Cost to Fit an Outside Tap
How much does it cost to install an outside tap?
The average cost to install an outside tap in the UK is between £80 and £150, including parts and labour. The final price depends on how far the tap is from your internal water supply, the type of fittings you choose, and whether you add extra features such as frost protection or hot water access.
Below, we break down all the costs, regulations, and options to help you choose the best setup for your home.
User submitted prices
| Job type | Description | Price | Units | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Outside tap installation | Fit outside tap including all materials – brass tap with wall plate going directly inside (under kitchen sink) and stop cock | £90 | Total price | North East |
Outside tap installation | Supply and fit (according to water regulations) outside brass tap with double check valve internal isolator and 15mm copper pipe | £107 | Total price | North West |
Outside tap installation | NEW GARDEN TAP | £75 | Total price | West Midlands |
Outside tap installation | outside tap all parts supplied and installed 2m 15mm copper /backplate /tap /double /check valve /isolator | £105 | Total price | North West |
Outside tap installation | To find leak in kitchen which was a burst pipe leading to the outside tap, and repair damage; supply parts and fit new garden tap. | £175 | Total price | North East |
Outside tap installation | to fit outside tap straight off cold feed in kitchen to outer wall all materials provided. | £95 | Total price | North East |
Outside tap installation | Fit outside tap as per current water regulations. Isolation valve, double non return valve, sleeving through cavity, wall plate elbow and bib tap | £103 | Total price | South East |
Outside tap installation | Supply and fit outside tap. 2m worth of pipework and materials supplied and 2hrs labour. | £118 | Total price | North West |
Outside tap installation | to supply outside tap+backplate,double check valve, isolation valve, pipe+all fitted | £75 | Total price | West Midlands |
Outside tap installation | Supply & fit outside tap. | £99 | Total price | North East |
Outside tap installation | tap straight from cold pipe under sink to the out side | £282 | Total price | North East |
Outside tap installation | Isolation valve;double check valve;drain cock;bib-tap & wall plate. Insulated outside and electrically bonded. Total – 2 hrs labour. | £104 | Total price | North West |
Outside tap installation | Outside tap supplied and fitted. | £107 | Total price | North West |
Outside tap installation | supply and fit outside tap, connection made through kitchen wall and took 2 hrs in total | £90 | Total price | South East |
Outside tap installation | Labour and materials for fitting an outside tap. | £114 | Total price | North West |
Outside tap installation | Plumber supplied and fitted outside tap with internal isolator. Clean and tidy excellent work. | £130 | Total price | Yorkshire & the Humber |
Outside tap installation | fit outside tap with 23m pipe and bibcock tap and isolation valve | £205 | Total price | East of England |
Outside tap installation | Fit outside tap | £135 | Total price | London |
Outside tap installation | Supply all materials, tap, 2 metres of plastic pipe,tee, elbows,clips, etc. Plus labour. | £110 | Total price | North West |
What affects the cost of an outside tap installation
Installing an outside tap is a simple home improvement that adds real convenience. Whether you’re watering the garden, washing the car, or filling a paddling pool, an outdoor tap saves time, prevents mess, and makes summer maintenance easier.
While many outdoor tap fittings are straightforward, several factors can affect the total cost.
1. Distance from internal plumbing
If the tap is fitted directly behind a kitchen or utility sink, installation is quick and cheap. However, if the plumber must drill through a thick wall or run longer pipework, expect higher labour charges.
2. Type of property and access
Flats, older buildings, or properties with solid walls take longer to work on. Limited access to internal pipework or external walls can also increase the cost.
3. Type of tap and fittings
A standard brass tap is the most affordable option, usually costing £10 to £20. Decorative or stainless-steel garden taps may cost £30 to £50, while frost-proof models designed for winter protection can be £50 to £70.
4. Water regulations and valves
UK regulations require that every outside tap has a double check valve to prevent contaminated water flowing back into your mains supply. Most modern outside tap kits already include this, but it’s worth checking before purchase.
5. Additional features
Adding a hot water feed, drain-off valve, or frost-protection system will increase both material and labour costs slightly, but can make the installation more versatile and durable.
