Tap inside Garage

[BJPotter]

Hi everyone,

As a total novice to these things I'm looking for a bit of help identifying some plumbing.

In my garage I have the set-up as per photograph - a bottom tap that controls the flow of mains water into the property and then above it what looks like a tap without a handle.

I would like to use this 'mystery tap' to run a hose pipe. Is it is simple as getting a new handle (if so what am I looking for), or does it need replacing or supplementing?

It looks simple - too simple?

Thanks in advance

BJP

 

[muggles]

Your mystery tap is a drain cock, designed to be used to drain the system down for maintenance. There's no theoretical reason why you shouldn't use it for your hosepipe, but if it's very old it might not reseal properly (or indeed open in the first place)

 

[BJPotter]

Thank you! Would I be better off replacing it then? I assume that "a modern tap" in that position could also be used for draining if necessary.

 

[John D v2.0]

For a hose pipe you would need a double check non return valve to prevent water from the hose getting neck into the drinking water supply. So you'd be best to tee off further up the pipe with a proper outside tap kit.
You can get ones that cut into the pipe, you just Clamp them on, but for a proper job best to put a tee in and feed off that.

 

[Tigercubrider]

Are you sure that the second "tap" is connected to the first?

 

[FiremanT]

Don't use the draincock. They leak from the thread, the flow will be abysmal, and it is plain wrong.
Try not to use a self cutting tap, spawn oif the devil.

If you don't want to mess about with a blowlamp, cut a 15mm compression tee into the pipe at the desired height.A straight bit of 15mm copper, a double check valve, then a compression backplate. Then screw a bip tap in using PTFE tape. Total cost, less than £25,depending on your source.

 

[BJPotter]

Thanks all - very helpful!

 

[Tigercubrider]

Don't you need to fit a tap ONLY above a drain? I am sure that a mate was told that?
And a non return so that you don't end up drinking the hose water

 

[FiremanT]

There is no rule that a tap has to be above a drain, although if one is available it makes sense.

A Double Check valve IS a non return valve.

Twice.

 

[John D v2.0]

Yes as per firemant double check valve is the minimum for category 3 water, which hose pipe water comes under due to the health risk.
You'd do well to get one with the shutoff valve in just in case you need to cut off the supply to the tap for maintenance.
An alternative to compression would be speedfit if you're not a traditionalist. Much quicker than compression and you can use copper pipe with the connectors. Looks way more ugly than compression though so pick your choice.