What Is an Outdoor Wall Spigot? Faucet vs Spigot vs Tap Explained

Short answer: An outdoor wall spigot is an exterior water fixture mounted on a wall. It is commonly used to connect a garden hose, fill watering cans, rinse tools, or supply water to a patio, garden, courtyard, or backyard.

If you are shopping for an outdoor water fixture, you may see several terms: outdoor wall spigot, outdoor faucet, hose bib, garden tap, and outdoor water tap. These words can be confusing, especially because different regions use different names for similar fixtures.

What Does Outdoor Wall Spigot Mean?

An outdoor wall spigot is a water outlet installed on the outside wall of a home, garden wall, garage, shed, patio wall, or courtyard. It usually includes a handle or valve for turning water on and off, plus an outlet that may connect to a hose.

The word “spigot” is especially common in the United States. Many homeowners use it to describe the water fixture outside the house where a garden hose is attached.

Outdoor Spigot vs Outdoor Faucet

In many cases, an outdoor spigot and an outdoor faucet refer to the same type of fixture. “Faucet” is the broader term. “Spigot” often suggests an exterior water outlet, especially one used with a hose.

For example, a shopper might search for “outdoor faucet” when looking for a product, while a plumber or homeowner may say “outside spigot” when talking about the fixture already installed on the wall.

Outdoor Faucet vs Hose Bib

A hose bib is a type of outdoor faucet designed to connect to a garden hose. It is common on exterior walls, near driveways, gardens, patios, and utility areas.

If your main goal is connecting a hose, hose bib is the most specific term. If you are thinking about the fixture more generally, outdoor faucet or outdoor wall spigot may be more natural.

Outdoor Tap: Another Common Name

“Tap” is widely used in many English-speaking regions outside the United States. A garden tap, outdoor tap, or outdoor water tap may describe the same type of wall-mounted water outlet that U.S. shoppers call an outdoor faucet or spigot.

This is why product pages often include several names. A vintage brass garden faucet may also be described as an outdoor tap, outdoor wall spigot, or decorative hose bib.

Where Outdoor Wall Spigots Are Used

Outdoor wall spigots are useful in many places around a home:

• Garden walls for watering flowers and plants
• Patios for cleaning furniture or filling watering cans
• Backyards for hose access
• Courtyards and outdoor sinks
• Garages and side yards
• Potting benches and utility areas

When to Choose a Decorative Outdoor Wall Spigot

A standard spigot is fine when the fixture is hidden. But when the spigot is visible on a patio, garden wall, or courtyard, a decorative design can make the space feel more complete.

Decorative brass faucets are especially useful when the wall itself is part of the outdoor design. They can match brick, stone, wood, terracotta, and vintage garden accessories.

Animal-Head Outdoor Spigots

Some outdoor wall spigots include sculptural details, such as animal-head handles. These are functional fixtures, but they also act as outdoor decor.

For example, Naturyard’s deer head brass garden faucet fits rustic and farmhouse-inspired gardens, while the elephant head brass outdoor faucet gives a courtyard or garden wall a stronger decorative focal point.

How to Choose the Right One

Before choosing an outdoor wall spigot, check these basics:

• Whether it is suitable for outdoor use
• Whether the inlet size matches your plumbing
• Whether the outlet works with your hose or intended use
• Whether the handle is easy to operate
• Whether the material and finish suit your climate and wall style

If you are unsure about installation or local plumbing requirements, ask a licensed plumber before replacing an exterior fixture.

FAQ

Is an outdoor wall spigot the same as an outdoor faucet?

In everyday language, yes. An outdoor wall spigot is usually a type of outdoor faucet mounted on an exterior wall.

What is the difference between a spigot and a hose bib?

A hose bib is generally designed for connecting a garden hose. A spigot is a broader word that can describe an exterior water outlet.

Why do some people call it an outdoor tap?

“Tap” is more common in the U.K. and some other English-speaking markets. In the U.S., “faucet” and “spigot” are more common.

Can an outdoor wall spigot be decorative?

Yes. A wall spigot can be both functional and decorative, especially when made from brass and installed on a visible garden or patio wall.

Browse Naturyard’s Garden Faucets collection for vintage brass outdoor faucets, decorative wall spigots, and garden water taps.