Can You Install an Outdoor Tap Without a Plumber in Ireland?

Outdoor taps are becoming more popular in Irish homes—especially in places like Dublin. Whether you’re watering your garden, washing your car or filling up a paddling pool for the kids, an outdoor tap makes life easier. It’s a small upgrade that can make outdoor chores a lot quicker and cleaner.

Many homeowners in Dublin are now more confident doing small DIY jobs themselves. With the help of online tutorials and simple tap kits available in stores, installing an outdoor tap without a plumber seems easy. But is it really that easy? 

At Stillorgan Gas and Plumbing, we often get calls from customers asking, “Can I install an outdoor tap myself?” The short answer is yes, it is possible—but there are some important things you need to know first.

There are certain legal and safety regulations in Ireland that you must follow, especially when it comes to connecting to your water supply. For example, you should make sure that water from the tap does not flow back into your clean drinking water—a safety rule called backflow prevention. Breaking these rules can lead to water contamination or a leak, which can cost more to fix later.

Before you start, it’s a good idea to check the basic rules. The Irish Water website shares useful information about water safety: 👉 Here

In this blog, we’ll tell you about the tools you need, what steps to follow, and when it’s best to call in a professional like Stillorgan Gas and Plumbing to help with the job.  

Legal and Safety Considerations For Outdoor Tap in Ireland

Before you install an outdoor tap yourself, it's important to understand the legal and safety regulations in Ireland. Although DIY can save money, you must ensure the work is safe and complies with water regulations.

One of the main concerns is backflow prevention. This means preventing dirty water from your garden or hosepipe from flowing back into your clean drinking water. If backflow does occur, it can contaminate your home's water supply and even the public water system. To avoid this, you must fit a double check valve or backflow prevention device with your outdoor tap. 

Irish Water and local councils also have some rules about connecting to your water supply. If you do it incorrectly, it can be illegal and cause leaks or damage. You can read more about this on the Irish Water website here:

👉 Here

So, can you legally install an outdoor tap yourself in Dublin?

✅ Yes – if the job is easy and you follow all safety steps such as using proper fittings and check valves. 

❌ No – if the installation involves complex plumbing, breaking down walls or touching the main water line. In this case, only a certified plumber should do the job.

At Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing, we always recommend putting safety first. If you don’t know what’s allowed to do, or you don’t have the right tools, it’s best to call in a professional. A poorly installed faucet can cause flooding, water damage and even fines. 

It’s better to be safe than sorry – if in doubt, let the experts handle it! 

Tools and Materials You’ll Need For Outdoor Taps Installation

If you're thinking about installing an outdoor tap yourself, you'll need the right tools and materials to do it safely and correctly. At Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing, we always say: a good DIY job starts with good preparation.

Here's a list of things you'll need:

🧰 Essential tools:

Drill and masonry bit: You'll need these to bore holes in your outside wall for the pipes.

Pipe cutter: This tool helps you cut your indoor pipes neatly and safely, without crushing them.

🧪 Main materials:

Outdoor tap kit: Many shops in Ireland sell complete outdoor tap kits. These often include the tap, wall bracket and fittings. See example here:

Wall plate elbow: This holds your outdoor tap securely to the wall.

PTFE tape (plumbers tape): Wrap this around threaded pipe joints to prevent leaks.

Hose union bib tap: This is the actual tap you would use outside to connect a garden hose or fill a bucket.

Isolation valve: This lets you turn off the water to the outdoor tap in winter or for repairs without affecting the rest of the house.

Pipe clips and rawl plugs: These are used to attach the pipe securely to your wall.

If you don't have one of these items, your installation may not go smoothly. At Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing, we recommend checking your toolkit before you begin – or give us a call, and we’ll handle the job quickly and professionally.

Ready for the next step? Let’s walk you through the entire installation process!

Step-by-Step Installation Guide For Installation Outdoor Taps

Installing an outdoor tap can seem tricky, but with the right tools and a little patience, many Dublin homeowners can do it themselves. Here's a simple step-by-step guide from Stillorgan Gas and Plumbing to help you get started:

✅ Step 1: Choose the right location

Choose a spot on an outside wall close to your kitchen or bathroom - somewhere where the indoor water pipes are easily accessible.

✅ Step 2: Turn off the main water

Before doing any cutting, turn off your home's water supply at the stopcock. This can prevent leaks and water damage.

✅ Step 3: Drill a hole in the wall

Using your drill and masonry bit, make a hole in the wall to run the pipe from inside to outside. Drill slightly downwards so water can drain.

✅ Step 4: Fit the wall plate and tap

Attach the wall plate elbow to the outside wall with raw plugs and screws. Then screw the tap into place, using PTFE tape to seal the threads.

✅ Step 5: Connect the indoor pipe

Inside your home, locate a suitable cold water pipe. Use a pipe cutter to make a clean cut. Connect a tee fitting or self-cutting tap connector to connect the outdoor tap pipe.

✅ Step 6: Install an isolation valve

Inside your home, fit an isolation valve near where the tap connects. This makes it easier to turn off the water to the outdoor tap during the winter. 

✅ Step 7: Check everything

Turn the water back on. Check all joints and fittings for leaks. Tighten gently if necessary.

