Fitting a tap outdoors is not something to take lightly. Unlike an indoor tap, one intended for outdoor use has to meet very specific requirements: resistance to weather, temperature changes, frost and sometimes heavy use. So no, not every tap is suitable for outdoors. It is essential to choose the right model for the intended use, the climate where you live and the place of installation. Models designed for outside are gathered in our outdoor taps.
Why an indoor tap is not enough outside
A tap designed for a bathroom or kitchen is not built to withstand the weather. Its body, often more fragile, is sensitive to frost, constant damp, UV and oxidation. If you fit it outside, you quickly risk leaks, cracks or a complete breakdown. That is why you need an outdoor tap designed specifically for this type of environment.
Wall-mounted tap: the classic, practical solution
The wall-mounted outdoor tap is the one you most often see on the outside walls of houses. It attaches directly to a connection at the wall outlet and lets you water the garden, wash the car or fill a bucket. Simple to fit, it is an excellent choice if you have a water supply nearby and live in a mild climate. Before fitting it, check the height and connection of an outdoor tap, in 1/2 or 3/4.
This type of tap is often compatible with garden hoses, and some models offer a double connector or a quarter-turn handle for easy use even with wet hands.
Frost-proof tap: essential in winter
Do you live somewhere with harsh winters? A frost-proof tap is strongly recommended, even essential. It is designed to prevent ice forming in the pipe or the tap body. Thanks to an automatic drain-down system or a special design, it prevents bursting caused by frost, even in hard freezes.
This type of tap is ideal for mountain areas or any home that is not lived in all year round (second home, chalet). You can leave it in place all year without fearing nasty surprises in spring. If your current tap is not frost-proof, see how to protect an outdoor tap from frost.
Freestanding garden tap: for a free-standing installation
No water supply on the front of the house? The freestanding garden tap is made for you. It is planted or fixed in the ground and can be connected to an underground water supply. It is the perfect solution for large plots, vegetable gardens or areas far from the house. It is also found in high-end garden landscaping.
Its look is often carefully finished, with cast-iron-effect or hammered-metal finishes. It adds a real decorative touch as well as being practical.
Which outdoor tap should you choose for your needs?
• For everyday use near the house: the wall-mounted tap is the easiest to install and use.
• For use all year round, even in winter: choose a frost-proof model, especially if you do not drain your water supply.
• For an area with no wall or far away: the freestanding garden tap is perfect, especially with a well-designed layout.
In every case, choose a sturdy model made of brass or stainless steel to ensure it lasts. A good outdoor tap should also have a reliable shut-off system and a connection compatible with your watering accessories.
What to avoid: the unsuitable tap
A kitchen or bathroom tap will not last outdoors, even under cover. It is likely to leak quickly or break in winter. Do not take that risk. The few euros saved will soon turn into replacement costs.
For a smart purchase, browse our full collection of outdoor taps: you will find reliable models for every situation and budget.
