Can I have an outside tap fitted at the back
Could I have an outside tap at the back of my house when the plumbing is at the front and I live in a town house with no side access?
Advice from 4 local tradespeople
Yes no problems, but a lot depends on your existing plumbing to how easy it would be to fit
Yes, you can have an outside tap at the back of your townhouse, even if all the plumbing is at the front and there’s no side access. Here are a few ways it can be done:
1. Running a Pipe Internally
The most common solution is to run a water pipe inside the house from the front to the back.
This can be done via the kitchen, under the floorboards, or through cupboards (if there’s a suitable route).
The pipe is usually made of copper or plastic (MDPE/PVC) and can be boxed in or hidden where possible.
Things to consider:
If going under the floor, check access (e.g., through a crawl space or basement).
If running through rooms, a plumber can hide the pipe behind skirting boards or inside walls.
2. Running a Pipe Externally (Over the Roof or Along the Wall)
If an internal route is difficult, an external pipe can be run along the wall or over the roof.
It needs to be insulated (to prevent freezing in winter) and securely fixed.
This method is trickier in townhouses, but it’s possible if you have an accessible route.
3. Alternative Option – Garden Tap from a Water Butt
If plumbing a mains-fed tap is too difficult, you could install a water butt connected to the downpipe and use a tap and pump system.
This wouldn’t be as powerful as mains water but could still be useful for watering plants.
Who to Contact?
A plumber can assess the best route for running the pipe.
If major work is needed (e.g., lifting floorboards), you may also need a handyman or builder.
Yes you have 3 options:
Stragically remove floorboards to fit the new pipework.
Run the pipework from the highest cold water supply up to the loft space and then down the outside of the house.
Run the pipework along the skirting board/ceiling edge to required place and cover with pvc trunking.
Hope that helps
Yes you can. You may have to run the pipe work internally through trunking or potentially pull flooring up to run underneath the floorboards. You must install a non return valve by the tap
