Even though installing outdoor plumbing fixtures is easier than installing water supply in the house (pipes are not run through walls), you should hire a professional plumber if you do not have any experience in the field of plumbing. Conserving water has become essential throughout the world and specific water-efficient devices are recommended. Did you know that a dripping tap can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water a year?
Hose bib
Before you start installing a hose bib, think about the best place to locate it as it should save you from stretching a hose around the garden. Before winter comes, make sure you bleed out the remaining water left inside the hose bib first and then shut off water supply. You can also opt for a frost-free tap, which shuts off water inside rather than outside. But do know that this tap is not 100% freeze-proof, so inspect the hose bib in autumn. If you want to install a sprinkler system attached to the hose bib, consider a hose bib with an antisiphon device. The device prevents contamination of household water. Otherwise, water can back up into the house.
Outdoor sink
There are various materials you can choose from, but stainless steel is a preferred option for most people. Look for sinks made from 304 stainless as it has higher resistance to corrosion. If a magnet sticks to the sink, it is not 304 stainless steel. When it comes to thickness, you can opt for a 20-gauge sink sprayed with sound-dampening substance since thickness does not affect performance. Outdoor sinks should be maintained more regularly than the indoor ones, as they can discolour over time if not cleaned properly. You should also use a cover to protect your during winter. When you have chosen a sink, now is the time to call a plumber. Outdoor sinks must be attached to a home’s plumbing system, as well as to a municipal wastewater system.
Watering system
Water-efficiency should be one of your guidelines when you are selecting the type of a watering system. The sprinklers spraying mist lose water through evaporation, so consider the ones which spray drops of water close to the ground. Instead of regular solid hoses, you can buy soaker hoses in the places you do not need a lot of watering. Drip irrigation is the most water-efficient option and there is a host of drip system types. Contact a professional to choose the best one for your needs. Rotor systems spray water at a slower rate than sprinklers. Install or have your plumber install a backflow preventer in order to prevent the water with fertilizers and other chemicals enter the home’s plumbing system.
Outdoor shower
If you are not familiar with the way plumbing works, we recommend hiring a professional as you will need both cold and hot water, as well as shut-off valves for winter. If your shower is located near the garden, consider direct garden drainage under the condition that the soil is reasonably porous, or buy a shower drainage pan, which is connected to a hose and can drain water into the garden, too. If, on the other hand, your shower site is near the house, you can install a French drain in order to keep water away from the foundation. A fixed drain fastened to a house’s wastewater system is also possible. Whatever option you choose, make sure you prevent a build-up of dead leaves and tree root intrusions, as they can cause a barrier to the water flow, advise use Sydney-based experts for blocked drains.
When you are done with the installation of pipes and fixtures, draw a map locating them. This will help you when you do routine checklists and when a plumbing issue occurs.