Garden taps are a fun way to add interest and functionality to your garden. But, if you’re not sure where to start, or you’re looking for a new design or function, we’ve got some ideas for you!
In this post we’ll show you how to easily connect a garden tap into your existing water supply, as well as how easy it is to get the right type of tap by considering what you want to use it for.
We’ll also provide some helpful tips on choosing the right water pressure for your home and how not all garden taps are made equal.
If you’re ready to make your yard more functional than ever before then read on!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Tips for installing an outside tap |
| The importance of proper preparation |
| The tools and materials you will need |
| How to connect the tap to the mains water supply |
| How to fit the tap onto an outside wall |
| Helpful tips and advice for a successful installation |
| Safety precautions to take during installation |
1. Add A Garden Tower
To begin, you will need to purchase a garden tower. If you are using the garden tower for the first time, it is important to ensure that your soil is free from any contaminants or toxins. This can be done by planting some seeds and allowing them to grow for two weeks before planting anything else in your garden.
Before installing your new tap, make sure that there is enough space around it so that no one gets hurt when watering their plants or hanging baskets on this new tap.
Adding instant color to a garden is a great way to make a big impact with minimal effort. Check out our article on how to add instant color to a garden to learn about 14 proven ways to add vibrant hues to your outdoor space, including planting annuals or adding colorful containers.
2. Garden Tap Supplies
- Garden tap – This is the main part of your garden tap. You’ll need to choose whether you want to use a plumbed or unplumbed one, then find a suitable model.
- Fittings – These are the parts that connect your garden tap to your existing plumbing system, so make sure you get the correct ones for whatever type of pipe you’re using.
- Pipe – Depending on how big your downpipe is, you may need some extra pipe in order to get it all connected up; just measure out how much extra length is needed and cut accordingly after making sure that nothing else needs cutting through first!
- Gutter drain system – If your gutter doesn’t have one built into it already then this step will require some DIY ingenuity on top off everything else!
Garden Tap Supplies
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Garden tap | A faucet designed to be mounted outside for easy use in gardening and other outdoor activities |
| Pipe fittings | Connectors for pipes to facilitate easy installation and attachment |
| Hose connectors | Enables you to attach a hose to the garden tap for watering plants, washing cars, or other outdoor activities |
| Hose nozzle | A device to control the flow of water through the hose and the strength of the spray |
| Hose reels | A cylindrical spool designed to store and dispense hoses that prevent tangling and wasting water |
| Backflow preventer | A safety device that prevents the reverse flow of water from the hose into the home’s plumbing system |
| Shut-off valve | Used to turn off the water supply to the garden tap when not in use, preventing inadvertent leaks and water waste |
| Sealant tape | Used to seal the threads of the garden tap and prevent water leakage |
| Garden tap cover | A protective case designed to insulate and protect the garden tap from outdoor elements and prevent freezing during winter months |
4. Choose The Location
The location of your garden tap should be easy to access. You don’t want to have to go through a lot of trouble just so you can get water. Also, make sure that it’s level and that there aren’t any obstacles around it, like trees or other buildings.
You may also need to dig down into the ground so the end of the pipe will be covered in dirt when you’re done.
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5. Unwrap The Pipe
- Unwrap the pipe. Look for a roll of your piping and unroll it in a clean area.
- Remove any plastic wrap that may be covering the ends of the pipe to ensure an easy connection with your irrigation system later on. Be sure to check that there is no dirt or debris tangled up in your piping as well, as this will cause clogs and prevent water from flowing through properly.
- Cut the pipe to length if necessary—you may need more than one piece depending on how large your garden is and how many taps you want installed throughout it!
- Twist together both ends of each section of piping by hand (no tools needed!) until they form a tight seal with no gaps between them.
6. Tighten The Fittings
Now, tighten the fittings. Use a wrench to turn them clockwise until they are snug but not too tight, or you could strip the threads. Do not use a power tool or hammer on them this can damage the fitting and cause leaks.
Drip irrigation systems need to be periodically cleaned out so that they’re working properly (and won’t get clogged with debris), but this is one job that should never be done by hand!
So make sure you have a high quality hose end sprayer handy before you start looking at how much water comes out of each emitter when it’s turned on full blast.
A quick blast of water into each emitter will tell you whether any have become clogged over time by dirt buildup if so then use your pressure washer’s jet nozzle to break up everything with ease!
Proper drainage is essential to ensure that plants get the right amount of water and nutrients they need to thrive. Our article on how to add garden drainage offers 13 ways to improve the drainage in your garden, including installing a French drain, creating a gravel layer, and using raised garden beds.
7. Insulate The Pipes
If you’re lucky enough to have a garden tap in your yard (and who isn’t?), it’s important that you take steps to insulate the pipes in order to prevent freezing. Freezing can lead to burst pipes, which could be extremely dangerous and costly.
In addition to preventing freezing, insulation will also help prevent heat loss from the pipe. This means that less energy is required by your home’s heater or boiler system during winter months when garden taps are not being used as much.
There are several different types of insulation available at hardware stores these days: foam, bubble wrap, and even recycled materials like newspaper!
