body can cause significant damage when it turns to ice. That's why draining your outdoor tap before the cold weather arrives is so important.
Can I just leave my outdoor tap dripping to prevent frost damage?
Leaving a tap to drip slowly doesn't provide reliable frost protection and wastes water unnecessarily. The proper approach is to turn off the indoor isolating valve in autumn and open the outdoor tap to drain it completely, or fit an anti-frost tap designed to prevent water sitting in the vulnerable parts.
How much does it cost to replace an outdoor tap myself versus hiring a plumber?
A replacement outdoor tap costs between £15 and £50 depending on the type, plus basic tools you may already own. A plumber will charge a call-out fee plus labour, typically £150–300+ for this job, so DIY replacement can offer good savings if you're comfortable with soldering or using push-fit connections.
What's the difference between a drip from the spout and a leak behind the tap?
A drip from the spout usually means the washer is worn and needs replacing—a straightforward fix. A leak weeping around the tap body or spindle suggests the gland packing is loose or degraded, which requires tightening the gland nut or replacing the packing material, a slightly different repair.
Do I need to turn off the water to the whole house to fix an outdoor tap?
No—outdoor taps almost always have their own isolating valve, usually located indoors under the kitchen sink or in a cupboard on an external wall. Turning off just that valve is all you need, which means the rest of your home stays supplied with water while you work.
Is it safe to solder copper pipes on an outdoor tap myself?
If you've got soldering experience and the right tools and safety kit, it's achievable, but it does carry risks if done incorrectly—poor joints can leak later. Many DIYers find push-fit fittings easier and just as reliable; if you're not confident with a blowtorch, push-fit is a sensible alternative.