External tap lost pressure

[2gbmum]

My external tap in back garden has lost all pressure. Hadn't used it over the winter and then came to use it recently and found a weak dribble coming out. Tried over next weeks and it's the same.

It used to have a good force but now it takes ages to fill a watering can. I doubt there's enough pressure to use my hose.

Rest of the house seems unaffected. Kitchen tap etc. all fine with no change. Does this sound like time for a new tap? It's at least 12 years old and has been frozen solid on more than one occasion.

Or is this more likely to be a pipe/supply thing that I can't do anything about?

[The Builder]

There's a good chance the valve is stuck down, and refusing to leave the seat. It might have a non-return valve that's stuck also.
Take it apart and have a look inside.

[alavahalf]

... more than likely the jumper has stuck down onto the washer seat...
Turn the water supply off...
Separate the tap..fit a new washer .. it will be a 1/2'' washer...if you have access to a tap re-seating tool...skim the face.
Wipe all the threads with a smear of vaseline... and re-assemble.
Most old taps are always serviceable ... the new ones are nowhere near as good.
If you do have to change it ... they are only about £6.00

http://i39.photobucke...xitagain/standard.gif

[AlBags]

C'mon guys ...

There are two types of outside tap by design.
1. Standard tap with standard washer and gland seal. These never pack up, they can just seize, drip or leak through the spindle (gland) seal. Washer "could" partially disintegrate (very unlikely) and impede flow.
2. Byelaw 18 tap. Introduced several years ago, incorporate an elongated body with a double check-valve incorporated by design (NON-REPAIRABLE) This was to prevent backflow into mains.
Non-return valves can fail and give that problem.
Go to a plumbers merchant and buy either .. in brass ; )
The old type are less problematical. Up to you : )

[AlBags]

Byelaw tap
http://www.wickes.co....4d0b519cdd3962783242b

[2gbmum]

Thanks guys! Really helpful advice. At least I'll sound like I know what I'm talking about when I get a replacement part/tap:)