Fitting an outside tap is a practical upgrade for any home, making tasks like watering the garden, cleaning the car, or rinsing outdoor spaces much easier. When planning an outside tap fitting, the choice of pipe material matters a great deal for reliability and long-term performance. Copper pipes stand out as the best option, offering durability, safety, and ease of use that plastic pipes simply cannot match.
Why Copper Pipes Excel for Outside Tap Installations
Copper pipes are naturally tough and resistant to the elements, which makes them perfect for outdoor plumbing. Exposed to weather changes, sunlight, and occasional knocks, copper holds up without cracking or becoming brittle over time. Plastic pipes, especially those left above ground, can degrade from ultraviolet light and temperature swings, leading to leaks or bursts that create a mess and extra repair costs. Copper develops a protective layer when exposed to air, shielding it from corrosion and ensuring it lasts for decades even in harsh conditions.
During outside tap fitting, copper’s flexibility allows it to bend around corners and obstacles without kinking, reducing the need for extra joints that could fail later. This simplifies the job for DIY enthusiasts or professionals alike. Plastic pipes often require more fittings, increasing leak risks, particularly in exposed outdoor runs where frost or expansion can stress connections.
Copper also conducts heat efficiently, which helps prevent freezing in cold spells. While insulation is still wise for outdoor pipes, copper’s strength means it resists pipe bursts better than plastic, saving homeowners from winter emergencies. For a closer look at these qualities, our guide to copper properties explains how thermal conductivity and resilience make it ideal for plumbing projects.
Step-by-Step Advantages in Fitting an Outside Tap
Start by turning off the water supply and identifying a suitable indoor connection point, often from the kitchen or utility room. Drill through the wall carefully, then feed 15mm copper pipe outside, clipping it securely to the wall with pipe clips spaced every metre or so. Solder or use compression fittings to connect to the indoor supply and the outdoor tap itself. This method creates watertight seals that endure pressure and movement.
Copper’s malleability shines here, letting you shape the pipe to follow the wall without sharp bends that weaken plastic alternatives. Soldered joints on copper are stronger than the pipe itself, providing confidence in areas prone to vibration from wind or garden tools. Plastic push-fit options might seem quicker, but they loosen over time outdoors, especially under thermal expansion.
Once fitted, test the system thoroughly, checking for drips and ensuring smooth flow. Copper ensures consistent water pressure without the scaling issues that plague some plastics, keeping your outside tap performing well year after year.
Health and Safety Benefits of Copper Over Plastic
Copper pipes contribute to cleaner water right from the tap. Their antimicrobial properties naturally inhibit bacterial growth on the pipe surface, which is especially useful for an outside tap used sporadically. Stagnant water in plastic pipes can harbour microbes, but copper keeps things hygienic without chemicals. Learn more about this natural defence on our antimicrobial copper page.
In fire-prone outdoor settings, like near barbecues, copper’s non-combustible nature adds safety. Plastic melts or burns, potentially spreading flames or releasing fumes, while copper stays intact. You can read more in our fire safety section.
Environmental Edge and Avoiding Microplastics
Sustainability matters too. Copper pipes are fully recyclable at the end of their long life, retaining full value for reuse in new projects. Plastic pipes contribute to waste and microplastic pollution, with fragments leaching into water supplies over time. For insights into this issue, our page on microplastics in water highlights the risks of plastic degradation.
Using copper for your outside tap fitting supports a greener choice, reducing landfill contributions and resource depletion. Its longevity means fewer replacements, lowering the overall environmental footprint compared to disposable plastic systems.
Long-Term Value and Maintenance
Homeowners appreciate copper’s low maintenance. Once fitted, it rarely needs attention beyond occasional insulation checks for frost protection. Plastic demands more frequent inspections for UV damage or brittleness, often leading to unexpected failures. The initial investment in copper pays off through reliability and peace of mind, particularly for exposed outdoor applications.
Professionals often recommend copper for outside tap fittings because it integrates seamlessly with existing home plumbing, avoiding compatibility headaches. Whether running pipe above ground, through walls, or slightly buried, copper delivers professional results that stand the test of time.
Fitting an outside tap with copper pipes combines practicality with superior performance. From weather resistance and clean water delivery to fire safety and recyclability, copper outperforms plastic in every key area. Homeowners tackling this project will enjoy a robust, hassle-free setup that enhances their property for years ahead.
