I noticed my outside tap was leaking and undid the cover plate and it was leaking very slowly on the back of the tap, but this part is actually pushed in to the hole in tho outside wall where the pipe for the water tap is. It has been several days now and all the bricks outside around this area look damp. The floor in the kitchen is approx 3 bricks higher than the outside and the damp bricks start from the 3rd one from the bottom on the outside wall. Could water be sitting in between the outside bricks and the ones inside as i think their is usually a gap beween the layers ? what is the easiest way to find out and sort this out ? I have turned off the supply to the outside tap. Could it just be that it takes a long time for the bricks to dry out.The plastered wall behind he kitchen units on the inside looks ok but is difficult to get to. I apreciate any help..

wayne, September 2010

Thanks for the advice. It has been about a month now since i turned off the water to the outside tap but the bricks and mortar (light coloured) still look damp in the same area. How long should it take to dry out. Thanks.

Wayne, October 2010

Just let it dry out.
If you indend to replace the pipe make sure joints ar outside and inside at a distance they are not half burried in the wall. outsid use plastic cladding over the exit and fit tap or if the need joint. The joint being against the plastic wont effect the wall if it leaks.

Bob, September 2010