How to Fit an Outside Tap

For avid gardeners, installing an outside tap in the garden can offer a multitude of benefits, making gardening tasks more convenient and efficient. In this guide we show you how easy it is to fit an outside tap in your garden.

How to fit an outside tap

Fitting an outside tap can be done in a few minutes.

Firstly, turn your water off at the mains. Then turn on your garden tap to let any remaining water run out.

Next remove the old tap. This may prove difficult, especially if the tap has been in place for a long time. It may help to spray some lubricant in the area where the tap connects to the pipe, or carefully apply heat using a blowtorch, which will cause it to expand and loosen.

Once you have removed the old outdoor tap scrub the inside of the pipe with a hard bristled toothbrush to clear away any debris.

Now, you can just screw your new garden tap onto the pipe by hand, ensuring you avoid any cross threading. Depending on the fitting type, you may need some white plumbers PTFE tape. When you get to the point where you can’t turn the tap any further by hand, use an adjustable spanner to tighten the tap up completely. Be careful not to over tighten which could cause damage to your tap.

Then, turn on the mains water supply and check if the new outside garden tap is working correctly. If there are any leaks, further tightening may be required.

To replace an outside tap, you shouldn’t need a plumber to assist, however we do recommend you contact a plumber to fit the tap if you haven’t already got one.

UK water regulations specify that outside taps are protected by a double check valve. Ideally these should be fitted inside the house before the pipe goes outside.

It is important to drain the tap when any frost is due, as it is the water in the tap that freezes causing damage. Turn your water off at the mains, then turn on your garden tap to let any remaining water run out. If the supply pipe rises upwards from the ground it would be a good idea to have a drainage point fitted at the base of the pipe to drain the water.

The benefits

Firstly, having easy access to water outdoors eliminates the need to lug heavy watering cans or drag hoses through the house, saving time and effort. With an outside tap, watering plants, washing tools, and filling up buckets becomes a hassle-free endeavour.

Furthermore, during dry spells or hot summer months, regular and consistent watering is crucial for maintaining healthy plants. An outside tap ensures a reliable water source, helping keen gardeners keep their garden flourishing even in challenging weather conditions.

Additionally, an outside tap facilitates the use of garden hoses with attachments such as sprinklers, spray nozzles, and pressure washers, enabling gardeners to customize their watering and cleaning routines to suit their specific needs. This versatility enhances the overall gardening experience and allows for more precise and effective care of plants and outdoor spaces.

Moreover, having an outside tap can promote water conservation by encouraging the use of rainwater harvesting systems or water butts, which can then be connected to the tap for eco-friendly irrigation. By utilizing natural water sources, gardeners can reduce their reliance on mains water and contribute to sustainability efforts.

In summary, for keen gardeners in the UK, fitting an outside tap in the garden brings unparalleled convenience, efficiency, and versatility, ultimately enhancing the enjoyment and success of their gardening endeavours.