frozen pipe

[Celia Newlands]

looking for some advice before I decide how to get this resolved.
We had an extension added to our house last year, and one of the main things we requested up front was a garden tap. Towards the end of the job, we noticed it wasn't there, so asked again for it to be put in. The result is, we have a garden tap, but it is connected directly up to our kitchen sink, with no isolator. Every time weather gets frosty (which it does at least once or twice a year here), the cold tap in the kitchen freezes up. Last year it happened on Christmas eve - hoping to avoid that this year!
So I recognise/assume that we need an isolator, but I don't know how easy/expensive this is to do, & also wonder whether I am able to go back to my builder & insist on having them put in an isolator? Is it standard practice to put in an isolator in this type of situation?
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Celia

 

[HoodedClaw]

Yes, they should have fitted an isolation valve, also make sure the tap has a non return double check valve built in (you see a screw under the tap that looks like a bleed screw), if it isnt - they can fit that too. Is it straight through the wall, or is there pipework along the wall? if along the wall they can redo that to make room for the insulation they can also fit. If straight through - get yourself down screwfix for a outside tap jacket.

If your water shuts off ok to the sink and can get to the connecting pipe without taking the units apart fitting an iso is an easy quick job, less than 30 mins. If you have to fight to get to the pipework, its time expensive.

Once fitted, when shut off make sure you open the outside tap and drain it out when/if it freezes.

 

[Celia Newlands]

Thanks for quick response! Have contacted builder - he is going to come round in a few days & fit an isolation valve, so hopefully all will be well by Christmas! Will buy a tap jacket too - any recommended ones/not too dear....? - last one we had fell to bits after less than a year!

 

[tamz]

Bib taps with integral check valves should not be used on potable water as it contravenes the water regs. A seperate double check should be fitted inside.

The reasons behind this is if/when the tap freezes (even if it is isolated there is still a bit water inside it) there is a high risk of the check valve inside the tap being broken and so become ineffective.

 

[shorticus]

Tamz, where are we now with equipotential breaks in outside tap installs?

 

[tamz]

This one has been around for a wee while now as it is "outside the zone". Using a bit plastic pipe would isolate it just the same.

Maybe someone with a better understanding of the 17th ed could clarify.

 

[shorticus]

Yeah would be helpful as I'm fitting one at the girlfriend's tomorrow, years ago we used to put a push fit plastic elbow on just before going out the wall but I'm not sure if it's still required.