Outdoor Tap Replacement

⭐ Introduction

An outdoor tap replacement is a straightforward plumbing job where an existing garden tap, sometimes called a bib tap or external faucet, is removed and a new one fitted in its place. This may be needed if your tap is leaking, cracked, frozen and burst during the winter, or simply outdated and inefficient.

Outdoor taps are essential for watering your garden, washing cars or outdoor equipment. Over time, exposure to weather can cause wear and tear, so replacing a faulty tap helps prevent water wastage and potential damage to your home’s plumbing system.

🔧 What the job involves

Replacing an outdoor tap involves several key steps to ensure the new tap works efficiently and is weatherproof.

• Turning off the water supply: The plumber will isolate the water supply to the outdoor tap, often by closing the internal stopcock or the main stop tap for your property.
• Draining the pipe: The pipe feeding the tap will be drained to avoid water spillage during removal.
• Removing the old tap: The fitting or valve is unscrewed or unthreaded from the pipework at the wall or stop valve.
• Inspecting the pipe: The plumber checks the pipe for any damage such as corrosion or leaks.
• Installing the new tap: A suitable new tap is fitted using appropriate jointing compound or PTFE tape to ensure a watertight seal.
• Testing: The water supply is turned back on and the new tap is tested to confirm it operates without leaks.
• Sealing and finishing: The connection is sealed and the area around the tap may be tidied or sealed against moisture ingress.

In some cases, replacing the tap may involve additional work such as lagging (insulating) pipes to protect against frost or fitting a frost-proof tap for homes in colder parts of the UK.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

1. Enquiry: Contact a qualified plumber, ideally one registered with a professional trade body such as the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE).
2. Survey & quote: The plumber visits to assess the existing setup and provide a fixed or estimated quote, explaining options such as tap style or frost-proof models.
3. Booking a date: Agree on a convenient date and time for the work to be carried out.
4. Day of works: The plumber arrives, isolates the water supply, removes the old tap, fits the new one, tests it, and tidies up the site.
5. Completion: Receive any necessary paperwork or guarantee details, settle the invoice, and keep any documents for your records.

💷 Main costs to expect

• Labour: Usually charged by the hour or fixed job rate, typically £60–£90 per hour.
• Materials/parts: New outdoor tap costs can range from £15 to £60 depending on type (standard or frost-proof).
• Extras: Additional pipework or insulation, if required.
• Disposal: Often included, but some plumbers may charge a small amount for removing the old tap.
• Certification: No specific certification is legally required for outdoor taps, but any internal plumbing works may need notification under Part G of Building Regulations if it affects the internal supply.

Example:

• Labour (1 hour): £75
• Standard outdoor tap: £25
• Minor pipe insulation: £20
• Total: circa £120 (excluding VAT)

📊 What affects the price

• Access: Tight spaces or awkward locations may take longer.
• Complexity: If pipework needs repair or rerouting.
• Regulations/certification: Uncommon for outdoor taps but internal modifications may add cost.
• Remedial works: Damaged pipework, frozen pipe thawing, or wall repairs.
• Location: Tradesman travel distance and local market rates.
• Timeline: Emergency call-outs are typically more expensive than pre-booked visits.

⏱ How long does it take?

• A straightforward replacement usually takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• More complicated jobs involving pipe repairs or insulation could take up to 2 hours.
• Emergencies or severe damage might require a longer visit or follow-up appointment.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

Replacing an outdoor tap is generally possible for handy homeowners familiar with basic plumbing. However:

• You must be confident isolating the water supply safely.
• Correct use of jointing materials is essential to prevent leaks.
• Outdoor taps are subject to frost damage, so installing frost-proof taps or insulating pipework requires some knowledge.

If pipework is damaged, corroded, or buried, hiring a qualified plumber is strongly advised to avoid water leaks or Building Regulations breaches.

💰 Typical UK price range

For a standard outdoor tap replacement, you can expect costs roughly between £100 and £200 (including VAT). More complex jobs with pipe repairs or frost-proof installations may inch towards £250 or more. Always obtain a written quote before work starts.

✅ Handy tips before you start

• Locate your stopcock: Know where to turn off the water supply before the plumber arrives.
• Clear access: Remove obstacles and outdoor furniture near the tap for easy working space.
• Consider frost protection: If you live in a colder area, ask about installing a frost-proof tap or adding pipe insulation.
• Aftercare: Avoid using harsh solvents on the new tap and check periodically for leaks, especially after winter.
• Keep paperwork: Retain invoices and any guarantee documents for future reference and warranty purposes.

By replacing a faulty outdoor tap promptly, you save water, prevent potential damage, and keep your garden running smoothly throughout the year.