Garden tap needs fixing

twopenny

So since I moved in the garden tap has been a problem in that the water flow is pathetic so watering the garden is lengthly and the pressure washer a non starter.

It's 20yrs old from when the house was built.

A plumber giving me a quote for a bathroom took a look, said didn't need a new washer and said it just needed tightening which he kindly did. It worked for a while.

Now it's grinding when turn it on and the flow is much slower than the kitchen tap. It looks to me that it needs a new washer or two at least, maybe easier to get a new tap.

Question is, could a general handyman fix this?

Do you just turn off the stopcock (which is just below the supply for the outdoor tap) remove easily and replace either washer or tap? Or is it more complicated?

Any help gratefully received.

No hope of a plumber to do small jobs.

FreeBear

I'd replace the tap - https://www.screwfix.com/p/outside-tap-with-double-check-valve-15mm-x-1-2-/37241

Simple enough job if you have the tools, otherwise, well within the capabilities of a handyman.

twopenny

That's great news FreeBear, thank you. The one I have/had now doesn't know everything but he always knows someone who does for instructions and seems to do a decent job so fingers crossed.

ThisIsWeird

The job itself is very straight forward, and pretty much any handy/ home maintenance person should be able to do with this with no issues at all. You could do this yourself, 2'penny

Two things to be aware of: if the tap is very tightly fitted, then the wall bracket should be supported using another wrench or spanner in order to prevent it from moving or breaking. And, the most annoying thing about the job is getting the new tap aligned in the upright position it's in now! If you simply screw on the new tap until it stops turning, almost certainly it'll be pointing in a funny direction So I understand the solution is to screw it on 'dry' to work out where it points when done up fully, then to remove it, apply summat to the threads in order to seal them, and to then screw the tap back on, but doing it up until the final turn available, but stopping when the tap is vertical. 

The Q is, what stuff to apply?! I guess it needs to be semi-setting so it 'sticks', but can always be undone again in the future when needed.

twopenny

For sure I won't be able to get it off. Don't have the strength or tools.

But I sort of guessed getting a new one to fit correctly would be the tricky bit. I'll ask at the tool station, they're good guys for info as they'll ask a trade for me

FreeBear

ThisIsWeird said: So I understand the solution is to screw it on 'dry' to work out where it points when done up fully, then to remove it, apply summat to the threads in order to seal them, and to then screw the tap back on, but doing it up until the final turn available, but stopping when the tap is vertical. 

The Q is, what stuff to apply?! I guess it needs to be semi-setting so it 'sticks', but can always be undone again in the future when needed.

Plumber's Mait or White Hawk joint compound is the stuff to use. A bit silly having to buy a whole tin for just a thin smear.

Just don't use PTFE tape unless in it a taper thread.

Leon_W

I hate those brass garden taps with a passion.  Squeak squeak squeak to turn it on and then squeak squeak squeak to turn it back off.

I replaced mine with a Pegler 1/4 turn with a lever on it. Bliss !!!

https://www.screwfix.com/p/pegler-pb50-hose-union-bib-tap-15mm-x-1-2-/6263v

benson1980

I would use this for a garden tap:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Loctite-K97870-Henkel-Sealing-Multi-Colour/dp/B0083TWKIK/ref=asc_df_B0083TWKIK/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=223170773229&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11083750550315956062&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007203&hvtargid=pla-420596509379&psc=1

As referred to above if you simply just tighten the tap as far as it will go, it will invariably not be pointing in the right position. This product allows for a leak free connection whilst not fully tightening up the thread. The benefit of loctite I believe versus ptfe tape is that it will allow for backing off to get the right alignment. 

twopenny

Benson, in Amazons amazing ways of drumming up business I just got ear plugs and speakers.

Why if they have to not give you what you're asking for can it not be something relevant! Sheesh.

Do you have the name of the product? I'll look it up

benson1980

twopenny said:

Benson, in Amazons amazing ways of drumming up business I just got ear plugs and speakers.

Why if they have to not give you what you're asking for can it not be something relevant! Sheesh.

Do you have the name of the product? I'll look it up

ah right might have messed up the link. Loctite 55 sealing cord.

twopenny

Thanks Benson

No it wasn't you. It's Amazon.

I've stopped using it because they keep throwing up stuff you didn't ask for and misleading 'no delivery charge' etc.