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| UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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#1
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
Hi all
Tried a quick google on this but no joy. Does anyone make a lockable security box or cover for an outside tap (preferably one that doubles as an insulation box)? I've just installed a tap to the front of the house and don't want any little oiks getting their hands on it and sending the water meter spinning. TIA Phil |
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#2
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
TheScullster wrote:
Tried a quick google on this but no joy. Does anyone make a lockable security box or cover for an outside tap (preferably one that doubles as an insulation box)? I've just installed a tap to the front of the house and don't want any little oiks getting their hands on it and sending the water meter spinning. Faced with a similar problem, I just put a ball-valve on the feed to the tap inside the house and I only turn it on when I want to use it. Roger. |
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#3
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
On May 8, 1:32 pm, "TheScullster" wrote:
Hi all Tried a quick google on this but no joy. Does anyone make a lockable security box or cover for an outside tap (preferably one that doubles as an insulation box)? I've just installed a tap to the front of the house and don't want any little oiks getting their hands on it and sending the water meter spinning. TIA Phil Not exactly what you are asking for but we have a stopcock under the sink that shuts off the water to our outside tap. Alan |
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#4
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
In article ,
TheScullster wrote: Tried a quick google on this but no joy. Does anyone make a lockable security box or cover for an outside tap (preferably one that doubles as an insulation box)? I've just installed a tap to the front of the house and don't want any little oiks getting their hands on it and sending the water meter spinning. Remove the handle or fit an internal stopcock? -- *Geeks shall inherit the earth * Dave Plowman London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
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#5
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
On Tue, 8 May 2007 13:32:55 +0100 someone who may be "TheScullster"
wrote this:- Does anyone make a lockable security box or cover for an outside tap (preferably one that doubles as an insulation box)? I've just installed a tap to the front of the house and don't want any little oiks getting their hands on it and sending the water meter spinning. Presumably you have installed a stopcock inside and a drain somewhere, so you can drain it down in winter. If so simply only turn on the tap when necessary. If you haven't installed these... -- David Hansen, Edinburgh I will *always* explain revoked encryption keys, unless RIP prevents me http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/00023--e.htm#54 |
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#6
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
On 8 May, 13:32, "TheScullster" wrote:
Hi all Tried a quick google on this but no joy. Does anyone make a lockable security box or cover for an outside tap (preferably one that doubles as an insulation box)? I've just installed a tap to the front of the house and don't want any little oiks getting their hands on it and sending the water meter spinning. TIA Phil How about a meter box. (as used for gas and electric meters) It'll the stop oiks and provide a degree of insulation from the cold. A |
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#7
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In article , TheScullster wrote: Tried a quick google on this but no joy. Does anyone make a lockable security box or cover for an outside tap (preferably one that doubles as an insulation box)? I've just installed a tap to the front of the house and don't want any little oiks getting their hands on it and sending the water meter spinning. Remove the handle or fit an internal stopcock? There is a type with a square peg, shrouded flush by a round tube where the handle would normally be. The "key" is a normal looking brass tap handle with a square hole in a round stem. Kinda like an inverse railway carriage key. We used to have one on the outside of the block of flats I lived in, for car washing etc. Good enough to defeat the kids. Try a plumbers merchant maybe? HTH Tim |
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#8
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
On Tue, 08 May 2007 13:32:55 +0100, TheScullster wrote:
Hi all Tried a quick google on this but no joy. Does anyone make a lockable security box or cover for an outside tap (preferably one that doubles as an insulation box)? I've just installed a tap to the front of the house and don't want any little oiks getting their hands on it and sending the water meter spinning. TIA Phil ================================== Try a google for 'tap security', where you'll find a pdf file under www.arrowvalves.co.uk Cic. -- =================================== Using Ubuntu Linux Windows shown the door =================================== |
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#9
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
On 8 May, 14:12, David Hansen wrote:
Presumably you have installed a stopcock inside and a drain somewhere, so you can drain it down in winter. If so simply only turn on the tap when necessary. Is a separate drain cock really necessary? I'm planning to drill through my kitchen wall to install a garden tap sometime soon. I was planning on the basis that come the winter I would turn off the service valve inside and then drain the (minimal) external pipework by opening the tap itself, and leaving it open until the following spring. Cheers! Martin |
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#10
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
In article , Tim
Southerwood writes Dave Plowman (News) wrote: In article , TheScullster wrote: Tried a quick google on this but no joy. Does anyone make a lockable security box or cover for an outside tap (preferably one that doubles as an insulation box)? I've just installed a tap to the front of the house and don't want any little oiks getting their hands on it and sending the water meter spinning. Remove the handle or fit an internal stopcock? There is a type with a square peg, shrouded flush by a round tube where the handle would normally be. The "key" is a normal looking brass tap handle with a square hole in a round stem. Kinda like an inverse railway carriage key. Square key type is the norm for a drain cock and the shroud makes it a lockshield type. BS2879 type A has an O-ring on the shaft to stop water ****ing out of the shaft when there is a hose on the spigot. That said, drain cocks aren't really meant to be used as taps and can chatter when used at part load, there are fixes, let me know if anyone plans to use one (to save me rambling). We used to have one on the outside of the block of flats I lived in, for car washing etc. Good enough to defeat the kids. Try a plumbers merchant maybe? http://www.bes.ltd.uk/products/098.asp , item 7490 near the bottom of the page. 1.28 + vat but probably close to a fiver with postage so prob better sourced locally. This is what I use at home plus an isolator indoors but sorry Phil for not answering your original question. If it helps, this solution is pretty inobtrusive and doesn't attract the attention of the local neds. -- fred Plusnet - I hope you like vanilla |
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#11
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
fred wrote:
http://www.bes.ltd.uk/products/098.asp , item 7490 near the bottom of the page. 1.28 + vat but probably close to a fiver with postage so prob better sourced locally. This is what I use at home plus an isolator indoors but sorry Phil for not answering your original question. If it helps, this solution is pretty inobtrusive and doesn't attract the attention of the local neds. Hi Fred, No, it wasn't one of those. It was a bona-fide tap, but the top end *was* a bit like a drain cock, only a fraction bigger/thicker. I have no idea what they are called though. "Security Tap" maybe... I'll do some googling later. Cheers Tim |
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#12
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
On Tue, 8 May 2007 17:45:24 UTC, Martin Pentreath
wrote: On 8 May, 14:12, David Hansen wrote: Presumably you have installed a stopcock inside and a drain somewhere, so you can drain it down in winter. If so simply only turn on the tap when necessary. Is a separate drain cock really necessary? I'm planning to drill through my kitchen wall to install a garden tap sometime soon. I was planning on the basis that come the winter I would turn off the service valve inside and then drain the (minimal) external pipework by opening the tap itself, and leaving it open until the following spring. That's what I do. Don't forget the double check valve. -- The information contained in this post is copyright the poster, and specifically may not be published in, or used by http://www.diybanter.com |
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#13
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
In message , TheScullster
writes Hi all Tried a quick google on this but no joy. Does anyone make a lockable security box or cover for an outside tap (preferably one that doubles as an insulation box)? I've just installed a tap to the front of the house and don't want any little oiks getting their hands on it and sending the water meter spinning. Tap with a removable handle ? -- geoff |
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#14
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
In article , Tim S
writes fred wrote: http://www.bes.ltd.uk/products/098.asp , item 7490 near the bottom of the page. 1.28 + vat but probably close to a fiver with postage so prob better sourced locally. No, it wasn't one of those. It was a bona-fide tap, but the top end *was* a bit like a drain cock, only a fraction bigger/thicker. I have no idea what they are called though. "Security Tap" maybe... I'll do some googling later. Ah, I sit corrected, I had a little google but nothing showing. -- fred Plusnet - I hope you like vanilla |
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#15
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
No, it wasn't one of those. It was a bona-fide tap, but the top end *was* a bit like a drain cock, only a fraction bigger/thicker. I have no idea what they are called though. "Security Tap" maybe... I'll do some googling later. Ah, I sit corrected, I had a little google but nothing showing. As already suggested arrow valves do a lot of security items. This one is the tap being mentioned I think. I seem to remember them from school. http://www.arrowvalves.co.uk/productdetail.php?id=33 John |
