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Why Outdoor Taps and Pipes Need Winter Protection
A burst pipe is one of the most disruptive and expensive things that can happen in a cold snap. Outdoor taps are particularly vulnerable because they stick out from the warmth of the house, and any water left in the tap or pipe can freeze, expand and split the metal. The first you may know about it is when a thaw comes and water begins to pour out of the wall.
The good news is that protection is cheap and simple. A few pounds spent on tap covers and pipe lagging in October can save you a lot of trouble later on. We have picked five covers and a roll of lagging that deal with the usual problem areas, along with some advice on draining the system properly.
At a Glance: Tap Covers and Pipe Insulation Compared
| Product | Type | Best For | Approx Price |
| BEEWAY Outdoor Tap Cover | Fabric cover | Standard and bulky taps | around £4-7 |
| Thickened Insulated Tap Cover | Fabric cover | Budget protection | around £4-7 |
| Medipaq Outside Tap Cover | Thermal jacket | Single tap | around £5-8 |
| Enlarge Tap Cover with Thinsulate | Insulated cover | Exposed taps | around £10-14 |
| Tap Cosy Cover, 2 Pack | Two covers | Multiple taps | around £8-12 |
| Climaflex Pipe Lagging 22mm | Foam lagging | Exposed pipework | around £10-14 |
Prices are approximate and change with stock.
The Products, One by One
1. BEEWAY Outdoor Tap Cover for Winter
A large, insulated outdoor tap cover at a very low price. Covers like this slip over the tap and are fastened with a drawstring or cord, trapping air around the tap to slow heat loss. The large size is handy for bulkier taps or those with hose connectors attached.
Pros: Very cheap, large size suits bulky taps, easy to fit.
Cons: Basic fabric covers will wear out after a few winters, and they only slow the cold rather than stop it.
Who it suits: anyone wanting inexpensive cover for a standard outdoor tap.
- BEST FROST PROTECTION - The BEEWAY outdoor tap cover is specially designed to protect your outdoor taps from freezing and bursting, ensuring no costly surprises during the winter. It provides a separate, dry, and warm space for your faucets.
- WATERPROOF DESIGN - Made from high-quality 420D Oxford fabric with a waterproof coating, the BEEWAY outdoor tap cover offers excellent waterproof functionality. This ensures effective protection against moisture, preventing your garden tap from getting wet, especially on rainy or snowy days.
- BETTER INSULATION EFFECT - The BEEWAY outdoor tap cover is filled with thick cotton padding, which enhances its insulation capabilities, ensuring superior protection against extremely cold weather conditions. Moreover, it can be repeatedly used for year-round protection of your faucets, shielding them from rain, wind, sun, rust, and rot.
- EASY TO USE - Simply slide the outdoor tap cover over the faucet and fasten it with the convenient hook and loop strap. Install and remove in seconds, making it a hassle-free experience.
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY - The BEEWAY outdoor tap cover is designed to fit all standard taps, measuring 22 x 18 cm, ensuring easy compatibility regardless of the type of faucet you have.
2. Outside Tap Cover for Winter, Thickened Insulated Waterproof
Marketed as thickened, insulated and waterproof, this is another low-cost cover for outdoor taps. A thicker lining gives more insulation than a thin shell, and the waterproof outer helps stop the lining soaking up rain, which would reduce its effect.
Pros: Thicker insulation than basic covers, waterproof outer, very low price.
Cons: Cheap generic products vary in quality, so check the cover is secure after fitting.
Who it suits: budget-minded gardeners who want an easy cover.
- FROST PROTECTION - AUGOLA outdoor tap covers are designed to avoid any costly surprises this winter by protecting your outside taps from freezing and bursting.
- BETTER INSULATION - Compared with other outside tap covers, ours for winter are filled with thicker cotton, which means they will provide better insulation and can withstand harsher conditions.
- WATERPROOF DESIGN - The garden tap protector is made of 210D Oxford waterproof material, with strong waterproof function. Passing standardized environmentally friendly dyeing and environmentally friendly PU coating can protect the insulating padding inside the jacket from getting wet, especially on rainy or snowy days.
- REFLECTIVE STRIP DESIGN - Outdoor faucet covers with reflective strips, which effectively help you find the taps clearly at night, avoid collisions in the dark night, and extremely improve the security for you and your family.
