Fitting an outside tap

DIY Difficulty Level 6/10

An outside tap has a number of practical uses and can make life much easier when doing gardening jobs, cleaning the car and filling the kids paddling pool. For the outside tap to be compliant with Water Regulations, a double-seal non return valve must be included as part of the installation. This will ensure that you do not send any dirty water back to the main supply.

It would be wise to double check your area’s Water Regulations regarding outside taps. This is because there are some very heavy penalties for breaking the regulations and fines of up to £1000 are rare, but not unheard of. You will need to consider things like how far away from a Listed building your tap might be, if it is on the boundary or where the valves are etc. The best idea would probably be to get in touch with your local Water Board before you start work as they should be able to advise on exactly what is required for compliance purposes. These rules are usually pretty complicated so it’s definitely worth getting someone who knows what they’re talking about involved before you start drilling through

You will also need to provide a means of shutting off the water and draining the pipework in winter and consider keeping the outside pipe length as short as possible. A lot of people opt for a self cutting stop tap which includes a non return valve to help keep the job simple.

Step 1

Turn off and drain the mains supply.

Step 2

Find an appropriate place to fit a T-joint where the supply will run to the new outside tap.

Step 3

We need to run a short length of pipe to an accessible position for another stopcock or service valve. Also for the non-return valve if the tap doesn’t come with one.

Top (Important!) tip

Make sure the arrows on all fittings are fitted in the direction of the flow.

Step 4

Fit a drain cock after the non return valve (between the non return valve and the tap.

Step 5

Run a pipe through the wall and inside a length of plastic overflow pipe. This will allow you to spot leaks quickly and prevent the water from soaking into the masonry.

Step 6

Wrap PTFE tape around the tap thread and then screw it onto the wall plate attached to the masonry outside.

Step 7

Turn the mains supply back on, checking for leaks. Turn the outside tap on to confirm it is working as it should.

Check for leaks regularly to ensure everything is in good working order.

If you found this guide helpful, why not check out our other plumbing guides such as how to install a toilet or how to fit a basin? We also have a wide range of electrical guides if you’re interested in taking on more wiring projects around the home.

Is fitting an outside tap a diy job?

Fitting an outside tap can be done as a diy job, provided you have some basic plumbing skills and the location of the tap is close to an existing water supply. You will need to have some tools and materials handy, including a pipe wrench, a soldering torch, solder, copper pipe, and fittings as well as a drill. It

How much does it cost to fit an outside tap?

In 2022, the average cost to fit a single outside tap in the North West of England is £55. The will increase further south and into London, could be closer to £100.

Can push fittings be used outside?

Push fittings aren’t really suitable for outdoor taps because it would need too much clearance from the wall and the tap would be sticking out quite far, which would not look good. Soldered fittings are the best way to go for outside taps.

Should an outside tap have an isolation valve?

Yes, according to the building regulations, every outside tap should have an isolation valve so that the water supply can be turned off without having to go into the house. This is a safety measure in case there is a leak in the pipe or if the tap needs to be repaired.

More plumbing jobs to do? Our articles on installing a toilet or plumbing in a basin can help.