Benefits of Pipe Insulation
| Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Energy savings | Insulating hot water pipes reduces heat loss and can help lower energy bills. |
| Reduced condensation | Pipe insulation can help prevent condensation from building up, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. |
| Freeze protection | Insulating pipes can help prevent them from freezing, which can result in burst pipes and costly repairs. |
| Noise reduction | Pipe insulation can help reduce the noise of running water through the pipes, which is particularly useful in multi-unit buildings or at night. |
| Longer lifespan | Insulated pipes are less prone to corrosion and damage, which can extend their lifespan and reduce maintenance needs. |
| Increased efficiency | Insulated pipes can increase the efficiency of hot water systems, resulting in faster hot water delivery and reduced wait times. |
8. Install The Gutter Drainage System
Now that you’ve got the faucet and hose ready, it’s time to install the gutter drainage system. Attach the hose to the faucet and then attach it to your downspout. Next, connect it to either end of your rain barrel (make sure you know which side is which).
Garden edging is essential to distinguish between garden elements like pathways or garden beds to avoid unwanted growth. Our article on how to add garden edging offers 15 sure ways to edge your garden, along with tips on how to choose the right type of edging for your garden, from stone to plastic.
9. Install A Drainage System For A Water Tank Or Rain Barrel
If you are going to install a water tank or rain barrel, it is important to install a drainage system. The easiest way to do this is with a hose bib.
If you are connecting your garden tap to a rain barrel, then all you need to do is connect the hose bib and place it on the bottom of your rain barrel by screwing in some decking screws. If you have an existing filter on your house, then simply remove it and replace it with one that fits onto your hose bib.
10. Install A Drainage System For Your Garden Or Flowerbeds
You can install a drainage system using either a hose, gutter system or drain tiles.
Hose: If you’re just starting out with a garden and need to get ideas on what you can use as a watering source, then consider using a hose.
It is cheap and easy to set up. Just buy the right size for your garden and make sure it has enough pressure to push water into every corner of your flowers or vegetables.
Hoses also come in different colors so if you don’t want it showing up in plain sight, choose something that blends well with the surrounding area like green or brown depending on where it will be placed (e.g., near grass).
Adding a garden spigot is an essential yet straightforward task that enables you to attach a hose to water your plants with ease. Our article on how to add a garden spigot offers useful gardener advice on how to find the right location, how to install new spigots, or even replace an old one.
11. Attach The Hose To Your Sprinkler System
Attach the hose to your sprinkler system.
It’s important to use a hose with a shutoff valve, because you don’t want it running all day!
Attach the hose to the tap on the back of the sprinkler. Make sure that there are no kinks or twists in the line, as these can cause leaks or clogs later on. Also make sure that your hoses are not too long or short you don’t want them dragging along with you while walking around in your garden!
12. Attach Your New Tap To Your Sprinklers, Water Tank, Or Rain Barrels
You have a few different options for attaching your new tap. You can attach it to a hose, or if you’ve got one of those big water tanks in your yard, you can attach it directly to the tank.
You could also connect it to a rain barrel or sprinkler system if you have one of those installed as well.
If you don’t want to go through all that work installing something permanent like an outdoor tap and would rather just use your existing garden tower, then just attach the garden tap collar directly on top of it!
13. Turn On The Water And Enjoy!
After you have installed your garden tap, it is time to turn on the water and enjoy! Your plants will love that they are now able to drink cleaner water, and you will love being able to have fresh herbs year round.
Conclusion
That’s it! If you followed all these steps, you should have a brand new garden tap that is ready to use. Remember that when installing any plumbing project, safety is the most important factor. Make sure there are no leaks or puddles of water around your work site before turning on the water supply.
Further reading
If you want to learn more about installing an outside tap, here are some useful resources to check out:
Housewarm: How to fit an outside tap – A step-by-step guide that includes information on the materials needed, planning and preparation, and how to connect the tap to the mains water supply.
DIY Doctor: Installing an outside tap – A comprehensive guide that covers the tools and materials needed, how to connect the tap to the mains water supply, and how to fit the tap onto an outside wall.
Which?: How to install an outside tap – This article provides useful tips and advice on how to choose the right tap, the tools and materials required, and how to install the tap securely.
FAQs
Can I install an outside tap by myself?
Yes, you can. However, if you are not experienced in plumbing or DIY, it is recommended to hire a professional to do the job.
What materials do I need to install an outside tap?
You will need a tap connector, copper pipes, fittings, a stop valve, pipe cutters or a hacksaw, a drill, a wrench, and Teflon tape.
Do I need to turn off the water supply to install an outside tap?
Yes, you will need to turn off the mains water supply before you start the installation process.
Can I use an outside tap for other purposes?
Yes, you can use an outside tap for other purposes, such as filling a pond or a pool, washing garden furniture, or cleaning the car.
What if I discover a leak after installing an outside tap?
If you notice a leak after installation, turn off the water supply immediately and check the connections for any loose fittings, broken pipes, or worn-out washers. If you are unable to locate the problem, it is best to call a plumber for help.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m here to help you with your home-maintenance needs. Whether it’s building a better yard or just trying to fix a garden—I can show you how.
