Totally perplexing plumbing

[GB]

The outside tap has stopped working. It is fed by a T off the mains pipe. So, on the inside of the garage I have a live T(**) that feeds a pipe that goes straight through the garage wall and connects to the outside tap. Nothing comes out of the tap, though. In case there was something stuck inside, I have taken the whole top of the tap off, and by rights I should nearly have drowned from the mains water, but nothing.

So, what's going on?

** That T also serves the downstairs loo cistern which fills up nicely when required, so I know the T is live.

[Nightjar]

Is there a double check valve that might have become blocked or jammed?

Colin Bignell

[Tim Downie]

Nightjar

[cynic]

If it hasn't worked since the frosts I would bet you have a check valve in the valve which has been jammed when the ice within it expanded

[newshound]

Ditto

[GB]

Hmmm. I took the whole of the taphead off - that's the handle, the bit that screws up and down, the washer, etc. I could see the valve seat and poked my finger in the hole. Do you think I should poke a piece of wire in and see how far that goes? Where would the check valve be?

[Nightjar]

Curent taps intended for outside use usually have it as part of the tap body. Otherwise, it could be anywhere in the pipe leading up to the tap.

Colin Bignell

[GB]

Oh, guys, well done! I'm so impressed.

As you can gather from that, the problem is solved. I removed the valve entirely. Do you think I need to replace the tap with one with a valve in? I'm inclined to leave well enough alone, but I'd be interested to hear your views. The tap is used to fill the watering can and opccasionally for a hose used to water the garden.

[Nightjar]

The water regulations require there to be a backflow prevention device, but it does not have to be in the tap. Nothing much will happen if you ignore the regulations, but you should be able to buy a replacement valve or a tap with an integral valve for under a fiver.

Colin Bignell

[GB]

Nightjar