Domakihub How to Install an Outdoor Tap (And Get It Right First Time)
A step-by-step guide for homeowners, landlords, and holiday rental owners in Greece.
Reviewed by Domakihub home & decor pros · 2026-06-23 · 5 min read
An outdoor tap is one of the most practical upgrades you can make to a Greek home, holiday villa, or apartment block — whether you need it for watering the garden, washing down a pool terrace, or filling buckets for cleaning. The video above walks through the full installation visually, and this article breaks it down into clear, ordered steps so you know exactly what to prepare and what to expect. Done correctly, the job takes half a day and requires no specialist tools beyond a basic plumbing kit.
Why an Outdoor Tap Is Worth Installing
In Greece's warm climate, outdoor water access is used far more than in northern Europe — from drip-irrigation systems for olive trees and herbs to rinsing salt water off furniture after a beach trip. A properly plumbed outdoor tap fed from the mains cold-water supply is safer and more water-efficient than running a long hose from an interior tap through a window or door gap.
For rental properties, an accessible outdoor tap is increasingly expected by guests and property managers. It is also a prerequisite for connecting external hose reels, automatic irrigation timers, and pressure washers — all common requirements in villa and hotel maintenance.
What You Will Need Before You Start
The core materials are: an outside tap with backflow preventer (non-return valve), a 15 mm copper or push-fit pipe run from the nearest cold-water branch inside, an isolating valve, a wall plate elbow, pipe clips, PTFE tape, and silicone sealant for the wall penetration. A diamond-tipped core drill bit (22 mm) is needed to pass through masonry or reinforced concrete walls, which are common in Greek construction.
Check local building codes and your water utility's conditions of connection. Most Greek municipalities require a non-return valve on any outdoor tap to prevent backflow contamination of the drinking-water network — this is standard practice and the fittings are widely available at any plumbing merchant (υδραυλικά).
Cold Climate Warning: Winter Isolation
Even though Greece is temperate, mountain properties and northern regions can see sub-zero nights from November to February. Always install an internal isolating valve with a drain-down facility so you can empty the outdoor pipe before the first frost. Burst outdoor pipes are one of the most common and avoidable winter maintenance claims on Greek holiday properties.
How to Install an Outdoor Tap: 5 Steps
- 1
Plan the route and mark the wall penetration
Choose the point on the exterior wall closest to an existing cold-water branch pipe inside. The shorter the pipe run, the less material and the less heat loss in winter. Mark the centre of the core-drill hole on both sides of the wall, then check inside for any electrical cables or hidden pipes using a detector before you drill.
- 2
Drill the wall and fit the wall plate elbow
Using a hammer drill with a 22 mm core bit, drill through the wall at a very slight downward angle toward the outside — this ensures any water sitting in the pipe drains outward and does not pool inside. Feed the pipe through the hole, fit the wall plate elbow on the exterior face, and seal around the hole with exterior-grade silicone to prevent moisture ingress and insects.
- 3
Install the internal isolating valve
Before tapping into the existing cold-water supply, turn off the water at the nearest service valve and drain the line. Cut into the pipe and fit a T-piece, then run a new branch line to a dedicated isolating valve located inside the property in an accessible position. This valve lets you isolate the outdoor tap in winter or for maintenance without shutting down the whole house.
- 4
Run the pipe and connect to the outdoor tap
Run the 15 mm pipe from the isolating valve, through the wall, and connect it to the wall plate elbow outside. Wrap all threaded joints with three to four layers of PTFE tape before assembly. Screw the outdoor tap body onto the wall plate elbow, making sure the tap handle points downward in the closed position. Secure the pipe inside with clips at no more than 1.2 m intervals.
- 5
Turn on, test, and check for leaks
Slowly open the internal isolating valve and let the pipe fill. Check every joint for weeping — even a slow drip from a threaded connection will worsen over time. Tighten or re-tape any leaking joint immediately. Open the outdoor tap fully, flush it for 30 seconds, then close it and inspect the wall plate for any seepage. Finally, label the isolating valve clearly so future occupants know its purpose.
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FAQ
- Do I need a plumber to install an outdoor tap in Greece, or can I DIY it?
- The physical installation is within the reach of a confident DIYer with basic plumbing experience. However, in a block of flats or if you are renting the property, you may need written permission from the building administrator or landlord, and some water utilities require the connection to be made by a licensed plumber. Always check before you start.
- What is a non-return valve and is it compulsory?
- A non-return (backflow prevention) valve is a one-way fitting that stops water from the garden hose being sucked back into the drinking-water supply if pressure drops suddenly — for example, when the utility flushes a main. In Greece, fitting one on any outdoor tap is required by most water suppliers and is strongly recommended regardless. Most outdoor tap kits sold in hardware stores include one.
- How do I protect the outdoor tap in winter?
- Close the internal isolating valve, then open the outdoor tap to drain any water remaining in the exposed pipe. Leave the tap in the open position over winter so any residual moisture can escape and there is no trapped water to freeze and split the pipe. In areas with severe winters, you can also wrap the exterior pipe in foam lagging for added protection.