Home > Blog > Outdoor Dog Shower: Why More Homeowners Are Installing Hot Water Outside
Outdoor Dog Showers: Why More
Homeowners Are Installing Hot
Water Outside
If you'd asked me five years ago whether I'd be fitting outdoor dog showers, I'd probably have laughed.
These days, though, it's becoming one of those jobs that seems to come up more and more often.
As the Managing Director of a plumbing and heating firm, I spend most of my time helping people with their heating, hot water and plumbing systems. But recently, I've noticed a growing number of homeowners asking, "Can we get hot water outside for washing the dog?" And to be honest, I completely understand why.
We've got a cheeky Labradoodle at home named Marley, who has absolutely no problem finding the biggest, muddiest puddle within a five-mile radius. He'll happily roll around in freezing cold muddy water all day long. Yet when it comes to getting cleaned afterwards, suddenly he's not so enthusiastic.
After one particularly muddy walk, I ended up carrying him upstairs because he refused to get into the bath. By the time we'd finished washing him, I genuinely thought we were going to run out of hot water before the water stopped running brown.
That's actually one of the reasons we're having a hot and cold mixer tap fitted outside our own house. And we're certainly not alone.
Why Are Outdoor Dog Showers Becoming More Popular?
Over the last few years, I've seen a noticeable increase in homeowners wanting hot water outside.
Originally, most outside taps were installed for watering plants, washing the car or filling up a bucket. Now people are using their outdoor water supply for all sorts of things, including:
- Washing muddy dogs
- Rinsing off children after rugby, football and other muddy play
- Cleaning bikes
- Filling paddling pools
- Washing muddy boots
- Outdoor showers
- General garden cleaning
If I had to estimate, I'd say that around half of the enquiries I receive about new outdoor taps now involve some discussion about hot water rather than just a standard cold tap.
People are spending more time in their gardens and making better use of their outdoor space. Once they realise hot water outside is possible, it suddenly makes a lot of sense.
Why Not Just Use The Bath?
Of course, you can wash your dog in the bath, but the problem is everything that happens before and after.
The muddy paw prints through the kitchen, the wet shake halfway up the stairs, the bathroom that looks like a muddy field afterwards. For larger dogs especially, getting them into a bath can be hard work.
An outdoor dog shower allows you to deal with the mess before it ever enters the house. Most homeowners who've had one installed tell me exactly the same thing afterwards...that they wish they’d had it done years ago.
Does a Dog Need Hot Water?
Not necessarily. But warm water is generally much more comfortable for both you and your dog.
Think about it from their point of view. Most dogs will tolerate being sprayed with freezing cold water if they absolutely have to, but it's hardly pleasant, particularly during the colder months.
Warm water helps:
- Make washing more comfortable
- Loosen mud and dirt more effectively
- Help shampoo work better
- Encourage reluctant dogs to cooperate
You don't need bath-hot water. In fact, that's something I always advise against. A comfortably warm temperature is usually ideal.
The Different Ways To Create An Outdoor Dog Shower
There are three main options I discuss with homeowners.
The right one depends on your budget, how often you'll use it and how much control you want over the temperature.
OPTION 1
A FROST-FREE
OUTDOOR MIXER TAP
This is usually my preferred recommendation. Think of it as the outdoor equivalent of the tap you have above your kitchen sink.
It connects to both your hot and cold water supplies and allows you to mix them to your preferred temperature.
The clever part is that all the working components sit inside the property where they're protected from freezing temperatures.
Benefits include:
- Hot and cold water on demand
- Full temperature control
- Reduced risk of freezing
- Long-term reliability
- Ideal for regular dog washing
If you're planning to use it frequently, this is often the best long-term solution.
OPTION 2
Connect An Outdoor Tap To The Hot Water Supply
This is the simpler approach. A standard outdoor tap is connected to the hot water system.
It works, but there are limitations, the biggest downside is temperature control. Depending on what's happening elsewhere in the house (like someone taking a shower upstairs), the water temperature can vary.
Sometimes it might be perfect, but sometimes it could be much hotter than expected. It's a good budget-friendly upgrade but not necessarily the most practical option for regular dog washing/use.
OPTION 3
Install A Thermostatic Blending Valve
This is the option I recommend for homeowners who want maximum control and safety. A thermostatic blending valve mixes hot and cold water before it reaches the outside tap.
You can set a specific temperature (for example around 30°C) and the system maintains that temperature consistently.
Benefits include:
- Consistent water temperature
- Reduced risk of scalding
- Safer for children and pets
- More comfortable for regular use
If you've got young children, pets or you're planning to use the tap regularly, this is often the safest and most user-friendly setup.
What About Outdoor Showers?
One thing that often surprises people is just how many outdoor showers we're installing now. A lot of homeowners are embracing outdoor living more than ever before.
Some people want an outdoor shower for after swimming. Others use them after exercising, gardening or spending time outdoors. I've even had customers tell me they enjoy showering outside because they find it relaxing and enjoy being out in natural daylight.
Whatever the reason, having a reliable hot water supply outside opens up plenty of possibilities beyond simply washing the dog.
How Much Does An Outdoor Dog Shower Cost?
Every installation is slightly different, but as a rough guide: A standard outdoor tap installation is usually around £250 plus VAT.
If you're connecting it to a hot water supply, you're generally looking at roughly another £150 on top.
For a complete hot water outdoor setup, most projects tend to fall somewhere between £400 and £1,200 depending on:
- The distance from existing pipework
- The type of tap selected
- Whether temperature controls are required
- The complexity of the installation
The easiest way to get an accurate figure is to have someone assess the property and see what's involved.
Will It Increase Water Usage?
Yes, it probably will.
Washing a muddy dog can easily use as much water as a normal shower, sometimes more if you've got a particularly enthusiastic puddle-jumper. That said, most dog owners aren't choosing between washing the dog and not washing the dog. They're choosing where they wash the dog.
For many families, the convenience of keeping mud, dirt and wet paw prints outside is worth the additional water usage.
Is An Outdoor Dog Shower Worth It?
If you've got a dog that regularly comes home looking like it's spent the afternoon wrestling in a swamp, I'd say absolutely. It's one of those upgrades that sounds like a luxury until you've got one. Then it quickly becomes something you use all the time.
For dog owners, it makes cleaning easier. For families, it's useful for muddy children, sports kits and paddling pools. And for homeowners generally, it adds another practical feature to the garden.
As someone who's installed plenty of these systems over the years (and is now fitting one at my own house) I can safely say it's a trend that's only becoming more popular.
And if you've ever had to carry a stubborn muddy Labradoodle upstairs to the bath, you'll understand exactly why.
If you are thinking of installing an outside hot water tap for either your pet or your family, we’d be happy to chat through your options. Contact us when you’re ready to find out more.
Oliver Osmore has been part of Maintracts Services since 2001, following in his father’s footsteps. As Managing Director, he ensures the company runs smoothly, supports customers and engineers, and thrives on solving complex problems others can’t. Highly organised and approachable, Oliver works closely with customers to deliver tailored solutions, drawing on his extensive experience in plumbing, heating, and electrical services to resolve enquiries efficiently.
Since 1974, Maintracts Services has built a reputation for high-quality installation, maintenance, and repairs. Under Oliver’s leadership, the company remains committed to professionalism, safety, and customer satisfaction.
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