Water outside

[NRG1976]

Hi, I want to have a tap outside my property that I can use for my pressure washer during the depths of winter (midlands, UK).

If I run a pipe underground from my house to an external detached garage do folks think that would remain unfrozen during winter?

I have an outside tap in my garden already (on the external kitchen wall) but that frequently just freezes up so is not really useable.

Sorry I know we’re in a heatwave but asking now as easier to deal with getting the setup right before it gets to winter!

Thanks in advance.

[Radec]

Isn't it the usual advice to turn it off at the isolation valve and drain the water from the tap so residual water doesn't freeze and expand in the pipe?

Maybe get some lagging on the pipe as well.

[boyse7en]

NRG1976 said:

Hi, I want to have a tap outside my property that I can use for my pressure washer during the depths of winter (midlands, UK).

If I run a pipe underground from my house to an external detached garage do folks think that would remain unfrozen during winter?

I have an outside tap in my garden already (on the external kitchen wall) but that frequently just freezes up so is not really useable.

Sorry I know we re in a heatwave but asking now as easier to deal with getting the setup right before it gets to winter!

Thanks in advance.

If you bury it deep enough it won't freeze. Then the only bit you need to worry about is the bit going up the wall/post to the tap, which you should be able to insulate

[ARHarh]

Easiest thing to do would be to isolate the tap you have in the depths of winter, turn on the tap so there is no water in it , then turn on the isolator when you want to use it.. You may need to add an isolator.

But if the pipe is a foot or so underground it should not freeze in this country.

[119]

Water companies specify 750mm deep and I think now even at that depth it should also be insulated?

[NDA]

boyse7en said:

If you bury it deep enough it won't freeze. Then the only bit you need to worry about is the bit going up the wall/post to the tap, which you should be able to insulate

This.

I had an outdoor tap a few years ago that was not insulated - what a mess that caused one winter! I then used the spongy foam tube things that were fine, although not attractive. Definitely insulate anything above ground.