In plumbing conversations—whether among DIY homeowners or professionals—the words spigot, tap, and faucet are often tossed around. While they all refer to fixtures that control water flow, they’re not always interchangeable. Regional usage, application, and specific plumbing context play a big role in how each term is used.
If you’ve ever wondered whether that garden outlet on your wall is a spigot or an outdoor tap—or whether the thing above your bathroom sink is a faucet or a tap—this guide will help clarify the difference. Let’s break it down.
What Is a Faucet?
In American English, the word faucet is used to describe most indoor plumbing fixtures that deliver water. Whether it’s in a kitchen sink, bathroom vanity, laundry room, or bathtub, the term “faucet” is widely used in the U.S. to refer to water outlets with handles or levers.
Modern faucets come in a wide variety of designs, from single-handle mixers to touchless kitchen faucets, and are often designed with aesthetics, ergonomics, and water-saving technology in mind.
Common types of faucets:
Bathroom faucet
Kitchen faucet
Wall-mounted faucet
Pull-out or pull-down faucet
Faucets often include aerators and mixing valves to control temperature and flow, making them more complex than simple spigots or taps.
What Is a Tap?
A tap is the British English equivalent of the American “faucet.” In the UK, you’ll hear people talk about a “bathroom tap,” “kitchen tap,” or even a “garden tap.” Though functionally identical to faucets, the word tap dominates in the UK, Australia, South Africa, and other Commonwealth countries.
Taps can also refer to beer dispensers (beer taps) or any general valve used to control the release of liquids or gas. The word is short, versatile, and often found in plumbing and beverage-related industries.
You might also hear the term “outdoor tap” in the UK when referencing what Americans would call a spigot.
What Is a Spigot?
In the United States, a spigot is the typical term for an outdoor water outlet—the fixture where you hook up a hose. It is sometimes also called a:
Hose bib
Garden spigot
Yard faucet
Exterior faucet
Spigots are built to withstand weather elements and typically feature threaded ends for hose attachments. They are simpler than indoor faucets and usually have just one valve for cold water. Unlike indoor faucets, spigots don’t have integrated temperature mixing or water flow customization.
In some industrial or municipal settings, “spigot” may refer to a valve on large water lines or fire hydrants.
Tap vs Faucet: The Key Difference
The difference between a tap and a faucet is mostly regional. Americans say “faucet.” The British say “tap.” Functionally, they are the same thing—used indoors to dispense water in sinks, showers, or tubs.
If you’re reading a plumbing guide, product listing, or installation manual, understanding this terminology can help you avoid confusion.
| Term | Common In | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Faucet | U.S. | Indoor sinks, kitchens, bathrooms |
| Tap | U.K., Commonwealth | Indoor and garden water use |
Spigot vs Faucet: What’s the Difference?
The word spigot in American English refers to a fixture used outdoors. It’s specifically built for garden hoses and outside use. A faucet, on the other hand, refers to indoor fixtures like those found on sinks or bathtubs.
While they both control the flow of water, faucets often include more complex mechanisms like aerators or temperature-mixing valves, while spigots are straightforward on/off valves.
| Feature | Faucet | Spigot |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Indoor | Outdoor |
| Water Temp Control | Yes | No |
| Hose Connection | Rare | Common |
| Appearance | Stylish, multiple finishes | Simple, utilitarian |
| Flow Control | Adjustable | Usually fixed pressure |
Spigot vs Tap: Are They the Same?
In British English, the term “tap” can apply to both indoor and outdoor water fixtures. So, what Americans call a spigot, a Brit might call a garden tap or outside tap. But in the U.S., “tap” is rarely used to describe outdoor fixtures unless you’re talking about beer or soda machines.
So in the spigot vs tap debate:
Spigot = U.S. outdoor water fixture
Tap = U.K. general term for both indoor and outdoor
Use Cases: When to Use Each Term
If you’re shopping in the U.S., use faucet for anything inside the home, and spigot for exterior wall water outlets.
If you’re installing a new sink in London, you’ll be looking for a tap.
Working with a global plumbing product supplier? Be clear about spigot vs tap vs faucet terminology to avoid mix-ups.
Pros & Cons Summary
| Term | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Faucet | Stylish, customizable, modern | Can be misunderstood in international contexts |
| Tap | Universally used in UK/Commonwealth | Uncommon term in U.S. |
| Spigot | Specific, practical for outdoor use | Not designed for indoor water control |
Conclusion
Although they all serve similar purposes, spigots, taps, and faucets each have distinct roles depending on region and application. Knowing their differences helps you choose the right fixture, communicate effectively with contractors or vendors, and avoid confusion in international contexts.
In a nutshell:
Use faucet when referring to indoor water outlets in the U.S.
Use tap when communicating in the U.K. or Commonwealth countries
Use spigot for outdoor hose connections or garden water sources in the U.S.
Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, installing an outdoor irrigation system, or ordering fixtures online, now you can confidently use the correct term every time.
FAQs
Is “faucet” American and “tap” British?
Yes. “Faucet” is the standard term in American English, while “tap” is commonly used in British English.
Can a spigot be used indoors?
Not typically. Spigots are designed for outdoor use and lack features like temperature control found in indoor faucets.
What’s the main difference between a spigot and a faucet?
Faucets are used indoors and offer more control over temperature and flow. Spigots are simple outdoor valves for hoses.
Are taps and faucets interchangeable terms?
Yes—depending on location. They describe the same thing in function, but not in regional usage.
What is a garden tap?
It’s the British term for what Americans call a garden spigot or outdoor faucet.
