Match what you notice
- The spout drips when the tap is shut
- A worn washer or valve can let water pass. Tell us whether the drip is from the end of the spout or around the tap body.
- Water leaks around the handle or hose connection
- If it happens only while the tap is open, tell us exactly where water first appears. The handle seal and the hose connector are separate checks.
- Water appears at the wall or inside the property
- A joint or pipe feeding the outside tap can split in freezing weather and leak when it thaws. Turning the outside tap off may leave that pipe under pressure.
- No water came out during the freeze
- A frozen pipe or closed isolation valve can interrupt the supply. Mention when the tap stopped working and whether water appeared as temperatures rose.
If water is still escaping
If you can safely reach the internal isolation valve for that branch and know which one it is, turn it off. If you cannot isolate the branch, use the internal stop tap if you can reach it safely. Call with your postcode and tell us whether the flow has stopped.
Preparing for the next cold spell
Disconnect the garden hose before freezing weather. An outside tap that has suitable isolation can be turned off and drained. A cover for the tap and insulation for exposed pipes help protect the fitting. Tell us if you cannot find a valve for the outside branch.
Further reading
- WaterSafe winter advice for outside taps and burst pipes
- Portsmouth Water advice on frozen pipes and leaks