Outside Taps and Garden Water Supplies
An outside tap looks trivial and has real rules behind it: backflow protection, frost protection and correct isolation inside the property.
An outside tap looks trivial and has real rules behind it: backflow protection, frost protection and correct isolation inside the property. Done properly it lasts decades; done casually it freezes and splits the first hard winter.
Backflow protection
A double check valve is required so garden water cannot be drawn back into the drinking supply. This is a water regulations requirement, not a preference.
Frost strategy
An internal isolating valve and a drain-down point let the external section be emptied before winter, which is what stops split pipes and cracked bodies.
Longer garden runs
Feeding a shed or greenhouse means buried MDPE at proper depth rather than a length of hose pipe left on the surface.
Add or replace an outside tap
Tell us where the tap needs to be and what is on the other side of the wall internally, and we will confirm the route.
Questions we get asked
Can I fit one myself?
The water regulations requirements apply regardless of who fits it, including backflow protection.
Should I turn it off in winter?
Yes — isolate inside and drain the external section before the first freeze.
Can I run a supply to the garden office?
Yes, with buried pipework at suitable depth and isolation at both ends.