outside tap covered on nhbc?

ben_m_g

Hi all,

We brought our house a couple of years ago, and the outside tap never got much use, it wasn't until earlier this year did I turn it on, to find it didn't work any more.

Having taken the tap off and traced it back to a butterfly valve I can only assume that either, the valve has broken whilst the handle turns the innards are still closed, or there is a blockage somehow in the small amount of pipe work.

I personally have never seen a valve fail, especially in such a short time. This valve would never have been turned before hand either.
So I would guess a faulty valve(?)

Can I get my builders out to fix this? there is still 8 years of the build mark, and because of the tight bends this would be an awkward job for a novice.

Doozergirl

The builders are responsible for snagging in the first two years.

After that, the NHBC warantee only covers major structural defects.

You'll have to check the date on your certificate. Even then, I think it would be less hassle to call a plumber out. Your decision, however.

phill99

Its certainly not covered on the NHBC warranty.

You need to determine when you moved in. If its more than 2 years ago, it wont be covered by the builder either.

It'll be easier to bite the bullet and get someone out.

Ruski

I'd imaging that the one-way-valve the 'should' be fitted has frozen at some point and is no longer letting water past. Very unlikely that the tap internals have failed. The 'butterfly' valve that you describe, assuming it is plastic handled, often fail and will not open the internal valve as it breaks away from the spindle - a pair of pliers on the bare spindle will, with gentle persuasion, open the valve again.

Forget nhbc, call a plumber if you can't do it yourself

HTH

Russ