Outside Tap Fitting Guide: How to Fit an Outdoor Garden Tap

Fitting an Outside Tap at Home

Fitting an outside tap is one of the most useful upgrades you can make to a home, garden or workshop area. Once installed, it makes everyday outdoor jobs much easier, from watering plants and filling buckets to washing the car, rinsing tools, connecting a hosepipe or using a pressure washer.

For many UK homes, an outside tap can be fitted close to an existing cold water supply, often near a kitchen sink or utility room. If the internal pipework is accessible and you are comfortable with basic DIY plumbing, it can be a manageable job with the right fittings. If you are unsure about the pipework, backflow protection or drilling through an external wall, it is always safer to call a qualified plumber.

At DIY Refurb, we stock a wide range of outside taps, bib taps, wall flanges and garden tap fittings suitable for garden watering, hose connections, pressure washers and general outdoor maintenance.

For a convenient all-in-one option, the Brass Quick Connect Bib Tap FULL Connection Kit includes the main fittings needed for a through-wall outdoor tap connection, including a brass bib tap, wall plate, flexi hose, self-cut valve, screws, wall plugs and PTFE tape.

Before You Start: Important Safety and Compliance Checks

Before fitting an outside tap, take time to check three things: where the cold water supply is, where the tap will be positioned outside, and whether the installation has suitable backflow protection.

Backflow protection is important because a hose connected to an outside tap can create a contamination risk. Water can flow backwards into the drinking water supply if a hosepipe is submerged in a bucket, trough, puddle, drain or pond. For normal domestic garden watering or personal vehicle washing, handheld hoses are typically treated as a lower-risk domestic use, but suitable backflow protection is still required.

In many domestic installations, this means using a compliant double check valve. A double check valve helps prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the mains drinking water supply.

What Is an Outside Tap Used For?

An outside tap gives you a convenient outdoor water point without needing to carry water through the house. Common uses include:

• Watering gardens, lawns, planters and hanging baskets
• Connecting a hosepipe
• Filling buckets, watering cans and cleaning tubs
• Washing cars, bikes and garden tools
• Connecting selected pressure washer setups
• Rinsing patios, paths and outdoor surfaces
• General outdoor cleaning and maintenance

For higher-risk uses, such as ponds, hot tubs, animal areas, chemical dosing systems, irrigation systems or commercial environments, the backflow requirements may be different. If the tap will be used for anything other than normal domestic garden and cleaning tasks, get professional advice before installation.

What Comes in the Brass Quick Connect Bib Tap FULL Connection Kit?

The Brass Quick Connect Bib Tap FULL Connection Kit is designed to help create a reliable outdoor water point through an external wall.

The kit does not include tools. The self-cut valve also creates a permanent hole in the pipe, so it must be positioned correctly before tightening.

What Else Might You Need?

Even with a complete fitting kit, you may need a few extra items depending on your property, pipework and installation method.

For a simple DIY installation on suitable 15mm copper pipe, the full tap kit gives you a strong starting point. For more complex pipework, unusual materials or installations where compliance is unclear, it is best to get professional advice.

Which Outside Tap Fitting Do I Need?

Different outside tap fittings suit different jobs. If you are replacing an existing tap, upgrading a hose connection or fitting a new outdoor water point, choosing the right fitting will make the installation easier and more reliable.

For the widest choice, browse the full outside taps and flanges collection. The range includes fittings for garden watering, car washing, hose connections, pressure washers and general outdoor water access.

For a ready-to-install option, choose the Brass Quick Connect Bib Tap FULL Connection Kit.

How Much Does It Cost to Fit an Outside Tap?

The cost depends on whether you fit it yourself or hire a plumber. A DIY installation is usually cheaper if you already have the required tools and a suitable cold water pipe close to the external wall. Your main cost will usually be the tap kit, any extra backflow protection required, and small accessories such as pipe insulation or hose connectors.

If you hire a plumber, the cost will vary by region and complexity. A straightforward outside tap installation is often a relatively short job when there is a suitable water supply close to an outside wall. The job may cost more if the plumber needs to run pipework over a longer distance, access awkward pipework, lift flooring, box in pipes, or install extra valves and backflow protection.

Choosing the Best Position for an Outside Tap

The best position for an outside tap is usually on an external wall close to an internal mains cold water pipe. In many homes, this will be near the kitchen sink, utility room or downstairs cloakroom.

