Below are the tools and materials you need:

1). New stop tap.
2). Adjustable spanner.
3). PTFE tape.


Lots of older outside taps were fitted with double check valves but they quite often failed in bad weather conditions, so the regulatory body changed the rules and stated that all the outside taps should have a separate check valve fitted inside the property. Older taps were allowed to keep their built-in check valve, so when you replace one of these taps you can replace it for the exact same i.e. a tap with a built-in valve. But if you do replace such a tap with one that isn’t fitted with a built-in valve you need to fit a double check valve inside the house, as close as possible to the outdoor tap you are going to fit. A Regents Park Plumber can do this.

Fit:

a). Isolate the cold water, the tap you are going to replace should have an isolation valve fitted so you are able to turn the water off without affecting the rest of the house. Now, open the tap to ensure the water is isolated. If your existing tap doesn’t have an isolation valve, then you should fit one. The valve lets you turn the tap off in winter and stop the risk of flooding from freezing. Regents Park Plumbers deal with all plumbing emergencies.

b). With an adjustable spanner undo the old tap. Count the number of full rotations needed to remove it. Wrap PTFE tape around the thread of the new tap in a clockwise direction with at least four full turns. Fit the new tap to the back plate and tighten it up with the same number of turns you needed to remove the old tap. (PTFE will keep a joint dry).

c) Once the tap in the correct position, shut it off and turn the water back on. Make sure there are no leaks at the rear of the tap.
If you find a leak, then repeat the process but use more tape this time, or even a bit of jointing compound on the thread but you should use compound suitable for drinking water.