- EASY TO USE - Just slip the tap jacket over the tap and secure it with the hook and loop strap. Keep the tap sealed inside the insulating protector, and you could adjust the tightness by adjusting the strap. It is easy to remove and re-install when you need to use the water.
3. Medipaq Outside Tap Cover (Thermal Frost Protector Jacket)
A thermal jacket for outside taps that wraps around and fastens in place. It comes from a long-running UK-sold brand and is a well-established type of product. As with all covers, it is best fitted before the first frost and combined with turning off and draining the supply inside the house.
Pros: Established design, thermal jacket style, easy to fit.
Cons: A basic jacket cannot stop a hard frost on its own, so it should not be relied on in isolation.
Who it suits: a simple, reliable cover for a single tap.
- PREVENT COSTLY WINTER DAMAGE - Frozen outdoor taps can result in expensive repairs and plumbing problems. Protect your garden taps from frost damage this winter with our outdoor tap cover
- DURABLE AND WEATHERPROOF DESIGN - Made from premium weatherproof materials, our outdoor tap cover is built to endure even the harshest winter weather. It keeps your taps protected from frost, ensuring they remain functional all season.
- EASY TO INSTALL - Our tap insulation cover fits most standard outdoor taps and installs in seconds. Simply slip it on for instant frost protection—no tools or complicated setup required.
- USE YOUR TAP WHILE PROTECTED - Unlike other tap covers that completely enclose the tap, our design allows you to continue using your outdoor tap without removing the cover. Whether you’re filling a watering can or rinsing tools, your tap remains accessible while staying protected from frost.
- SECURE FIT FOR MAXIMUM PROTECTION - Our outside tap cover frost protector is designed for a snug and secure fit, ensuring reliable insulation to keep the cold out and your tap safe from freezing temperatures.
4. Enlarge Outside Tap Covers with 3M Thinsulate
This cover uses 3M Thinsulate insulation, a well-known material used in outdoor clothing and gloves, which is designed to trap heat while staying relatively thin. It costs more than basic covers, but for a tap that is exposed to the worst of the weather, the better insulation could be worthwhile.
Pros: Uses Thinsulate insulation, better insulation than basic covers, good for exposed taps.
Cons: Costs more than the basic covers, and any cover still needs the supply to be turned off for real protection.
Who it suits: exposed taps in colder parts of the country.
- Enlarge Size – 10” height x 6.3” wide opening (26cm x 16cm), fits for most standard wall faucets. It is about one inch or two larger than most of other faucet covers, so that it can reach the side of your house, cover every inch of your outdoor spigot.
- Upgraded Materials for Freeze Protection - Made of 3M Thinsulate insulation and double layers 420D Oxford waterproof coating cloth help protecting your outside spigot during the harsh winter or UV damage in hot summer. Prevent faucet pipes freezing, bursting and blowouts, which may cause expensive repairs.
- Drawstring Makes It Easier to Use - Put the cover on the faucet and tighten the drawstring, 2 seconds to finish. No more tools and screws. Keep your faucet cover in place and no worry dogs to get it away. Works well with various faucet types, such as garden spigots, hose bibs, water taps, etc.
- Avoid High Repair Costs - Protects your outdoor faucets from freezing, bursting and blowouts due to the severe weather conditions like snow, rain, wind and sun exposure heating. Avoid expensive cost for valve replacing and repair every year.
- Notice: If your environment is still at low temperature, please try not to remove the cover and open the faucet. Because the water pipe may become brittle under the influence of low temperature, if the faucet is opened at this time, there is a possibility of water pipes bursting.
5. Outside Tap Cover for Winter, 2 Pack Tap Cosy Cover
A pack of two waterproof tap covers, which is useful if you have more than one outside tap, or want a spare. Buying two at once usually lowers the cost per cover, and a spare is handy for a garage tap or a greenhouse water supply.
Pros: Two covers in a pack, waterproof, handy for several taps.
Cons: Not the thickest option, and sizes may not fit large or unusual taps.
Who it suits: homes with two outside taps, or a tap in the greenhouse.
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY - 51x21 CM - 2 PACK, Suitable for most types of faucets, such as garden faucets, taps, water pipes, water hose bibs. Please measure the size before purchase. Cover them all to save your money.
