Install a new outside tap

⭐ Introduction

Installing a new outside tap is a straightforward way to improve your garden’s watering system or create an external water source for cleaning, car washing, or filling water features. You might need a new tap if your old one is leaking, damaged, or if your property doesn’t currently have one. Adding an outside tap can also help avoid trailing hoses through the house, preventing mess and water damage indoors.

For homeowners in the UK, having an outdoor tap is especially useful during warmer months, but a properly installed tap should also be frost-proof or easily drained to avoid burst pipes in winter.

🔧 What the job involves

Fitting a new outside tap means connecting a water supply pipe from inside your property to a suitable location outside, then fixing and testing the tap so it works safely and reliably.

The plumber will:

• Choose the best spot for the tap, usually near where you’ll want easy access outdoors.
• Tap into your indoor cold water mains, often under the kitchen sink or in a utility room.
• Install suitable piping (often plastic or copper) outside, ensuring it’s properly insulated or fitted with frost protection.
• Fit the tap itself—which is usually a simple ball valve or bib tap—securely to an external wall with appropriate sealing to avoid leaks.
• Test the tap and piping for leaks and correct pressure.

Because water pipes inside homes are considered part of the “water supply system”, this work should be done carefully to comply with UK plumbing standards (BS EN 806 and Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999). A qualified plumber will ensure the tap is installed safely and prevents contamination or waste.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

1. Initial enquiry
   Contact a local qualified plumber or plumbing firm, explaining you want to install a new outside tap. Ask for advice on location and any requirements.

2. Survey and quote
   The plumber visits your home to assess the site, water supply location, and wall type. They determine pipework needs and any challenges, then provide a written estimate.

3. Appointment booking
   Agree a date for the installation that suits both you and the plumber. Confirm access arrangements and any preparations needed (e.g., clearing garden areas).

4. Day of works
   The plumber arrives, isolates the water supply if needed, drills or fits pipework through walls, installs the tap, and tests the system. They tidy up and explain how to use and maintain the tap.

5. Completion and paperwork
   Receive any guarantees or paperwork for the work done, plus any recommendations for seasonal maintenance. Payment is usually made at or shortly after completion.

💷 Main costs to expect

• Labour: Typically £70–£100 per hour for a qualified plumber. Installation may take 2–4 hours depending on complexity.
• Materials: Pipes, fittings, tap valve, wall sealant, and frost-proof kits if required, approximately £30–£80.
• Wall penetration: Some walls (brick, stone, concrete) may need special drill bits or labour, possibly adding £20–£50.
• Disposal: Minimal, but removing old taps (if any) or clearing debris could add a small fee.
• Certification: Not normally required for outside tap installation, but if linked to a larger plumbing project certified work or compliance certificates may be needed.

Example itemisation:

• Labour (3 hours at £85/hr): £255
• Materials + tap: £50
• Wall drilling: £30
• Total (excl. VAT): £335

📊 What affects the price

• Access to the water supply and outside wall
• Type and thickness of external wall (solid brick, stone, or insulated cladding)
• Distance between the water source and outside
• Requirement for frost protection or anti-siphon devices
• Whether existing pipes must be replaced or upgraded
• Any necessary building consents (rare, but if altering structural walls)
• Urgency or restricted time windows
• Additional works like external frost-proof tap trenching or insulation

⏱ How long does it take?

• Simple installation: Around 2–3 hours, when close to an indoor water supply and on a standard brick wall.
• More complex jobs: 4+ hours if long pipe runs or difficult walls require specialist tools or extra sealing work.

Installing a tap is usually a half-day job rather than a full-day, unless it forms part of a bigger external plumbing project.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

While a basic outside tap can seem straightforward, most homeowners should hire a qualified plumber because:

• Water supply connections need to be watertight and safe to prevent contamination or leaks.
• Drilling exterior walls and routing pipework correctly can be tricky.
• Outdoor taps must be frost-proof or properly drained to prevent pipe bursts in winter—improper installation risks costly damage.
• Bringing water outside usually involves altering your plumbing system, which should comply with Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.

If you have plumbing experience and the right tools, it’s possible to DIY a tap replacement or simple installation on an existing outdoor plumbing stub. However, installing a pipe from inside and fitting a new tap is best left to professionals.

💰 Typical UK price range

Most outside tap installations cost between £250 and £450 including labour and parts, before VAT. VAT is charged at 20% for most plumbing services unless qualifying for a reduced rate (e.g., certain renovation works on dwellings).

Remember, prices vary by region and job complexity, so always get multiple quotes.

✅ Handy tips before you start

• Check the exact location you want the tap and consider proximity to your water source.
• Clear the outdoor area to allow easy access for the plumber.
• Ask about frost protection options if your garden tap will be used year-round.
• Keep all paperwork—receipts, guarantees, and any advice given—for future reference or potential seller disclosure.
• Consider seasonal maintenance: in winter, drain or insulate your outside tap to avoid freezing damage.
• Confirm if your plumber offers a warranty on their work and the materials they use.

Following these steps will ensure your new outside tap is a useful, reliable addition to your home’s water system.