A good outside tap position should be:

• Close to where you will use the water most often
• High enough to fit a bucket or watering can underneath
• Easy to access for turning on, off and isolating in winter
• Clear of air bricks, vents and damp-prone areas where possible
• Away from electrical fittings and hidden services
• Close to internal pipework to keep the pipe run short
• Protected from knocks by bins, gates, vehicles or garden equipment

Avoid fitting the tap too low to the ground, as this can make hose connection and bucket filling awkward. Also avoid creating long runs of external pipework if possible, as exposed pipework is more vulnerable to freezing and weather damage.

Can You Fit an Outside Tap Yourself?

You may be able to fit an outside tap yourself if:

• You can safely identify the correct cold water pipe
• The pipework is accessible
• The pipe material is suitable for your chosen connection method
• You can isolate the water supply
• You can safely drill through the wall
• You understand where backflow protection is required
• You can test the installation for leaks before use

However, you should stop and call a plumber if:

• You are not sure which pipe is the mains cold supply
• You cannot find or operate the stopcock
• You are drilling near electrical cables or unknown services
• The pipework is lead, steel, damaged, hidden or unusual
• The installation needs long pipe runs or altered pipework
• You are not sure whether a double check valve is present
• The tap will be used for ponds, hot tubs, animal areas or irrigation systems
• You notice leaking after installation
• You are not confident working with plumbing fittings

A badly fitted outside tap can cause leaks, damp, frost damage or contamination risk, so it is worth getting help if you are uncertain.

Ways to Fit an Outside Tap

There is more than one way to fit an outside tap. The best method depends on your pipework, skill level and the type of finish you want.

1. Self-Cutting Valve Installation

A self-cutting valve clamps onto suitable 15mm copper pipe and creates a feed point without needing to cut out a section of pipe. This can make installation simpler for DIY users, especially where the pipe is easy to access.

The DIY Refurb full tap kit includes a self-cut valve designed for 15mm copper pipe. The valve creates a permanent hole, so the clamp position should be checked carefully before tightening.

2. Compression Tee Installation

A compression tee installation involves cutting the cold water pipe and fitting a tee connection, usually with an isolation valve and suitable backflow protection. This can create a neat and serviceable installation, but it requires more plumbing confidence than a self-cutting valve.

3. Soldered Copper Installation

A soldered copper installation can be strong and permanent, but it requires more skill, preparation and appropriate safety precautions. This method is usually better suited to experienced DIYers or professional plumbers.

4. Existing Outside Tap Replacement

If you already have an outside tap and simply want to replace a leaking or worn tap, the job may be much simpler. You may only need a replacement bib tap, PTFE tape and basic tools. However, you should still check the condition of the wall plate, threads, pipework and backflow protection before use.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fit an Outside Tap

The following steps describe a typical through-wall outside tap installation. Always follow the instructions supplied with your fittings and adapt the method to your property.

Step 1: Plan the Pipe Route

Start by locating the nearest suitable cold water pipe inside the property. This is often under the kitchen sink or in a utility room. Check where the tap will appear on the outside wall and make sure the internal and external positions line up sensibly.

Look for anything that could make the job harder, such as cupboards, appliances, electrical sockets, hidden pipes, wall vents or thick masonry.

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply

Turn off the water supply at the main stopcock or at a suitable local isolation valve if one is already fitted. Open a nearby cold tap to release pressure and drain water from the pipe.

Keep towels and a small bucket nearby, as water may still escape when the pipework is opened or connected.

Step 3: Mark the Outside Tap Position

Mark where the tap and wall plate will sit on the outside wall. Use a level if needed so the tap sits neatly. Make sure there is enough space to attach a hose connector and enough clearance underneath for a bucket or watering can.

Step 4: Check for Hidden Pipes and Cables

Before drilling, check both sides of the wall for electrical fittings, pipework, sockets, switches and other services. Use a suitable detector where needed.

Do not drill if you are unsure what is behind the wall.

Step 5: Drill Through the Wall

Drill through the external wall carefully using a suitable masonry bit. The hole needs to be large enough for the through-wall pipe section to pass through without being forced.

Drill slowly and steadily to avoid damaging the brickwork, internal wall finish or surrounding masonry.

Step 6: Fit the Wall Plate

Position the wall plate over the drilled hole and mark the fixing points. Drill the fixing holes, insert suitable wall plugs and screw the wall plate securely to the wall.