If you're not completely confident, or your pipework is tricky, the safer option is to call in the experts at Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing. One small mistake can cause big problems - so don't take the risk!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Installing an outdoor tap may seem easy, but it's also easy to make mistakes - especially if you've never done plumbing work before. At Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing, we're often called out to fix an incorrectly installed outdoor tap.

Here are the most common DIY mistakes and how to avoid them:

❌ 1. Forgetting the backflow prevention

Many people forget to install the double check valve, which prevents dirty water (such as from a garden hose) from flowing back into your clean water supply. This is not only risky - it's required according to Irish water safety standards.

❌ 2. Not insulating the tap for winter

Dublin winters can be very cold. If your outdoor tap isn't properly insulated, the water inside can freeze and burst pipes. Always put a cover on the tap during cold weather or turn off the supply using the isolation valve.

❌ 3. Drilling in the wrong place

Choosing the wrong wall or drilling into electrical wires or bricks can cause big problems. Always double check the location before drilling and use a pipe/cable detector.

❌ 4. Poor sealing or loose fittings

If your PTFE tape isn’t installed correctly, or if fittings are too loose or too tight, leaks can occur. Leaks may not be immediately visible, but can cause serious water damage over time.

❌ 5. No isolation valve

Not installing an isolation valve means you can’t easily turn off an outside tap in the winter or during repairs. This small detail can save you money and hassle later.

If you’re unsure at any point, it’s best to call in the professionals like Stillorgan Gas and Plumbing. We’ll make sure it’s done right the first time – safe, secure and long-lasting.

When You Should Call a Plumber For Outdoor Taps

While many Dublin homeowners enjoy doing small DIY jobs, not every job is safe or suitable for DIY. Installing an outdoor tap may seem easy, but there are times when it’s better to call in a professional plumber—like the experienced team at Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing.

Here’s when you should avoid DIY and call in the experts:

🚫 1. If you don’t know the layout of your pipes

Older homes in Dublin may have pipes made of lead or copper, or pipes that are hard to reach. If you don’t know where to cut or join, pipes can accidentally leak or burst. 

🚫 2. If you need to drill into a complicated wall

If the wall you need to drill into has electrical wiring, thick insulation or is part of a listed property, don’t try to do it yourself. Drilling in the wrong place can be dangerous and costly.

🚫 3. If you don't have an isolation valve or access point

If there's no pipe nearby that you can connect to, or if you can't safely shut off the water supply, a plumber will have to make a new connection for you - this is a job best left to trained hands.

🚫 4. If you're not sure about backflow prevention

Not installing a proper backflow device can lead to contamination of your water supply, which is a health risk and can lead to legal issues. Plumbers will make sure everything complies with safety regulations.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs Hiring a Plumber For Outdoor Taps in Dublin

The biggest reason why people try to install an outdoor faucet themselves is to save money. But is it really cheaper—and is it worth the risk?

Let’s break down the costs of DIY vs. hiring a plumber in Dublin so you can make the right choice.

💰 DIY outdoor faucet installation costs:

If you already have some tools, you can expect to spend around €40–€80 on materials like:

Outdoor faucet kit

PTFE tape

Drill bit

Wall bracket

Backflow valve

Pipe connector

However, if you need to purchase tools like a drill or pipe cutter, the costs can quickly add up.

Also, keep in mind the risk of mistakes—a wrong cut, small leak, or failed safety step can cause a lot of damage later on. And fixing these problems usually costs more than hiring a plumber.

🧑‍🔧 Hiring a professional plumber in Dublin:

At Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing, our standard outdoor tap installation typically costs between €120–€200, depending on how complex the job is.

This price includes:

Full safety checks

Professional installation

Guaranteed leak-proof fittings

Backflow protection

Advice on insulation and tap care

Plus, you get the peace of mind knowing the job is done right the first time – no guesswork, no hidden surprises.

✅ So, what’s the better option?

If you’re experienced with tools and confident in your skills, DIY can work for a simple setup.

But if you are unsure, risk averse, or simply value your time, hiring Stillorgan Gas & Plumbing is a smart and safe investment.

Final Verdict: Is DIY Outdoor Tap Installation Worth It?

So, can you install outdoor taps without a plumber in Ireland? Yes, you can – but only if you are fully prepared and understand the risks.

If you have some experience with tools, know where your water pipes are, and feel confident following instructions, DIY work can save you some money. With basic materials costing around €40–€80, this is a good option for those who like to do home improvements by hand.

However, there are some important safety and legal rules you should follow – especially about backflow prevention and sealing. One small mistake can lead to leaks, water damage, or even contamination of your drinking water.

So, for most homeowners in Dublin, we believe hiring a professional plumber is the better option. At Stillorgan Gas and Plumbing, we have seen many cases where DIY jobs went wrong and ended up costing the customer more to fix later.

With professional installation, you get:

Safe and legal work in line with Irish standards

Proper insulation to prevent freezing

Proper pipe connections and pressure checks

A neat finish that will last for years

And don’t forget that your time is valuable too. While a DIY project can take a whole day (or more), a trained plumber can often get the job done in just an hour or two.

✅ Our advice?

If you’re confident and the setup is easy – go ahead and give it a try.

But if you’re unsure at any point, don’t take the risk. Call the experts at Stillorgan Gas and Plumbing, and we’ll install your outdoor tap quickly, safely and professionally.