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#16
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
On Tue, 08 May 2007 14:14:29 -0700, JohnW wrote:
No, it wasn't one of those. It was a bona-fide tap, but the top end *was* a bit like a drain cock, only a fraction bigger/thicker. I have no idea what they are called though. "Security Tap" maybe... I'll do some googling later. Ah, I sit corrected, I had a little google but nothing showing. As already suggested arrow valves do a lot of security items. This one is the tap being mentioned I think. I seem to remember them from school. http://www.arrowvalves.co.uk/productdetail.php?id=33 John =================================== They also show one built in to a wall which seems a bit over the top when one considers the more basic solutions suggested here. Cic. -- =================================== Using Ubuntu Linux Windows shown the door =================================== |
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#17
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
TheScullster wrote:
Hi all Tried a quick google on this but no joy. Does anyone make a lockable security box or cover for an outside tap (preferably one that doubles as an insulation box)? I've just installed a tap to the front of the house and don't want any little oiks getting their hands on it and sending the water meter spinning. TIA Phil How about using an ordinary brass outdoor tap with the handle removed. Bring the handle to the tap when you want to use it... |
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#18
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
On 8 May 2007 10:45:24 -0700 someone who may be Martin Pentreath
wrote this:- Presumably you have installed a stopcock inside and a drain somewhere, so you can drain it down in winter. If so simply only turn on the tap when necessary. Is a separate drain cock really necessary? Depends on how the pipework is arranged and where the double check valve is. Some people don't even bother to turn an external tap off in winter and get away with it because any ice can expand back inside the house. -- David Hansen, Edinburgh I will *always* explain revoked encryption keys, unless RIP prevents me http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/00023--e.htm#54 |
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#19
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
On 8 May, 13:32, "TheScullster" wrote:
Hi all Tried a quick google on this but no joy. Does anyone make a lockable security box or cover for an outside tap (preferably one that doubles as an insulation box)? I've just installed a tap to the front of the house and don't want any little oiks getting their hands on it and sending the water meter spinning. TIA Phil Similar to most othe replies here. When I had the same issue (concern over stolen water) I fitted an internal service valve. This has the added advantage of allowing me to drain the outside pipes in winter. At the end of the day, if someone is determined to steal your water, and you're away, there's not much that could protect the tap. Anything wooden or metal could be smashed off with a sledgehammer. Personally I think you're better off leaving the tap exposed so that any would-be- scrote can see immediately that it's not working and moves onto the next house. |
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#20
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
"TheScullster" wrote in message
... Hi all Tried a quick google on this but no joy. Does anyone make a lockable security box or cover for an outside tap (preferably one that doubles as an insulation box)? I've just installed a tap to the front of the house and don't want any little oiks getting their hands on it and sending the water meter spinning. You can get like normal taps that have a padlock fitted. In the last place I worked gypsies moved into the wasteland next door and ran a hose pipe to the outside tap in the loading area (bloomin cheek). Next day a tap with a padlock appeared. Need to remove padlock before you can turn the tap. |
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#21
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
In uk.d-i-y, David Hansen wrote:
Some people don't even bother to turn an external tap off in winter and get away with it because any ice can expand back inside the house. I forgot to turn the outside water off one year and the collar of the plastic connector burst, resulting in a spectacular fountain. So I fastened it back together with two nylon cable ties as a temporary measure. That was about six years ago, and it's still "temporary". http://www.thedowerhouse.com/temporary.jpg I like to think that the elasticity of the cable ties makes a future burst less likely. -- Mike Barnes |
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#22
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
"Mike Barnes" wrote in message ... In uk.d-i-y, David Hansen wrote: Some people don't even bother to turn an external tap off in winter and get away with it because any ice can expand back inside the house. I forgot to turn the outside water off one year and the collar of the plastic connector burst, resulting in a spectacular fountain. So I fastened it back together with two nylon cable ties as a temporary measure. That was about six years ago, and it's still "temporary". http://www.thedowerhouse.com/temporary.jpg I like to think that the elasticity of the cable ties makes a future burst less likely. Nice one. I would call it "semi-permanent engineering". I bet you replace the part for £2 when you want to sell the house to make an impression on prospective buyers and never get your moneys worth out of the new part. Adam |
