Posted on May 6th, 2025

Ever found yourself in the middle of a task by your garden, only to realise you must traipse back inside for water? It can disrupt the flow of chores and turn a simple activity into a prolonged one. If you’ve experienced moments like these, it might be worthwhile to consider the convenience of an outside tap. 

Understanding the Benefits of an Outside Tap

Installing an outside tap can significantly simplify your outdoor chores, making garden maintenance and other tasks more manageable. If you've ever wrestled with long hoses trailing through open windows or lugged buckets from your indoor taps, you'll understand the value of having an immediate water source outside. 

An outside tap can be a valuable addition to any home. Not only does it provide convenience, but it also offers a range of benefits that make it a worthwhile investment. Here are some of the top benefits of having an outside tap:

• Convenient Access to Water: With an outside tap, you no longer have to carry heavy watering cans or buckets around your garden. You can easily connect a hose to the tap and have access to a steady supply of water.
• Time-Saving: Having an outside tap means you can quickly fill up a watering can or hose, saving you time and effort.
• Protects Your Indoor Plumbing: Using an outside tap for tasks like watering your garden or washing your car can help protect your indoor plumbing from wear and tear, extending its lifespan.
• Cost-Effective: By using an outside tap for tasks like watering your plants, you can save money on your water bill compared to using a sprinkler system.
• Multi-Purpose: An outside tap can be used for a variety of tasks, such as cleaning outdoor furniture, washing the car, and filling up a paddling pool for the kids.
• Increases Your Property Value: An outside tap is considered a desirable feature for potential homebuyers, which can increase the value of your property.

An outside tap offers numerous benefits that can make your life easier and more efficient. From saving time and money to protecting your indoor plumbing and increasing your property value, it is a valuable addition to any home. Consider installing an outside tap for a more convenient and hassle-free outdoor experience.

Exploring Different Types of Outside Taps and Their Fittings

When delving into the various types of outside taps available, realizing the differences can significantly enhance their functionality for your needs. The most common type is the standard hose union bib tap, which is versatile and allows easy connection to garden hoses. This kind of tap usually features a quarter turn lever or a traditional faucet handle, making it user-friendly for quick water access outdoors. 

When it refers to choosing the right outside tap for your home, there are many options available. From traditional brass taps to modern stainless steel fittings, each type offers unique benefits and features. Let's explore different types of outside taps and their fittings so you can make an accurate decision for your outdoor space:

• Brass taps: These are the most common type of outside tap and are known for their durability and classic look.
• Stainless steel taps: These taps are more modern in design and are resistant to corrosion and rust.
• Plastic taps: These taps are lightweight and affordable, but may not be as durable as other types.
• Self-closing taps: These taps automatically shut off after use, making them a great option for water conservation.
• Wall-mounted taps: These taps are attached to the wall and can save space in smaller outdoor areas.

In addition to the type of tap, it's worthwhile to consider the fittings as well. The most common fittings for outside taps include:

• Hose connectors: These fittings allow you to easily attach a garden hose to your tap for watering plants or washing your car.
• Threaded fittings: These fittings are used to connect two pipes together and are absolutely necessary for proper installation of your tap.
• Quick-connect fittings: These fittings allow you to easily switch between different attachments, such as a sprinkler or pressure washer.

No matter what type of outside tap and fittings you choose, make sure they are of good quality and properly installed for long-lasting use. With the right tap, you can enjoy a convenient and functional outdoor space for years to come.

Should You Go DIY or Hire a Professional?

Are you considering installing an outside tap for your home or business? While it may seem like a simple task, hiring a professional can offer numerous benefits and guarantee a successful installation. Let's take a look at some of the reasons why hiring a professional is the best choice for installing an outside tap:

• Expertise and Experience: Professional plumbers have the knowledge and experience to properly install an outside tap. They are trained in the latest techniques and have the necessary tools to complete the job efficiently and effectively.
• Proper Equipment: Installing an outside tap requires specialized equipment that most people do not have on hand. By hiring a professional, you can be confident that the job will be done with the right tools and equipment.
• Time and Cost Savings: While it may seem like a DIY project can save money, it can actually end up costing more in the long run. A professional can complete the installation quickly and efficiently, saving you time and potential costly mistakes.
• Quality Workmanship: A professional plumber will verify that the outside tap is installed correctly and to the highest standards. This means you won't have to worry about leaks or other issues that can arise from an improper installation.
• Guarantees and Warranties: Most professional plumbers offer guarantees and warranties for their work. This provides peace of mind and ensures that any issues that may arise will be taken care of by the professional at no additional cost to you.

Hiring a professional for installing an outside tap offers numerous benefits, including expertise, proper equipment, time and cost savings, quality workmanship, and guarantees and warranties. Don't take any chances with a DIY installation, trust a professional to get the job done right.

Related:  Signs Your Hot Water Cylinder or Thermostat Needs Replacing

Conclusion

Imagine stepping out into your garden, hose in hand, ready to tackle the day’s to-do list with ease. An outside tap could be your ticket to that serene productivity. Day after day, as you water your plants or wash your car, the installation’s worth really hits home. Ultimately, it's not just convenience you're buying; it’s an improved lifestyle, an upgraded experience of your own space. 

With Mike Lee Plumbing and Heating, I can make certain each connection, seal, and fitting aligns precisely with your needs and expectations. Not only do we cover valves and pipes for the cold months, but we advise on optimal maintenance routines, ensuring use without hassle year-round. I'm your trusted plumber in Horsham, offering standard outside tap installation for your home. 

A typical installation runs straight from the inside, such as a kitchen sink or cloakroom, directly to the outside. This simple setup is perfect for garden watering, car washing, and outdoor cleaning. But there's more! We specialize in plumbing-based improvements like gas installations and key repairs and replacements—building systems resilient against time and weather.

If it’s maintenance on existing setups, that’s in your comfort zone; after all, routine checks prevent unforeseen complications. Wondering about what's possible for your outdoor water supply? Click above or email us at [email protected] for your queries or give us a ring at 07341 664280. We’re here to enhance your living spaces with practical solutions built around your lifestyle, leaving you with more opportunities to relish your garden—rain or shine.