Garden tips
How to install a garden tap
![]() Fig 1 -- Garden tap installed close to the mains
Most people without knowledge would run for a plumber to install a tap in the garden. As it is a pretty simple job if you are slightly handy you can do it yourself.
![]() ![]() Elbow on the left -- T piece on the right
Elbows and T pieces will be the two fittings that you will use for most jobs.
![]() Polycarp plastic Piping
These days plastic pipe is just as good as copper piping and also a lot cheaper. I use polycarp which is a half inch (15mm) red coloured plastic pipe which can be used for both hot and cold water. As with copper pipe this pipe cannot be bent at right angles but can be bent slightly as needed.
![]() Brass tap
For outside taps a plain brass 15mm tap can be used but you can also use plastic taps. The pipes and fittings will fit both taps. For outside use ensure that the tap is threaded on the spout to allow you to fit a hosepipe to it.
How to install the tap.Decide where you want to install the tap. If the new tap is to be installed close to the existing copper pipe mark the spot on the copper pipe where you will install the T piece. In this instance the tap will be installed at the same height as the cut you will be making in the copper pipe. See Fig 1 above. ![]() Back Plate with pipe fitting into it.
Outside taps come with backing plates to allow you to fit them to a wall. The backplate includes a fitting which allows you to fit the pipe to the tap.
In our example the backplate will have to be installed sideways (at right angles to the mains pipe you will be cutting into) so that the opening for the pipe is opposite the T piece that you will fit into the mains pipe.
![]() Back Plate with tap fitting into it.
There is a threaded hole in the backplate for the tap to be fitted into.
![]() This image shows how the pipe should be fitted to get a snug fit and to minimise leaks. ![]() This image shows how the measuring to cut into the main pipe should be done
With lock nuts still in place on the t piece mark the mains pipe where the outside edges will be once the T piece is fitted. Now measure the depth of the T piece where you are going to fit the mains pipe into. Once you know the depth mark the mains pipe measuring from the outside edge inwards. ie There should be two marks approximately 10mm from the original outside marks. See photos above for more detail.
This is how the lock nuts and cones should be fitted before inserting the pipe into the T piece
Take the lock nuts off the t piece on all three openings. Slip the lock nut onto the mains pipe followed by the cone (brass ring) and then slip the t piece onto the pipe as far as it will go. Hold it in position and slide the cone down the pipe until it touches the T piece. Slide the lock nut down and screw it onto the t piece. Do the same on the other side. You might have to move both sides of the mains pipe outwards to be able to insert the bottom end of the pipe into the T piece. Once the pipe slips into the t piece push the fitting back against the wall and turn the bottom locknut onto the thread so that open end of the t piece can still be moved.
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