Your outside tap is essential for gardening and outdoor maintenance. If yours is seriously leaking, dripping or looking worse for wear, learning how to replace an outside tap might be the best way forward.
Although, if you don’t have much experience with plumbing it can seem like a bit of a tough job. Which is why we’ve created this step-by-step guide to talk you through everything you need to know to complete this task safely.
Parts and tools needed to replace an outside tap
We’d recommend getting a brass full-turn bib tap, as this is the most commonly used because of their durability and cost.
- Hose union bib tap: The brass tap that will replace your broken tap.
- Adjustable spanners: 2 pairs would be useful as you will need to hold the backplate in place whilst unscrewing the old tap.
- PTFE tape: You will need this to seal the thread on your new tap.
- Flat head screwdriver: You may need this to isolate the water if your tap has a separate isolation valve.
5 steps to fit an outside tap
Now you have everything prepared you can move on to the replacement process. We’ll now talk you through the 5 steps of replacing your outside tap.
Step 1: Turn off the water supply to the tap
Don’t do anything until you’ve located your stopcock (usually found under the kitchen sink) and switched off your water supply. You can test that you have done this correctly by opening the kitchen or outside tap to check if it has stopped running.
Step 2: Remove the broken outside tap
To do this you can just turn the main body of the tap anti-clockwise until it comes out of the backplate. You may need to use an adjustable spanner on the nut of the tap and also hold against this on the housing with another spanner to avoid twisting the backplate.
Step 3: Prepare the new tap
To fit the new tap you will need to prepare the thread by wrapping it in PTFE thread tape. Check the direction in which the fitting is tightened. It is important that the PTFE tape is applied in the direction of tightening (usually clockwise).
Step 4: Fit the new tap
Screw the prepared tap into the existing back plate by inserting and turning clockwise. You can do most of this by hand and will need to just tighten it with an adjustable spanner, again whilst holding the back plate with another spanner to stop this from turning.
Step 5: Test the tap for leaks
Once you’re happy with your connection, turn the water back on and check the tap for any leaks. If you have any, you can either tighten the joint or turn the water off and make any repairs you need.
Finally, don’t forget to add an insulated tap cover or jacket after fitting your new outside tap as this will prevent it freezing up in the winter. Find out more about preventing cold weather damage in our guide.
How to attach hose to an outside tap
You attach your hose using an outside tap connector and follow the 3 easy steps below. Remember to always use a hose fitting that incorporates a check valve to avoid contamination of the water main.
- Screw the hose connecter clockwise, onto the outside tap threads with your hand
- Make sure you have another (different type) hose connector on the hose
- Push the hose onto the tap until it clicks
How to Fix a Dripping Outside Tap
If you have a dripping outside tap, this can be fixed in a number of ways:
- Tighten the leaking nut
- Add some PTFE tape to the threads
- Replace the washer
- Replace the outside tap
Replacing the washer on the outside tap will often fix leaks coming from the spout, and is cheaper than replacing the tap altogether.
If the leak is coming from the packing gland nut below the handle then this can be tightened up with an adjustable spanner.
How to replace an outside tap – frequently asked questions
Is it safe to replace an outside tap myself?
As we’ve shown in this guide, it is possible to replace an outside tap yourself, however you will need some degree of plumbing knowledge in order to get this job done safely and efficiently.
Is an outside tap likely to freeze in winter?
Outside taps can freeze in the winter and suffer from cold damage. You can prevent this by fitting an insulated tap cover or jacket, which will protect the tap against extreme weather.
Is it better for a plumber to replace my outside tap?
Plumbing is not everyone’s strong suit. If you feel uncomfortable with performing any of the steps outlined in our guide to replacing an outdoor tap then you should contact a qualified professional to get the job done.
Plumbing and drainage cover from HomeServe
For some, fitting an outside tap could be a plumbing task too far. In the event that should go wrong, you may want to contact our one-off repair service who will be able to help you.
You may also be interested in our plumbing and drainage cover which is designed to protect your home against plumbing emergencies with the minimum of fuss for a fixed monthly fee.