A firm wall plate is important because hoses are often pulled, twisted and removed during use. A loose wall plate can cause leaks or movement at the tap connection.

Step 7: Apply PTFE Tape to Threaded Joints

Wrap PTFE tape around the male threads where required. Apply it in the direction the fitting will tighten so it does not unravel as the joint is assembled.

Use enough tape to help create a watertight seal, but do not apply so much that the fitting becomes difficult to tighten properly.

Step 8: Fit the Outdoor Bib Tap

Screw the bib tap onto the wall plate or threaded outlet. Tighten carefully with an adjustable spanner, making sure the tap finishes in the correct upright position.

Do not overtighten brass fittings. They should be secure, but excessive force can damage threads or fittings.

Step 9: Connect to the Internal Cold Water Pipe

Inside the property, connect the through-wall pipework to the cold water supply using the correct method for your kit and pipework.

If using a self-cutting valve, make sure it is positioned correctly on suitable 15mm copper pipe before tightening. Once tightened, the valve pierces the pipe and creates a permanent connection point, so check the location carefully first.

If using a compression tee or other plumbing method, make sure all joints are correctly seated and tightened before turning the water back on.

Step 10: Check Backflow Protection

Before using the tap with a hose, confirm that suitable backflow protection is in place. A double check valve allows water to flow in the intended direction but helps prevent it from flowing backwards into the drinking water supply.

If your installation does not already have suitable backflow protection, you may need to install a compliant valve or ask a qualified plumber to assess the setup.

Step 11: Turn the Water Back On

Turn the water supply back on slowly. Watch the internal connection, wall plate, tap thread and any valves for signs of dripping.

Open the outside tap gently and allow water to run. Then close it again and check all joints.

Step 12: Test for Leaks

Inspect the installation carefully inside and outside. Look for small drips, damp patches, water marks or movement around the wall plate.

If you see a leak, turn the water off before adjusting the fitting. Do not ignore small leaks, as they can become bigger over time and may cause damp or water damage.

Common Outside Tap Fitting Mistakes

Avoiding common mistakes will help make the installation safer, neater and longer lasting.

Fitting the Tap Without Checking Backflow Protection

This is one of the biggest issues. A hose connected to an outside tap can allow contaminated water to be drawn back into the drinking water supply if the correct protection is not fitted.

Drilling Without Checking for Services

Never drill through a wall without checking for hidden pipes, cables and other services. This is especially important near kitchens, utility rooms, sockets and appliances.

Positioning the Tap Too Low

A low tap may look discreet, but it can be awkward to use. Make sure there is room for a hose connector, bucket or watering can.

Leaving Pipework Exposed

External pipework is more exposed to frost and weather damage. Keep the external pipe run as short as possible and insulate exposed pipework where required.

Overtightening Brass Fittings

Brass fittings need to be secure, but overtightening can damage threads or crack fittings. Tighten carefully and test for leaks.

Forgetting an Isolation Valve

An isolation valve lets you turn off the outside tap without shutting off water to the whole house. It is especially useful for winter draining and future maintenance.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems After Fitting an Outside Tap

If water is leaking inside the property or wall, turn the supply off and deal with it immediately. Hidden leaks can cause damp, mould and structural damage if left unresolved.

How to Protect an Outside Tap in Winter

Outside taps are exposed to cold weather, so winter protection is important. Frozen water can expand inside the tap or pipework, causing leaks or burst fittings.

Before freezing weather arrives:

1. Turn off the internal isolation valve if one is fitted.
2. Open the outside tap to drain remaining water.
3. Disconnect the hosepipe.
4. Store hoses indoors or somewhere protected.
5. Insulate exposed pipework.
6. Check the tap again after freezing weather has passed.

Disconnecting the hose after use is also good practice because hoses can hold stagnant water and increase the risk of backflow contamination.

If your outside tap is exposed to cold weather, an insulated tap cover can offer extra protection during winter. It should not replace proper isolation and draining, but it can help protect the tap body from frost. You can view examples of outdoor tap covers here.

How to Maintain an Outside Tap

Once fitted, an outside tap should need very little maintenance, but a few simple checks will keep it working properly.

