Outdoor tap snapped off - need a plumber?

Kemik · 27 May 2015 at 12:03

Hi guys,

My outdoor tap has been leaking for ages. It was just an odd drip until I had a water softener installed and I think the plumber took the pressure restricter off the mains pipe.

I decided to attempt to fix it this weekend by applying more PTFE tape to the leaking joint. Unfortunately the tap snapped off in my hand. It looks like it may have been over tightened at installation and the thread snapped. Half of the thread is in the pipe and half of it is attached to the tap.

Photo of the tap:

(snapped at the white tap bit where it was leaking from)

Will I need a plumber to fix this by taking it back to the L joint which is screwed to the wall or is there any way of getting the thread out of the tap?

Cheers

john_s · 27 May 2015 at 14:01

If you have a screwdriver (that you don't mind abusing) or a metalwork chisel, you might be able to use it with a hammer to tap the broken portion round to get it to unscrew.

bloodiedathame · 27 May 2015 at 21:25

There are a few options. If it were me I'd obviously turn off the water, track the pipework back inside, then redo it all from the last joint inside.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/15mm-x-outside-tap-with-double-check-valve/37241
http://www.screwfix.com/p/hose-union-back-plate/56415
And whatever solder ring fittings you need.

Russinating · 27 May 2015 at 23:49

As above, not a serious job. Just replace the piping from inside. Use push fit if you're not competent, or compression if you're a bit more.

dqj999 · 2 Dec 2020 at 12:21

I fixed the same problem using and old file and an adjustable spanner.

I first heated up the area with an old gas canister blowtorch. (Not essential but should make it easier to unscrew. There is a risk that the file could snap if too much torque is needed to undo it)

I hammered the end of the file into what was left of the tap then I undid it with an adjustable spanner.

Dead easy!

Maundie · 2 Dec 2020 at 15:42

Hoping the Op hasn't been sat with a broken tap for 5 years waiting for this advice

sad099 · 2 Dec 2020 at 15:50

Maundie said:
Hoping the Op hasn't been sat with a broken tap for 5 years waiting for this advice

dqj999 · 2 Dec 2020 at 15:59

Presumably not but Google (have you heard of it) still shows this in search results, so despite not helping the original OP, other people searching for a solution might find this helpful.

Screenbeat · 2 Dec 2020 at 16:14

I'm struggling to see the problem!!

Semple · 2 Dec 2020 at 16:52

You still leaking @Kemik ?

mattyg · 2 Dec 2020 at 17:02

Knowing plumbers he could still be waiting

Kemik · 2 Dec 2020 at 17:04

Semple said:
You still leaking @Kemik ?

You'll have to ask the guys who have lived there for the past three years

DampCat · 3 Dec 2020 at 01:57

Kemik said:
You'll have to ask the guys who have lived there for the past three years

Mate selling the house is a bit of an extreme way to avoid dealing with a broken tap

pp111 · 3 Dec 2020 at 07:35

Kemik · 3 Dec 2020 at 08:12

DampCat said:
Mate selling the house is a bit of an extreme way to avoid dealing with a broken tap

I got bored of keeping my finger in the pipe. Bit awkward showing people round the house though...