Your Guide to Fitting an Outside Tap and Hose

Whether you have a broken tap, want to replace an old unit, or are fitting an outside tap for the first time, it’s one of the smartest home improvements you can make. An outdoor tap makes garden maintenance far easier and opens up a range of outdoor uses all year round.

But while fitting an outside tap might sound straightforward, getting it right requires the correct pipework, a water-tight connection and compliance with UK water regulations. Including the fitting of an approved non-return valve. One mistake can lead to costly leaks or a failed inspection.

That’s why most homeowners choose to leave it to a qualified plumber. A professional will have your outside tap fitted safely, correctly, and often within a single visit. Helping save you time, hassle and the risk of an expensive repair down the line.

This article will cover:

1. Can an outside tap be fitted anywhere?
2. Fitting an outside tap regulations
3. Equipment needed for changing and fitting an outside tap
4. How to change an outside tap
5. How to fit an outside tap
6. Equipment needed for attaching a hose to an outside tap
7. How to attach a hose to an outside tap
8. How to maintain your outside tap and hose
9. How long does it take to install an outside tap and hose?
10. What is the average outside tap installation cost?

Can an Outside Tap be Fitted Anywhere?

Yes, an outside tap can be fitted in any property with a cold water supply, even if it’s not from the mains. They can also be installed in garages for easier hose attachment and storage.

Fitting an Outside Tap Regulations:

When fitting an outside tap, you must comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings Regulations 1999). This ensures the feature is correctly measured and installed, and reduces the risk of water contamination.

If your property relies only on a private water supply, these fitting and outside tap regulations do not apply. However, we still recommend following them for good practice. Below is a detailed breakdown:

An outdoor tap must be installed with proper backflow protection, such as a double check valve or vacuum breaker.
The entire tap should be designed, installed and regularly maintained to avoid contamination and inefficiencies.
You must sleeve pipes running through a wall to prevent damage, and allow for expansion and contraction.
Garden watering systems that aren’t manually operated require notification to the water supplier.
Outdoor plumbing systems less than than 750 mm or more than 1350 mm below ground level require notification to the water supplier.
Before installing or making significant changes to your plumbing system, including outdoor taps and hoses, you must notify your water supplier.
Your water supplier should undertake an inspection to ensure compliance. Any violations will require immediate action, such as disconnecting the water supply.
It is preferred that hired plumbers are WaterSafe approved and familiar with the regulations.

Equipment Needed for Changing and Fitting an Outside Tap:

Before you undertake outdoor tap installation, depending on the property, may require the following tools and materials:

Adjustable Spanners
Copper or PVC Pipes and Fittings
Drain Plug Fitting
Dust Sheets and Vacuum Cleaner
External Sealant and Gun
Flat Head Screwdriver and Screws
Isolation Valve
Outside Tap
PTFE Tape
Pipe Slice
SDS Drill and Bits
Wall Plugs

How to Change an Outside Tap:

Replacing an outside is fairly simple. All you need to do is:

Locate your stopcock (typically under the kitchen sink)
Switch off your water supply by turning the valve
Check it’s off by using the kitchen tap (ensure there’s no running water)
Turn the body of the tap anti-clockwise until it’s released from the backplate

To remove the old tap, you may need to use one spanner to turn the nut and another to hold the backplate against the wall. This ensures it doesn’t twist or get damaged.

How to Fit an Outside Tap:

Fitting an outside tap is a little more complicated than removing the old one. With that being said, here is what you need to do:

Select an installation spot outside near an existing cold water pipe, usually under the kitchen sink, and ensure there’s enough space for installation.
Use a pipe slice to cut the existing water feed pipe
Measure and cut a section of pipe to fit the T-joint, and attach with compression.
Mark the wall’s drilling point aligned with the T-joint.
Drill a pilot hole, then use a larger bit to drill through the wall, angling slightly downwards.
Install a short pipe section from the T-joint to an isolation valve.
Add another pipe section from the valve to a drain plug (ensure all joints are tight and use PTFE tape).
Cut a length of 22 mm pipe slightly shorter than the hole depth, and then insert the pipe into the sleeve hole.
Attach a 90° bend fitting to the pipe running through the wall (use copper fittings for outside pipes).
Connect the pipe inside and fix it at the desired height for the tap.
Attach the back plate to the wall using a piece of pipe cut to the correct length.
Secure the back plate with wall plugs and screws, and add pipe clips to hold the pipe firmly.
Screw the outside tap onto the backplate and tighten it.
Turn the water back on and check for leaks.
Seal around the pipe with exterior sealant to prevent drafts and water ingress.
Install an insulated outdoor tap cover to protect against freezing.

Equipment Needed for Attaching a Hose to an Outside Tap:

Before attaching a hose to an outside tap, depending on the property, you may require the following tools and materials:

Adjustable spanners
Flat head screwdriver
Clips
End cap
Reels or holders
Union tap connector

How to Attach a Hose to an Outside Tap:

Attaching a hose to an outside tap is a lot easier than it sounds. Below is what you need to do:

Ensure the hose is clean and free of any debris, and check that the hose union tap connector is compatible with both the hose and the outside tap.
Slide the end of the hose over the hose union tap connector.
If using hose clips, position them around the hose where it meets the connector, and then tighten them around the hose and connector using a screwdriver.
Align the connector with the outside tap, and then screw it on, turning it clockwise (if it has a tightening mechanism, use adjustable spanners to secure it).
Turn on the outside tap slowly and inspect the connections for any leaks (tighten the fittings or clips as needed).
If you’re using a hose reel or holder, place the hose onto it to keep it organised. Otherwise, make sure the hose is neatly coiled and not obstructing pathways.
If the hose is not in use, attach a hose end cap to prevent debris from entering the hose and to protect it from damage.

How to Maintain Your Outside Tap and Hose:

It can be a hassle to frequently change your tap and hose. To ensure a long lifespan, we recommend a monthly inspection and undertaking the following seasonal maintenance:

Spring:

Check for leaks and tighten connections
Remove debris and dirt
Inspect for damage and replace if needed
Take off any insulating covers

Summer:

Clean the hose and tap to prevent algae
Check connections and replace worn parts
Use a reel or holder to avoid kinks
Clean or replace tap filters

Autumn:

Drain water, store hose and inspect for damage
Install or check insulation around the tap

Winter:

Keep the tap covered and insulated
Regularly check for leaks and damage

How Long Does It Take to Install an Outside Tap and Hose?

Fitting an outside tap and hose typically takes just one to three hours to install.

However, this depends on the amount of taps and hoses to install, the property type and if any complications occur.

What Is the Average Outside Tap Installation Cost?

To install an outdoor tap yourself, the cost to install an outside tap is around £80 if you don’t already have the tools and materials.

The cost to install outside tap using a professional plumber averages between £120 and £200. This can be reduced by supplying the equipment yourself.

Learning how to install an outside tap is a tough challenge, especially without legal certification. We highly recommend investing in a professional plumber if you are not qualified. While you pay for labour costs, we’ll bring all the correct tools and parts, which further reduces any replacement or repair costs.

Expert Outdoor Tap Installation with GK Plumbing & Heating

While fitting an outside tap is absolutely possible yourself, it can come with risks if you are not experienced. To reduce future repair costs and improve the lifespan of your outdoor tap and hose, it’s best to find a qualified plumber who is familiar with the regulations.

Trust GK Plumbing to replace your old outside tap and hose with a high-quality product. In just a few hours, you and your plants can look forward to cold water without the hassle of carrying a heavy bucket from a kitchen or bathroom. With 25 years of experience, contact our expert team to arrange an appointment.