Slow flowing external tap

mohawk · 6 Apr 2014 at 10:53

When i first moved into our house the external tap had quite good pressure. but it has slowing been getting worse and worse to the point where it barely flows any more.

i have been trying to work out how it is connected, and i think i have identified where it is connected, but i have no idea what type of connection it is or why the flow has reduced so much.

any idea's greatly appreciated.

here a pic of the connection.

cheers.

Nightglow · 6 Apr 2014 at 11:21

It's a self cutting tap fitting.

You fit the base & top parts together, the screw in the tap part, it will self cut a small hole.

Totally naff idea, ok for a washing machine, but useless for a outside tap, if you want to use a pressure washer or hose.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZBDz3oG7tY

Participant · 6 Apr 2014 at 11:26

Looks like someone has teed off the pipe for a washing machine using one of those self-cutting connectors that you screw on. Is that where the blue hose goes? And the pipe goes straight out of the back wall to the outside tap?

My guess is that this connector has got scaled up internally. Either that or there's a problem with the tap itself.

Lopéz · 6 Apr 2014 at 11:49

Nothing wrong with taking a feed off the washing machine hose, but I wouldn't do it like that.
Mine has a compression t piece and a full bore isolating valve, a handled one which makes it so much easier to turn off in winter.

Nightglow · 6 Apr 2014 at 13:42

Lopéz said:
Nothing wrong with taking a feed off the washing machine hose, but I wouldn't do it like that.
Mine has a compression t piece and a full bore isolating valve, a handled one which makes it so much easier to turn off in winter.

That's the proper way to do, you get the the full flow of water.

Those self cutting taps,don't always clean cut the hole, it leaves the disc hanging, plus you squish the pipe, you never get a full flow with them.

Beans on toast Dave · 6 Apr 2014 at 17:43

i had the same issue, take the self cutting tap off (after turning off the water) and check the part that cuts a hole, mine had come off and blocked the supply

pitchfork · 7 Apr 2014 at 08:32

Self cutting tap is useless, remove that, t in a piece of pipe with a check valve and jobs a goodun.

Django x2 · 7 Apr 2014 at 09:42

Participant said:
Looks like someone has teed off the pipe for a washing machine using one of those self-cutting connectors that you screw on. Is that where the blue hose goes? And the pipe goes straight out of the back wall to the outside tap?

My guess is that this connector has got scaled up internally. Either that or there's a problem with the tap itself.

So wrong.

The blue pipe is what leads to your outside tap. These "Kits" are readily available from B&Q and the like and are advertised as such (outside tap kit)

mohawk · 7 Apr 2014 at 11:06

Django x2 said:
So wrong.

The blue pipe is what leads to your outside tap. These "Kits" are readily available from B&Q and the like and are advertised as such (outside tap kit)

Correct the blue pipe is whats connected to the outside tap.

so whats the best and easiest way to fix this? sounds like turning off the water and checking the hole that has been cut isnt blocked is the easiest solution for now. and then sort it properly at a later date?