- REFLECTIVE STRIP DESIGN - Outdoor faucet covers with reflective strips which effectively help you to find the taps clearly at night, avoid collisions in the dark night, and extremely improve the security for you and your family.
- BETTER INSULATION - Compared with other outside tap cover, our outside tap cover for winter are filled with thicken cotton, which means it will provide better insulation, can withstands harsher conditions.
- EASY TO USE - Just slip tap jacket over the tap and secure with the hook and loop strap, keep the tap sealed inside the insulating protector, and you could adjust the tightness by adjusting the strap. Easy to remove and re-install when you need to use the water.
- FROST PROTECTION - OUTTDID outdoor tap cover are designed to avoid any costly surprises this winter by protecting your outside taps from freezing and bursting.
6. Climaflex Pipe Insulation Foam Lagging, 22mm x 9mm
Tap covers protect the tap, but the exposed pipes leading to it can freeze too. Foam lagging is the standard solution, and it slips over the pipe or is cut to length and secured with tape or cable ties. A 22mm pipe size is common for domestic plumbing, but check the pipe diameter before you buy.
Pros: Standard foam lagging, easy to cut and fit, protects exposed pipework, essential for outdoor pipe runs.
Cons: Needs to be the right size for the pipe, and foam may need weatherproof protection outdoors.
Who it suits: anyone with exposed pipes in a garage, outhouse or along an outside wall.
- 1m lengths
- Genuine New Climaflex Branded closed-cell Polyethylene Pipe Insulation for pipes.
- Slit down one side for ease of putting on, highly flexible, dust free, easy install
- Non absorbent by water - ok for outdoor usage
- CFC and HCFC free (ozone depletion potential of zero)
Buying Guide: Protecting Taps and Pipes from Frost
Turn off and drain first
A cover only slows the cold, and it is not a guarantee. The best protection is to turn off the supply to the outside tap using the isolation valve inside the house, open the outside tap to let the water drain, and then leave it open so any remaining water has room to expand. If there is no isolation valve, ask a plumber to fit one.
Choose the right size
Measure the tap and any fittings before buying. A cover that is too small will not close properly, and one that is too big will let cold air in. Taps with a hose connector attached usually need a larger cover, or the hose should be removed for winter.
Disconnect and drain hoses
A hose left connected can hold water, which will freeze and damage the tap. Drain it fully, coil it loosely and store it out of the weather. Our hose and hose reel guides cover how to choose and store them.
Lag exposed pipes
Any pipes in garages, outbuildings or along outside walls should be wrapped in foam lagging. Cut the foam to length, slip it over the pipe and seal the joints with tape, making sure that bends and fittings are covered too.
Keep water butts and pumps safe
A full water butt can crack in a hard freeze. Leave some room for the ice to expand, disconnect any diverters or hoses, and bring pumps and timers indoors for winter.
Check regularly in cold snaps
Keep an eye on the forecast. When a hard frost is expected, check covers are secure, make sure any dripping taps are repaired, and keep the heating on at a low level if you will be away.
How to drain an outside tap
- Disconnect the hose and any attachments from the tap.
- Find the isolation valve inside the house (often under the kitchen sink or in the garage) and turn it off.
- Open the outside tap fully so the remaining water can drain out.
- Leave the tap open for the winter so any trapped water can expand without damage.
- Fit the cover once the tap is dry, and secure it so it cannot blow off.
In spring, close the tap, turn the isolation valve back on and check for leaks before you reconnect the hose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a cover alone stop a tap freezing?
Not in a prolonged hard frost. It slows the rate at which the tap loses heat, but without the supply turned off and drained, water in the tap can still freeze.
Can I use old towels or bubble wrap?
They work as an emergency fix, but they soak up rain and can freeze solid. A purpose-made cover with a waterproof outer is more reliable.
Do I need to insulate indoor pipes too?
Pipes in unheated spaces such as lofts, garages and under the floor are also at risk, so lagging is worth adding there. Check what is exposed and wrap it before the coldest weather arrives.
Our Recommendation
For most homes, a pack of two simple covers plus a length of foam lagging for exposed pipework is the sensible, low-cost approach. The Enlarge Thinsulate cover is worth the extra for a very exposed tap, and the most important step of all is turning off and draining the supply before the first hard frost.
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