How to fit new bathroom taps
Whether you're building a new bathroom or replacing broken taps, knowing how to fit new bathroom taps shouldn't hold you back from your bathroom dreams. Sometimes small jobs like fitting your bathroom tap might seem intimidating but it's actually quite a simple task, you just need a little know-how. This blog will make installing your bathroom taps easy, whether you have a mixer tap or pillar tap for bath taps or a basin tap.
What tools will I need to fit new bathroom taps?
There are two types of taps that you may be trying to fit:
- Mixer taps : A mixer tap is one tap that combines both hot and cold water through one tap. These can sometimes include a shower fixture and are called a bath shower mixer tap.
- Pillar taps: A pillar tap is two separate taps for hot and cold water.
Once you have chosen the appropriate tap for your needs, you will also need the following tools to help get those new bath taps installed:
- Tape measure
- Screwdriver
- Basin wrench
- Adjustable wrench
- Adjustable pliers
- Bucket
- Sponge
- Lubricating oil
How to fit bathroom taps: A Step by Step Guide
Fitting your own bathroom taps is a straightforward process, and it should take you no more than an hour to complete. Following our step by step guide below, you will fit your new bath taps in no time at all.
Step 1: Removing the old bathroom taps
Before installing your new bathroom taps, the first step you need to do is to remove the old ones. Turn off your water supply at the main stopcock and run your faucets dry to prevent water from spraying your bathroom as you work. Use the wrench to undo the nut connecting the tap to the supply pipes and lift the tap away once loose.
Step 2: Cleaning the area
Now your old taps are off, you need to deep clean the area around where your new taps will be installed. Remove old adhesive and clean away any dirt you find. Check the condition of your existing plumbing, including old pipework, fixings and joins, making repairs as needed.
Step 3: Checking your new bath taps fit
Next, you need to size up your new bath taps to your existing pipework to ensure they fit together. Check carefully to ensure they are the right size and won't let out even the smallest drip. If they aren't the right size, you may need to purchase an adapter.
Step 4: Install the new bath taps
Now it is time to install your new taps. Place the washers that came with the taps on the basin's surface, lined up with the holes where the old faucets sat and then place the new taps through the holes to sit on top of the washers. A backnut should be supplied that will allow you to tighten the taps down.
Step 5: Attach the water supply pipes
Once the taps are in place, you can now attach the water supply pipes to the taps. Hand tighten the water supply pipes to connect the taps to the water mains and create a watertight seal. Don't overtighten, though, as it may put unnecessary pressure on the pipework.
Now you have everything connected; you can turn your water back on and slowly run it through the taps and pipework to ensure there are no leaks. If a leak does occur, tighten up the nuts and connections and go again.
FAQs About Bathroom Tap Installation
How often should you change your bathroom taps?
Bathroom taps are very durable, so they are not something you will have to change often. Most likely, you will need to change your bathroom taps once every 15-20 years or whenever you want to renovate your bathroom.
Is it easy to fit bathroom taps?
Following our 5 simple steps, it is straightforward to fit your bathroom taps. You can get a plumber to come and help you fit your new bath taps if you wish, but this may cost you hundreds of pounds for something that can be done yourself.