Check the tap regularly for:

• Drips from the outlet
• Leaks around the wall plate
• Loose hose connectors
• Damaged washers
• Cracked or weathered fittings
• Frost damage after winter
• Movement when hoses are attached
• Signs of damp around the internal connection

Disconnect hoses after use, especially in winter. If you use the tap regularly with a pressure washer or hose reel, check the connector and washer more often, as these parts can wear over time.

When Should You Call a Plumber?

You should call a plumber if the installation is not straightforward or if you are unsure about any safety or compliance issue.

Use a professional if:

• You cannot identify the correct cold water pipe
• The stopcock does not work
• The pipework is difficult to access
• You need a long pipe run
• You are unsure about backflow protection
• You need to alter existing plumbing
• You find damaged or corroded pipework
• You need to drill in a risky location
• You are fitting a tap for higher-risk uses
• You notice leaks after installation

A standard outdoor tap can be a simple job for a plumber when there is a nearby water supply. It becomes more complicated when there is no easily accessible water source close to the outside wall.

Recommended Products for Outside Tap Fitting

For a simple DIY-friendly setup, the Brass Quick Connect Bib Tap FULL Connection Kit is a practical choice. It includes the main fittings needed to create a through-wall outdoor water point, including the brass bib tap, wall plate, 15mm flexi hose, self-cut valve, screws, plugs and PTFE tape.

This kit is ideal for:

• Garden tap installations
• Outdoor hose connections
• General outdoor water access
• DIYers wanting a convenient fitting kit
• Professionals looking for a ready-to-install parts set

For other setups, including replacement taps, barbed fittings, double taps, MDPE flange kits and individual wall plates, browse the full outside taps and flanges range.

Outside Tap Fitting FAQs

Do I need a double check valve for an outside tap?

Yes, outside taps should have suitable backflow protection. A compliant double check valve helps prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the drinking water supply. If you are unsure whether your installation has one, ask a qualified plumber.

Can I fit an outside tap myself?

You may be able to fit an outside tap yourself if you are confident with basic DIY plumbing, can identify the correct cold water pipe, can safely isolate the water supply and can drill through the external wall safely. If you are unsure, use a qualified plumber.

Can I fit an outside tap without cutting copper pipe?

Some outside tap kits use a self-cutting valve that clamps onto suitable 15mm copper pipe. This can create a feed point without cutting out a pipe section, but it creates a permanent hole and must be positioned correctly before tightening.

Where is the best place to fit an outside tap?

The best place is usually on an external wall close to an internal mains cold water pipe. This keeps the pipe run short and makes installation easier. Common locations include outside a kitchen, utility room or downstairs cloakroom.

How high should an outside tap be fitted?

There is no single height that suits every property, but the tap should be high enough to easily attach a hose and fill a bucket or watering can. Avoid fitting it so low that it becomes awkward to use.

Can I connect a hosepipe to an outside tap?

Yes, most outside taps are designed for hose connection, either through a threaded outlet, snap-on connector or hose union fitting. Always disconnect the hose after use and check that suitable backflow protection is installed.

Can I use an outside tap with a pressure washer?

Usually yes, provided the tap has a suitable hose connection and enough water flow for the pressure washer. Always check the pressure washer manufacturer’s requirements and make sure the hose connection is secure.

Why is my outside tap leaking?

Common causes include a worn washer, poor hose connector, loose threaded joint, damaged PTFE seal, cross-threading or frost damage. Turn the water off before adjusting fittings or replacing parts.

How do I stop an outside tap freezing?

Turn off the internal isolation valve, open the outside tap to drain water, disconnect the hose and insulate exposed pipework. This helps reduce the risk of frozen water expanding inside the tap or pipe.

How long does it take to fit an outside tap?

A straightforward installation can often be completed quickly when there is a nearby water supply and easy access. DIY installation time depends on your tools, experience, wall type and pipework layout.

Final Thoughts

An outside tap is a simple upgrade that can make garden watering, car washing, outdoor cleaning and hose use much easier. The key to a good installation is planning the position carefully, using suitable fittings, checking for backflow protection and testing thoroughly for leaks before regular use.

For a convenient DIY-friendly option, choose the Brass Quick Connect Bib Tap FULL Connection Kit. It includes the main fittings needed to create a through-wall garden tap connection, including a brass bib tap, wall plate, flexi hose, self-cut valve, fixings and PTFE tape.

For replacement taps, wall flanges, barbed taps, double taps and other outdoor water fittings, browse the full outside taps and flanges collection.