Outside Tap Installation – A Simple Upgrade That Makes a Big Difference

Outdoor tap being installed by a plumber on a brick wall


Why Install an Outside Tap?

Whether you want to water the garden, wash the car, or power up a jet washer, an outside tap is one of the simplest and most useful plumbing upgrades you can make. No more trailing hoses through kitchen windows — just quick, easy access to water when and where you need it.

At Lucas Plumbing & Heating Ltd, we provide professional outside tap installations across Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell, Ascot and wider Berkshire. Our installations are neat, compliant, and built to last — all at a fixed, affordable price.


Benefits of an Outdoor Tap

Installing an outside tap makes everyday tasks easier and keeps your indoor plumbing protected:

Hosepipe access for gardens and lawns
Easier car washing and patio cleaning
Connect pressure washers and outdoor appliances
Fill paddling pools or buckets without mess indoors
Prevent hose backflow into your kitchen tap (a common plumbing risk)


What’s Involved in the Installation?

A typical outside tap installation involves:

  1. Identifying a suitable wall – Usually a kitchen or utility wall with easy access to the internal cold water supply
  2. Drilling through the wall – Clean, tidy core drill to route pipework
  3. Connecting to cold water pipe – Usually beneath a kitchen sink or utility basin
  4. Installing isolation valve and double check valve – Prevents backflow and complies with UK water regs
  5. Mounting external tap and waterproofing – Tidy finish and weatherproof seal
  6. Testing and cleaning up – Full flow test and clear demonstration

Most installations take under 2 hours with minimal disruption to your home.


Are Outside Taps Safe?

Yes — when installed properly. We always install:

  • Double check valves – Required by Water Regulations to prevent contaminated water flowing back into your system
  • Internal isolation valves – So you can turn the tap off completely in winter
  • Secure mounting brackets – To prevent loosening over time

If you’ve seen older outside taps without these safety measures, they may need updating to stay compliant.


What About Frost Protection?

Outside taps can freeze in cold weather. To protect your tap and pipework:

  • We can supply frost-proof outside taps
  • Install tap covers (especially over winter)
  • Fit the pipework with lagging/insulation internally
  • Include a shut-off valve inside your home for winter isolation

Talk to our team about winter-proofing options during your quote.


How Much Does an Outside Tap Cost?

Typical cost:
£85–£180 (labour and materials included)

Price depends on:

  • Location and ease of access to the water supply
  • Pipework route and materials
  • Whether you want a hot outside tap (e.g. for dog washing or outdoor sinks)

We provide fixed-price quotes with no hidden extras. Tap, valves, pipework, and fittings are all included.


💡 Ask about installing dual hot & cold taps or connecting to an outside sink.

Who Is This Service Ideal For?

  • Homeowners looking for convenience
  • Gardeners
  • Car detailers
  • Families with outdoor spaces
  • Landlords upgrading properties
  • Households installing water butts, irrigation, or outdoor kitchens

We’ve installed hundreds of outside taps in homes across Berkshire, and our work is always tidy, professional, and built to last.


Why Choose Lucas Plumbing & Heating Ltd?

  • Local, qualified plumbing engineers
  • Fully insured and experienced team
  • Fast appointment availability
  • Neat and professional installation
  • Fair pricing and excellent reviews

We work across Wokingham, Reading, Ascot, Bracknell, Twyford, and surrounding towns.


Book Your Outside Tap Installation Today

Ready to upgrade your garden or driveway with a professionally installed outside tap? Contact Lucas Plumbing & Heating Ltd today for a quick quote and convenient appointment.


Call us on 01184371679
Or you can request a quote online at www.lucasplumbing.co.uk

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