Fitting an outside tap

[mrsbruce]

I really need to fit an outside tap, but I cannot find a local plumber who is willing to drill and fit a tap to my externally clad house. I fear I may just have to do it myself, but I’ve a couple of question.

Will drilling through the insulation cause the end of the world suggested by the plumbers.

If I drill the hole myself, would it be a problem if I drill the initial ‘starter’ hole from the inside to outside. The water supply will be from a ‘utility’ cupboard that I did the plumbing for my washing machine, but has lots of surface ‘stuff’ like sockets and shelves. Pilot drill from inside out would increase my chances of NOT drilling through something important.

 

[Blicksheep]

No problem going through insulation. And the starter hole is fine as long as your happy you’ll miss anything on the outside

 

[roofman]

Make sure your clear inside and out then with your 16mm bit, just send it

 

[brightspark]

if u drill inside to out you may blow a brick face off or rendering if coated just measure up to miss things and drill from outside. no point in a pilot drill for a 16mm hole

 

[Barking Mat]

Don't forget to fit a tap, with a bleed point on the inside, for in winter if it freezes.

Before it freezes, turn off internal tap, open external tap, open bleed point, you've no water left to freeze.

Did that make sense ?

 

[mrsbruce]

I forgot to say, I live in what is basically a concrete block, with fairly thick walls.

 

[brightspark]

just use a long masonry impact drill bit

 

[voipio]

Is it reinforced concrete?

 

[Agroshield]

If the bit that sits outside the wall looks like this:

Flomasta Hose Union Back Plate 15mm - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Hose union backplate with tube. For use with outdoor taps. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

screw the tap into it before securing the backplate to the wall so when it is tight, the tap points downwards.

Also, tape up the end of the pipe before pushing through the wall so no detritus enters the pipe.

 

[mrsbruce]

Is it reinforced concrete?

Ehhhhhh………. No idea.

Apparently, when the nice man extended the window opening for our french doors, sweary words were used.

 

[hunter27]

You need to drill a bigger hole, copper pipe should be sleeved where it passes through masonry, usually with a plastic sleeve (over flow pipe work well for this) an outside bib tap should have a double check valve incorporated in it with a shut off valve inside your house complete with drain tap between the two as already mentioned.

 

[Ubique]

What is the insulation? if it's fibrous it may well catch on the drillbit/holesaw, if it's polystyrene or 'Kingspan' type sheets, you'll be fine.

 

[Gragson]

As well as the drilling advice and what @Barking Mat said on inside isolators and bleeds.
If you're going to the trouble fit an outside hot as well, really useful on occasions, also don't scrimp on taps, good quality solid brass jobbies

 

[Barking Mat]

I forgot to say, I live in what is basically a concrete block, with fairly thick walls.

Must be pretty cosy.

Apologies...

 

[addjunkie]

Id go through with a pilot drill first, but if its concrete or panels, get some topress a big chuck of wood on the out side, so you minimise break away on the outside. Then from each side wit( the right size bit. Try to slope the hole down over so if its not properly sealed water doesn't come in. Then seal it with gunk of choice! as said it needs to-be drainable in winter.

 

[Parm]

What is the insulation? if it's fibrous it may well catch on the drillbit/holesaw, if it's polystyrene or 'Kingspan' type sheets, you'll be fine.

So, if it catches, it will just spin round a bit then the drill bit will just carry on, to make a clean hole

I don’t really See any issue

do you have a different experience?

 

[mrsbruce]

What is the insulation? if it's fibrous it may well catch on the drillbit/holesaw, if it's polystyrene or 'Kingspan' type sheets, you'll be fine.

It’s that slab insulation that they bolt onto the outside walls, then put harling over the top

Must be pretty cosy.

View attachment 401405

Apologies...

Turn the block on its side, fit a couple of windows, and Bob’s yer auntie.

 

[Barking Mat]

'Bob's your auntie', I love that, must use that in this new day and age.

That comments made my evening, thank you.

 

[skotl]

Not sure at what size of hole (depth or diameter) you're better with a clutched drill? I did a 40mm diameter hole with a core bit last year through breezeblock and my (ex builder) neighbour insisted that I use his clutched makita.

It did stick a few times while going through and I'm pretty sure I would have done myself some serious damage if the drill didn't have a clutch.

 

[Barking Mat]

Not sure at what size of hole (depth or diameter) you're better with a clutched drill? I did a 40mm diameter hole with a core bit last year through breezeblock and my (ex builder) neighbour insisted that I use his clutched makita.

It did stick a few times while going through and I'm pretty sure I would have done myself some serious damage if the drill didn't have a clutch.

Clutched drills are for ###***##£@, man up @skotl , half the fun is being flung 360° round when it bites.

Seriously though I've seen it happen, @skotl is right.