Fixington

Outdoor Faucet

Trade: Plumber

⭐ Introduction

An outdoor faucet, sometimes called an external tap or garden tap, is a simple but essential plumbing feature on many UK homes. It allows you to connect a hosepipe for watering the garden, washing the car, or filling paddling pools without dragging a hose through the house.

You may need a new outdoor faucet if your existing one leaks, is damaged, or doesn’t freeze-proof properly. Installing one can also be part of garden revamps or when fitting an irrigation system. Having a properly working external tap makes outdoor tasks easier and helps prevent water waste or flooding.

🔧 What the job involves

Installing or repairing an outdoor faucet involves connecting a stopcock or valve to your home’s cold water supply, usually from the mains or a storage tank. The plumber fits the tap outside on the external wall, often including a frost-proof valve to stop freezing in winter.

Key points:

  • The plumber will shut off your main water supply before starting.
  • Pipes may need to run from inside your home’s plumbing to the outside wall.
  • A suitable exterior tap, often with a backflow preventer (to stop garden water flowing back into your clean water supply), is installed.
  • The plumber tests the connection to ensure there are no leaks.
  • If replacing a damaged or outdated tap, the old one is removed and disposed of properly.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

  1. Initial enquiry: Contact a reputable local plumber, explaining the outdoor faucet work you need.
  2. Survey and quote: The plumber visits your home to check your existing plumbing and site conditions and provides a written estimate.
  3. Schedule the work: Agree a day and time for the plumber to come and do the installation or repair.
  4. Preparation: It’s helpful to clear access near where the outdoor faucet will go and ensure water can be turned off inside the house.
  5. Work day: The plumber will turn off your water supply, install or repair the outdoor tap, test the system, and tidy up.
  6. Completion and advice: The plumber explains any usage or maintenance advice, issues you should watch for, and provides any warranty or paperwork.
  7. Payment and paperwork: Pay as agreed and keep any certificates or guarantees safely.

💷 Main costs to expect

  • Labour: Time spent on-site, usually charged hourly or as a flat rate.
  • Materials: Outdoor faucet unit, pipe, fittings (including frost-proof or backflow preventers).
  • Extras: Any demolition or remedial brickwork/re-plastering if surface repairs are needed.
  • Disposal: Safe removal of old parts or packaging materials.
  • Certification: Not usually needed for outdoor taps unless connected to other plumbing that requires compliance (Part P does not cover plumbing, but general Building Regulations may apply).

Example costs (approximate):

  • Labour: £80–£120 per hour
  • Outdoor tap unit: £20–£50
  • Fittings and pipe: £20–£40
  • Removal of old tap: £30–£60

📊 What affects the price

  • Access difficulty: Tight spaces or awkward locations can need more time.
  • Complexity: Running new pipework through walls or under flooring adds cost.
  • Required parts: Frost-proof taps, backflow preventers, or matching existing pipe materials.
  • Remedial work: Replacing brickwork, finishing surface repairs, or insulation for winter protection.
  • Regulations: Compliance with local water company requirements or Building Regulations where applicable.
  • Location: Urban properties may be easier to access than rural or listed buildings.
  • Timeline: Emergency or short-notice jobs may attract premium charges.

⏱ How long does it take?

  • Simple tap replacement: Around 1 to 2 hours.
  • New tap installation with straightforward pipework: 2 to 4 hours.
  • Complex installations involving pipe rerouting, frost-proof systems or surface repairs: Half a day or more.

Your plumber can give a better time estimate after inspecting the site.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

While a confident DIYer with plumbing experience might replace a simple outdoor tap, it is generally advisable to hire a qualified plumber. Reasons include:

  • Ensuring the water is safely turned off and not left running.
  • Correctly fitting frost-proof taps to avoid freeze damage.
  • Proper installation of backflow preventers to comply with UK water regulations and protect your drinking water.
  • Avoiding damage to walls or underground pipes.
  • Meeting local rules and maintaining your home insurance validity.

If you are uncertain, a professional plumber can provide peace of mind and a guarantee on their work.

💰 Typical UK price range

For a typical outdoor faucet installation or replacement, expect to pay roughly £120 to £350 including VAT. This estimate includes labour and basic materials but excludes major remedial work or specialist parts.

Prices can vary considerably depending on the factors above. Always get a written fixed-price quote before proceeding.

✅ Handy tips before you start

  • Check for existing water isolation valves near the installation point.
  • Clear the area and protect garden plants or surfaces from water or dust.
  • Ask your plumber about frost protection options if your property is in a colder area.
  • Keep any paperwork, including receipts and guarantees, in case of future problems or insurance claims.
  • After installation, turn off the outdoor tap during winter to avoid freezing or use a tap timer with a built-in freeze sensor.
  • Schedule routine checks or servicing to prolong the tap’s life and maintain watertight seals.
  • Confirm with your plumber that any fittings comply with UK water bylaws and Building Regulations where applicable.

Having a reliable outdoor faucet can make everyday garden tasks far easier and prevent costly leaks or water damage, so it’s worth getting it right from the start.