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#23
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
fred wrote:
In article , Tim Southerwood writes Dave Plowman (News) wrote: In article , TheScullster wrote: Tried a quick google on this but no joy. Does anyone make a lockable security box or cover for an outside tap (preferably one that doubles as an insulation box)? I've just installed a tap to the front of the house and don't want any little oiks getting their hands on it and sending the water meter spinning. Remove the handle or fit an internal stopcock? There is a type with a square peg, shrouded flush by a round tube where the handle would normally be. The "key" is a normal looking brass tap handle with a square hole in a round stem. Kinda like an inverse railway carriage key. Square key type is the norm for a drain cock and the shroud makes it a lockshield type. Having spent the best part of the day running round loosening and tightening drain cocks and radiator bleed valves, I was just wondering - is there a key available which fits the drain cocks to put in my pocket along with the bleed valve key? David |
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#24
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
On Fri, 11 May 2007 17:42:44 +0000, Lobster wrote:
fred wrote: In article , Tim Southerwood writes Dave Plowman (News) wrote: In article , TheScullster wrote: Tried a quick google on this but no joy. Does anyone make a lockable security box or cover for an outside tap (preferably one that doubles as an insulation box)? I've just installed a tap to the front of the house and don't want any little oiks getting their hands on it and sending the water meter spinning. Remove the handle or fit an internal stopcock? There is a type with a square peg, shrouded flush by a round tube where the handle would normally be. The "key" is a normal looking brass tap handle with a square hole in a round stem. Kinda like an inverse railway carriage key. Square key type is the norm for a drain cock and the shroud makes it a lockshield type. Having spent the best part of the day running round loosening and tightening drain cocks and radiator bleed valves, I was just wondering - is there a key available which fits the drain cocks to put in my pocket along with the bleed valve key? David =================================== It depends on what you're already using. The nearest I've come to such a thing is a double ended brake adjusting spanner with a square rather than hexagon - different sizes on each end. Look at the top spanner in this pictu http://www.eurocarparts.com/sealey/images/VS026.jpg You'll probably get one at Halfords, but if all else fails I think an 8mm open ended spanner will do the job. Cic. -- =================================== Using Ubuntu Linux Windows shown the door =================================== |
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#25
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
On Fri, 11 May 2007 17:42:44 GMT, Lobster
mused: fred wrote: In article , Tim Southerwood writes Dave Plowman (News) wrote: In article , TheScullster wrote: Tried a quick google on this but no joy. Does anyone make a lockable security box or cover for an outside tap (preferably one that doubles as an insulation box)? I've just installed a tap to the front of the house and don't want any little oiks getting their hands on it and sending the water meter spinning. Remove the handle or fit an internal stopcock? There is a type with a square peg, shrouded flush by a round tube where the handle would normally be. The "key" is a normal looking brass tap handle with a square hole in a round stem. Kinda like an inverse railway carriage key. Square key type is the norm for a drain cock and the shroud makes it a lockshield type. Having spent the best part of the day running round loosening and tightening drain cocks and radiator bleed valves, I was just wondering - is there a key available which fits the drain cocks to put in my pocket along with the bleed valve key? Yep. Sure any decent plumbers merchants should have one. My Dad had a triple pronged one with 3 sized fittings on it for different things. -- Regards, Stuart. |
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#26
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
On Fri, 11 May 2007 19:22:16 +0100, Lurch wrote:
On Fri, 11 May 2007 17:42:44 GMT, Lobster mused: fred wrote: In article , Tim Southerwood writes Dave Plowman (News) wrote: In article , TheScullster wrote: Tried a quick google on this but no joy. Does anyone make a lockable security box or cover for an outside tap (preferably one that doubles as an insulation box)? I've just installed a tap to the front of the house and don't want any little oiks getting their hands on it and sending the water meter spinning. Remove the handle or fit an internal stopcock? There is a type with a square peg, shrouded flush by a round tube where the handle would normally be. The "key" is a normal looking brass tap handle with a square hole in a round stem. Kinda like an inverse railway carriage key. Square key type is the norm for a drain cock and the shroud makes it a lockshield type. Having spent the best part of the day running round loosening and tightening drain cocks and radiator bleed valves, I was just wondering - is there a key available which fits the drain cocks to put in my pocket along with the bleed valve key? Yep. Sure any decent plumbers merchants should have one. My Dad had a triple pronged one with 3 sized fittings on it for different things. Also the "meter box key" from screwfix fits both drain off points and bleed points. -- Ed Sirett - Property maintainer and registered gas fitter. The FAQ for uk.diy is at http://www.diyfaq.org.uk Gas fitting FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/GasFitting.html Sealed CH FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/SealedCH.html Choosing a Boiler FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/BoilerChoice.html Gas Fitting Standards Docs he http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/GasFittingStandards |
