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How Much Does it Cost to Install a Hot Water Outdoor Tap?
Once people realise they can have hot water outside, the next question is usually whether it's something that's going to cost hundreds or thousands of pounds. The honest answer is...it depends. Two houses can look almost identical from the outside, but the amount of plumbing work involved can be completely different depending on where the existing pipework is and where you want the tap.
That said, I know it's helpful to have some realistic figures before you start getting quotes and many installations are much more straightforward than people expect, so I thought I'd explain what typically affects the price and give you some guide costs based on the work we carry out across London.
Typical Cost of Installing a Hot Water Outdoor Tap
As a rough guide, these are the prices I'd expect for most installations:
Every property is different and the final cost will depend on the location, pipework and complexity of the installation. If you're looking at a much larger outdoor project with features like an outdoor shower, sauna or pool area, costs can increase significantly because of the additional plumbing and groundwork involved.
| INSTALLATION | TYPICAL COST* |
|---|---|
| Standard cold water outdoor tap | From £250 + VAT |
| Connect an outdoor tap to the hot water supply | Around £150 + VAT |
| Basic hot water outdoor tap installation | From £400 + VAT |
| More complex installations | £600–£1,200+ |
Why Isn't There a Fixed Price?
People often expect there to be one standard price, but plumbing rarely works like that. I've been to houses where we've been able to pick up the hot and cold water supplies just inside the wall, making the installation relatively straightforward.
I've also been to properties where the customer wanted the tap on the opposite side of the house, meaning we had to extend pipework through several rooms before we could even get outside.
Although the finished tap might look exactly the same, the amount of work behind the scenes can be very different.
What Affects the Cost?
The final price will depend on several factors, but these are usually the biggest ones...
Where You Want the Tap
This is usually the biggest factor. If the outside wall backs onto a kitchen, utility room or another area with existing hot and cold water supplies, installation is often much simpler.
If you want the tap further away from your existing plumbing, more pipework is needed, which naturally increases both the labour and material costs. Sometimes moving the tap a metre or two can make a surprising difference to the overall price.
The Type of Tap You Choose
Not all outdoor taps are the same. A basic outdoor tap connected to the hot water supply is usually the cheapest option. However, many homeowners choose to spend a little more on a proper outdoor mixer tap, giving them full control over the water temperature.
If you've got children or pets, I'd usually recommend considering either a thermostatic mixing valve or a purpose-made frost-free outdoor mixer tap. They offer better temperature control, improved safety and are designed to cope with outdoor conditions.
The initial cost is a little higher, but they're generally a better long-term investment.
The Age and Layout of Your Property
Older properties can sometimes present additional challenges. Pipework may not be where you expect it to be, and access can occasionally be more restricted than in newer homes.
Every house is different, which is why I always recommend looking at the property before giving a fixed quotation.
Is a Hot Water Outdoor Tap Worth the Extra Cost?
Personally, I think this is where many people change their minds. Initially, they're only considering a standard cold outdoor tap because it's cheaper. But once we start talking about how they'll actually use it, hot water often makes far more sense.
For example, I regularly install them for homeowners who want to:
- Wash muddy dogs after walks.
- Fill paddling pools more comfortably.
- Rinse off after gardening.
- Clean sports equipment and muddy boots.
- Wash bicycles.
- Prepare for a future outdoor shower installation.
Once you've used warm water outside, it's hard to imagine going back to cold-only.
Can You Save Money on The installation?
In many cases, yes. One of the easiest ways to reduce costs is to position the tap as close as possible to existing plumbing. The less pipework we need to install inside the property, the quicker and simpler the job usually becomes.
If you're already having other plumbing work carried out, it can also make sense to install an outdoor hot water tap at the same time, as some of the labour involved may overlap.
Rather than choosing the exact location first and asking whether it's possible, I'd always suggest having a conversation with your plumber before making any final decisions. We can often recommend a position that works just as well but is much more cost-effective.
Thinking About an Outdoor Shower?
Quite a few customers who ask me about hot water outdoor taps are actually planning something bigger. Sometimes they're thinking about washing the dog outside. Other times they're creating a garden room, installing a sauna or simply making better use of their outdoor space.
A hot water outdoor tap can often be the first step towards a future outdoor shower. If that's something you've been considering, you might find these guides useful:
A hot water outdoor tap can often be the first step towards a future outdoor shower. If that's something you've been considering, you might find these guides useful:
Outdoor Dog Shower: Why More Homeowners Are Installing Hot Water Outside
Showering Outdoors: Why More Homeowners Are Installing Outdoor Showers
They explain the different options and the types of installations we're seeing more and more across London.
My Advice
If you're already thinking about installing an outdoor tap, I'd encourage you to think about how you'll actually use it over the next few years, not just today.
Installing a hot water outdoor tap costs more than a standard cold tap, but for many homeowners it's one of those upgrades that quickly becomes part of everyday life. Whether it's washing the dog after a muddy walk, filling a paddling pool, cleaning bikes or simply making outdoor jobs that little bit easier, it's an investment that adds both convenience and flexibility.
If you're not sure what's possible at your property, we're always happy to come out, have a look and give honest advice about the options available.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can Any Outdoor Tap Be Connected To Hot Water?
In many cases, yes, although the existing plumbing needs to be suitable. A plumber can assess your property and recommend the best way to connect the hot water supply.
Does A Hot Water Outdoor Tap Use More Energy?
Using hot water will naturally use more energy than cold water because your boiler or hot water system needs to heat it. However, for most households, occasional use for washing dogs, gardening or cleaning equipment has a relatively small impact on energy bills.
Will A Hot Water Outdoor Tap Freeze In Winter?
Like any external plumbing, it needs to be protected from freezing temperatures. Frost-free taps and insulated pipework can help reduce the risk, and in some cases isolation valves allow the external section to be drained during winter.
How Long Does Installation Take?
A straightforward installation can often be completed in a few hours. More complex jobs involving longer pipe runs or difficult access may take longer.
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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