No isolator valve outside tap

[Ssncraw]

I had an outside tap fitted in summer to my new build. The chap didn’t fit a valve on the inside to cut off the water to the tap. When I questioned him he said it wasn’t needed.
Should he have fitted one? There is a copper length through the cavity which joins the plastic pipe to my mains pipe.
With the cold snap I remembered this and now worried about pipes bursting. I have added a thermal bag outside on the tap.

 

[denso13]

Should he have fitted one?

Yes, and an internal check valve.

 

[Ssncraw]

Yes, and an internal check valve.

Just need to pray that it doesn’t freeze!

 

[CBW]

Should he have fitted one?

Yes, it’s against the law/water regulations not to. Utter tosh that it’s not needed. It’s also you as the homeowner who can be in trouble for not having one fitted, as well as the installer.

 

[JohnD]

It's pretty easy to fit one. I use full-bore Pegler ball valves, which are much more durable and less likely to leak than the 80p cheapos many builders use. The ones with a lever are easiest to use, especially if you are weak, frail or arthritic, but the T handle looks better. You can turn either off with your fingers, no tool required. So I can easily turn mine on and off wen washing the car ir watering the garden

If hiding it is more important than functionality, you can get the type turned with a large screwdriver.

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[Justin Passing]

The normal cheap cr@p ones also have a tiny bore, which you don't want for a garden tap. Make sure it's a "full bore" type regardless of the handle. Don't forget if it's visible/ugly you can take the handle off. A small spanner will serve if you lose it.
Water regs require a check valve, but see if it's incorporated in the outside tap, they often are now. They make it harder to drain the bit of pipe feeding the tap, though, water won't fall through them.

 

[denso13]

but see if it's incorporated in the outside tap, they often are now.

It needs a separate check valve for a new install.

 

[Justin Passing]

It needs a separate check valve for a new install.

Really?
Why's that?
So what's the point of these?

Outside Tap with Double Check Valve 15mm x 1/2" - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Brass and rubber construction. ½" BSP connection. Suitable for water. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

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Or these:

BES.co.uk | Next Day Delivery On 15,000 + Plumbing Supplies

Garden Hose & Fittings / Tap Kit - PN: 19082 - Order Gas and Plumbing Supplies online at BES.co.uk. Low Prices, Free Next Day Delivery Available, 15k Plus Products in stock

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I checked the regs and don't see it, unless people say it has to be separate to allow draining. In which case you could fit a small DOC.

The screw in the middle of a DCV does not, despite what some people think, allow draining.

Edit: I checked the book and it says inside the building so you're right:

 

[oldbuffer]

The ones with check valves in the outside tap itself can only be used as replacements for existing taps. They may not be used for new installations.