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#27
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
TheScullster wrote:
Does anyone make a lockable security box or cover for an outside tap (preferably one that doubles as an insulation box)? This looks like it's exactly what you asked for: http://www.arrowvalves.co.uk/productdetail.php?id=73 and this IMO looks interesting: http://www.arrowvalves.co.uk/productdetail.php?id=24 |
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#28
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
On Sun, 13 May 2007 00:15:39 +0100, (Steve Firth)
wrote: TheScullster wrote: Does anyone make a lockable security box or cover for an outside tap (preferably one that doubles as an insulation box)? This looks like it's exactly what you asked for: http://www.arrowvalves.co.uk/productdetail.php?id=73 and this IMO looks interesting: http://www.arrowvalves.co.uk/productdetail.php?id=24 I spotted this on their site (which I did not know): The minimum level of protection required for a HU tap in a house garden is a Double Check Valve. HU taps incorporating two check valves cartridges (now described as HUK1) are no longer acceptable for new exterior installations. This design is prone to frost damage so the regulations now require a Double Check Valve to be provided upstream of the HU tap inside the thermal envelope of the building (where applicable) and protected from freezing. |
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#29
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
"mike" wrote The minimum level of protection required for a HU tap in a house garden is a Double Check Valve. HU taps incorporating two check valves cartridges (now described as HUK1) are no longer acceptable for new exterior installations. This design is prone to frost damage so the regulations now require a Double Check Valve to be provided upstream of the HU tap inside the thermal envelope of the building (where applicable) and protected from freezing. Thanks Mike Picked that up just 1 day too late. Don't intend re-working the piping again to add an internal check valve. Phil |
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#30
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
On Mon, 14 May 2007 09:18:53 UTC, "TheScullster"
wrote: "mike" wrote The minimum level of protection required for a HU tap in a house garden is a Double Check Valve. HU taps incorporating two check valves cartridges (now described as HUK1) are no longer acceptable for new exterior installations. This design is prone to frost damage so the regulations now require a Double Check Valve to be provided upstream of the HU tap inside the thermal envelope of the building (where applicable) and protected from freezing. Thanks Mike Picked that up just 1 day too late. Don't intend re-working the piping again to add an internal check valve. I did mention it six days ago...unless you mean you fitted one externally. -- The information contained in this post is copyright the poster, and specifically may not be published in, or used by http://www.diybanter.com |
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#31
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
"Bob Eager" wrote Picked that up just 1 day too late. Don't intend re-working the piping again to add an internal check valve. I did mention it six days ago...unless you mean you fitted one externally. I did read your post, Bob, but understood that your were referring to the double check valve arrangement within modern outside taps. These I was aware of and have fitted a suitably specified tap. The requirement that a separate device should be fitted internally instead due to concerns over frost failure is news to me though. Phil |
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#32
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Outside Tap Security Box - Is there such a thing?
On Mon, 14 May 2007 13:40:11 UTC, "TheScullster"
wrote: "Bob Eager" wrote Picked that up just 1 day too late. Don't intend re-working the piping again to add an internal check valve. I did mention it six days ago...unless you mean you fitted one externally. I did read your post, Bob, but understood that your were referring to the double check valve arrangement within modern outside taps. These I was aware of and have fitted a suitably specified tap. The requirement that a separate device should be fitted internally instead due to concerns over frost failure is news to me though. News to me too! As it happens, that's what I have here anyway....! -- The information contained in this post is copyright the poster, and specifically may not be published in, or used by http://www.diybanter.com |
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