Typical outside tap costs
| Type of installation | Average total cost | Notes |
| Basic outside tap (next to kitchen) | £80 to £120 | Simple install through one wall |
| Long pipe run / difficult access | £120 to £180 | Includes extra fittings and pipework |
| Frost-proof outside tap | £100 to £160 | Prevents freezing and burst pipes |
| Double outside tap (front and back garden) | £150 to £250 | One cold water line feeding two outlets |
| Hot and cold outside taps | £180 to £300 | For washing pets, tools, or outdoor sinks |
| DIY outside tap kit (materials only) | £30 to £50 | For experienced DIYers only |
Plumber’s hourly rate: £40 to £60 per hour
Typical installation time: 1 to 2 hours
How to install an outside tap
Professional plumbers usually follow these basic steps:
- Identify the nearest cold-water pipe inside the house.
- Fit an isolation valve and a double check valve.
- Drill a small hole through the wall for the copper or plastic pipe.
- Attach the backplate and outside tap fitting.
- Seal the wall and test for leaks.
The process is generally tidy, with minimal disruption. Most installations take less than two hours from start to finish.
Frost-proof and winter-protected taps
In colder parts of the UK, a frost-proof tap is well worth the investment. It includes a self-draining mechanism that prevents water from freezing inside the pipe and causing damage during winter.
Alternatively, you can install a pipe insulation sleeve or add an internal isolation valve, allowing you to shut off and drain the line in cold weather. These options typically add £20 to £40 to the total cost but can prevent expensive repairs later.
Hot water outside taps
If you regularly wash pets, clean tools, or rinse outdoor equipment, a hot water outside tap is a great upgrade.
This type of installation usually involves connecting a second pipe to your domestic hot water supply, often near a utility or kitchen sink. The two pipes can feed a dual tap or mixer unit, allowing you to adjust the temperature outdoors.
Average cost: £180 to £300 depending on access and materials.
This setup should always be installed by a qualified plumber to meet safety and water regulations.
DIY vs professional installation
If your tap will be fitted near an existing cold-water pipe, you might consider a DIY tap kit from a hardware store. These kits cost around £30 to £50 and include a drill bit, pipe fittings, and instructions.
However, DIY plumbing carries some risks. Incorrect fitting can lead to leaks, water damage, or non-compliance with UK water regulations.
DIY installation advantages:
- Lower upfront cost if you have tools
- Good learning project for confident homeowners
DIY installation disadvantages:
- Risk of leaks or freezing
- May void home insurance if installed incorrectly
- No guarantee of compliance with building standards
For most homeowners, hiring a plumber for £100 to £150 offers peace of mind and ensures the installation is leak-free, safe, and long-lasting.
Legal and water safety requirements
According to the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, any external tap connected to a mains supply must:
- Include a double check valve to prevent backflow
- Be fitted with an isolation valve inside the property
- Have proper wall sealing to prevent water ingress
Failing to meet these requirements can lead to contamination risks and potential issues with insurance or resale.
How much water an outside tap uses
A standard garden hose can use 10 to 15 litres of water per minute, meaning a sprinkler left running for an hour could use 600 to 900 litres, which is roughly the same as ten full bathtubs.
To conserve water:
- Use a trigger-operated spray gun rather than an open hose.
- Water early in the morning or evening when less evaporates.
- Install a rainwater butt to collect free water for garden use.
- Check your local authority’s guidance during hosepipe bans or drought conditions.
How to save money on your installation
- Get at least three quotes from local plumbers before hiring.
- Schedule work during quieter months when rates may be lower.
- Prepare the area yourself by clearing access around the wall.
- Combine jobs such as tap installation and other small plumbing tasks to reduce call-out fees.
Installing an outside tap is one of the simplest and most useful upgrades you can make to your home. For most UK households, the total cost is likely to be around £100 on average, and the job can usually be completed in under two hours.
Whether you opt for a standard tap, frost-proof model, or a dual hot-and-cold setup, a professional installation ensures the work is safe, compliant, and built to last. Used responsibly, an outdoor tap can make garden care and cleaning far more convenient without wasting water.
