Expert Advice On Fitting An Outside Tap

Adding an outside tap to your property is one of the most practical upgrades you can make, whether it's for watering the garden, washing the car, cleaning patios, or even setting up a rainwater harvesting system. While it may seem like a simple task, a well-fitted outdoor tap requires careful planning, proper pipework, and the right fittings to ensure reliable performance throughout the year. 

From choosing the ideal location to insulating pipes against frost, understanding the essentials can help you avoid water leaks, low pressure, or winter damage. Whether you're exploring a DIY approach or thinking of hiring a professional, having the right advice from the start makes all the difference. 

At Maintracts Services, we've been helping London homeowners with plumbing installations since 1974. With over 50 years of experience, our qualified team ensures that every outside tap we install is secure, leak-free, and built to last, regardless of the job's complexity. 

If you need help installing your garden tap, call us on 020 8682 2244 or contact us online to book an expert plumber today. 

 

 

Why Install An Outside Tap?

An outside tap makes everyday outdoor tasks much easier. From watering flower beds and rinsing muddy boots to filling paddling pools and washing down patios, it provides quick, easy access to water exactly where you need it. 

Fitting an external tap also helps reduce wear and tear on your indoor plumbing. Rather than running long hoses through kitchen or bathroom windows, you can use a dedicated garden tap that connects directly to your outdoor space. 

It's also a smart long-term investment. Whether you're planning a garden upgrade or installing a rainwater harvesting system, having an exterior tap in place gives you flexibility for future improvements. 

At Maintracts Services, we often install outside taps for: 

• General garden watering 
• Pressure washing driveways or vehicles 
• Filling water butts or outdoor storage tanks 
• Connecting irrigation systems 
• Supporting pet or livestock care 

No matter your reason, our team can help you choose the right location, fittings, and connections for a clean, professional installation. 

Also Read: Garden Tap Problems? Causes And Fixes 

 

How To Fit An Outside Tap: A Step-By-Step Guide

Fitting an outside tap involves more than just drilling a hole and connecting a pipe. To ensure long-term performance, water efficiency, and protection against winter damage, the installation must be carefully planned and executed to a high standard. 

Here's a step-by-step guide that covers everything from selecting the right tap to completing a safe and professional installation.

1. Choose The Tap Location

Select a spot on an external wall that's close to an internal cold-water supply, ideally the kitchen or utility room. Make sure the area: 

• Allows for secure fixing of the tap 
• It provides easy access for attaching a hose 
• Is not obstructed by garden furniture or tight corners 

If you're planning to use a hosepipe regularly, consider how far it needs to reach and where you'll store it when not in use.

2. Turn Off The Water Supply

Before making any plumbing changes, isolate the water supply using the internal stopcock. This prevents leaks or water damage during the installation process. 

If you don't have an accessible stopcock, now's a good time to consider having one fitted — it will make future maintenance easier.

3. Install An Isolation Valve

Fit a dedicated isolation valve to the cold-water feed inside the property. This allows you to shut off water to the outside tap independently, which is essential for: 

• Preventing pipe bursts in winter 
• Carrying out repairs or upgrades safely 

This valve is typically installed under the sink or close to where the pipework branches off.

4. Drill The Wall For Pipe Access

Drill a hole through the wall where the pipe will pass from the internal supply to the external tap. Make sure to: 

• Use a suitable masonry drill bit 
• Drill at a slight downward angle to prevent water from collecting inside 
• Sleeve the pipe to protect it from abrasion 

Once the pipe is in place, seal the hole using outdoor-grade sealant or mortar.

5. Extend And Secure The Pipework

Run a new pipe from the isolation valve to the planned tap location. Depending on your setup, this may involve: 

• Copper pipe for durability 
• Plastic pipe for easier routing and flexibility 

Ensure all pipework is: 

• Fully insulated with external-grade lagging 
• Clipped and supported at regular intervals 
• Connected using the correct compression fittings 

6. Fix The Outside Tap

Attach the tap to the wall using a tap-fixing plate or backplate elbow. Use masonry plugs and screws to secure the fitting in place. 

Once the tap is in place: 

• Connect the pipe to the tap using a compression joint 
• Tighten all fittings with a spanner 
• Check for movement. The tap should feel firm and stable 

Tip: Use a double-check valve to prevent backflow, especially if you're connecting to hosepipes or irrigation systems.

7. Insulate And Protect External Pipes

Protect all exposed pipework with weatherproof insulation sleeves. This step is essential to prevent freezing in cold weather. 

In colder months, always: 

• Turn off the internal isolation valve 
• Open the outside tap to drain any trapped water 

This prevents frozen water from expanding in the pipe and causing it to burst.

8. Test The Tap

Turn the water supply back on and check the system for: 

• Smooth water flow 
• No leaks at joints or fittings 
• Easy operation of the isolation valve and tap handle 

If everything runs smoothly, your outside tap is ready to use. 

For safe and compliant installation, especially where extensive pipework or drilling is involved, it's best to contact a qualified plumber. Call Maintracts Services on 020 8682 2244 or request a quick quote.    

Also Read: How To Clear An Outside Drain Blocked With Fat  

 

Choose Maintracts Services For Expert Outside Tap Installation

A professionally fitted outside tap adds real convenience to your home, from easier garden care to quick outdoor cleaning. At Maintracts Services, we specialise in safe, tidy, and frost-protected installations that are built to last. Whether you're upgrading your garden setup or need a quick same-day fit, our experienced London plumbers are ready to help. 

Here's why homeowners across London trust us for their outside tap installations: 

• Over 50 years of plumbing experience in London homes 
• Same-day appointments are available across London 
• Expert guidance on tap placement, pipework, and frost protection 
• Honest, fixed quotes with no hidden costs 

Call 020 8682 2244 or book online to get your outdoor tap professionally installed by trusted local plumbers.