Whether you're dealing with a leaky basin tap, upgrading your bath taps, or installing new kitchen taps, replacing taps is a common home improvement task that can refresh your bathroom or kitchen. While professional plumbers in Exeter handle tap replacements daily, many homeowners can successfully tackle this job with the right guidance. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about replacing different types of taps in your home.
Types of Taps: What You Need to Know
Before starting your tap replacement project, it's important to understand the different types of taps and their installation requirements:
1. Basin Taps
Basin taps come in several varieties:
- Pillar taps - Individual hot and cold taps that require two tap holes
- Monobloc taps - Single unit with both hot and cold controlled from one spout, requiring one hole
- Mixer taps - Combines hot and cold water before it leaves the spout, typically requiring one or three holes
- Wall-mounted taps - Installed directly into the wall rather than the basin, creating a modern look
2. Bath Taps
Bath taps typically include:
- Deck-mounted taps - Installed on the rim of the bath, usually as pillar or mixer taps
- Bath/shower mixer taps - Include a shower attachment and diverter to switch between bath and shower functions
- Freestanding bath taps - Floor-standing taps for freestanding baths
- Wall-mounted bath taps - Installed directly into the wall above the bath
3. Kitchen Taps
Kitchen taps often feature:
- Single-lever taps - Control water flow and temperature with one lever
- Pull-out taps - Feature an extendable hose for easier rinsing
- Filter taps - Include built-in water filters for drinking water
- Boiling water taps - Provide instant hot water, often requiring special installation
Before You Start: Preparation Checklist
- Turn off the water supply at the isolation valves or main stopcock
- Open the taps to drain remaining water and relieve pressure
- Ensure you have the correct replacement tap that matches your existing tap hole configuration
- Gather necessary tools: adjustable spanner, basin spanner, screwdriver, PTFE tape, and silicone sealant
- Place a bucket underneath to catch any water
- Take photos of the existing plumbing configuration before disconnecting anything
Step-by-Step Basin Tap Replacement
Replacing basin taps is often the simplest tap replacement job. Here's how to do it correctly:
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Disconnect the old taps:
- Locate and turn off the water supply valves under the basin
- Disconnect the flexible connector pipes from the tap tails using an adjustable spanner
- Use a basin spanner to loosen and remove the retaining nuts that hold the taps to the basin
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Remove the old taps:
- Lift the old taps out from above the basin
- Clean the area around the tap holes to remove old sealant or debris
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Prepare the new taps:
- Check that the new taps come with all necessary washers and fittings
- Apply PTFE tape to the threaded sections (wrapping clockwise 3-4 times)
- If provided, place the rubber or silicone washer over the tap hole
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Install the new taps:
- Insert the tap tails through the holes from above
- From underneath, slide on the washers and secure the retaining nuts
- Tighten the nuts with a basin spanner, ensuring the taps are correctly positioned above
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Connect the water supply:
- Attach the flexible connector pipes to the tap tails
- Connect the other end to the water supply pipes
- Ensure all connections are tight but don't overtighten as this could damage the threads
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Test for leaks:
- Turn the water supply back on slowly
- Check all connections for leaks
- Run the taps to flush out any debris and check for proper operation
Replacing Bath Taps: Step-by-Step Guide
Bath tap replacement can be more challenging due to limited access. Here's how to approach it:
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Access the plumbing:
- For deck-mounted taps, you'll need to access the underside of the bath
- This might require removing a bath panel or accessing from an adjacent cupboard
- Turn off the water supply at the nearest isolation valves or main stopcock
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Remove the old bath taps:
- Disconnect the water supply pipes from the tap tails
- Loosen and remove the retaining nuts securing the taps to the bath
- For mixer taps, you may need to disconnect additional fittings for the shower attachment
- Lift the old taps out from above
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Prepare the bath surface:
- Clean the area around the tap holes thoroughly
- Remove any old sealant or plumber's putty
- Check that the new taps will fit the existing holes
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Install the new bath taps:
- Apply a small amount of silicone sealant around the base of the new taps
- Insert the tap tails through the holes from above
- Secure the taps from below with washers and retaining nuts
- For mixer taps with shower attachments, ensure all components are properly connected
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Connect the water supply:
- Use PTFE tape on all threaded connections
- Connect the water supply pipes to the tap tails
- For shower mixers, ensure the shower hose is properly attached and sealed
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Test and finish:
- Turn the water supply back on gradually
- Check for leaks around all connections
- Run the taps and test the shower attachment if applicable
- Once satisfied, replace any bath panels you removed
Pro Tip for Bath Tap Installation
When installing bath taps, setting up a mirror can help you see connections underneath the bath more clearly. Alternatively, use your smartphone's camera to check hard-to-see areas. Always have someone nearby who can turn the water off quickly if needed during testing.
Kitchen Tap Replacement Guide
Kitchen taps tend to be more complex and see heavier use than bathroom taps. Here's how to replace them:
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Prepare and access:
- Clear the area under the sink for comfortable access
- Turn off the hot and cold water supply valves under the sink
- Open the tap to release pressure and drain remaining water
- Place a bucket or towels under the work area to catch water
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Disconnect the old tap:
- Disconnect the water supply hoses from the tap tails using an adjustable spanner
- For pull-out taps, also disconnect the weight and hose system
- Loosen and remove the mounting nut that secures the tap to the sink
- If present, disconnect the tap from any water filters or special systems
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Remove the old kitchen tap:
- Lift the tap out from above the sink
- Clean the sink surface thoroughly, removing any old sealant or debris
- Check whether the new tap will cover the same area as the old one
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Prepare and position the new tap:
- Check the new tap comes with all necessary washers, gaskets, and mounting hardware
- Apply plumber's putty or silicone sealant around the base if needed
- Insert the tap tails and any hoses through the sink hole from above
- Position it correctly, ensuring any logos or features are facing forward
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Secure and connect the new tap:
- From underneath, slide the washers and mounting brackets over the tap tails
- Tighten the mounting nuts until the tap is secure (don't overtighten)
- For pull-out taps, install the weight on the hose at the manufacturer's recommended position
- Apply PTFE tape to threaded connections and attach water supply hoses
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Test the new tap:
- Slowly turn the water supply back on at the isolation valves
- Check all connections for leaks
- Run both hot and cold water to ensure proper operation
- For pull-out taps, test the sprayer and ensure the hose extends and retracts properly
When to Call a Professional Plumber
While many tap replacements are suitable DIY projects, some situations call for professional expertise:
- Corroded connections - If old pipes are corroded or stuck, a professional can avoid pipe damage during removal
- Non-standard plumbing - If your home has unusual plumbing configurations or very old systems
- Changing tap configurations - Converting from separate hot/cold taps to a mixer tap may require additional plumbing work
- Special feature taps - Boiling water taps, filter taps, or smart taps often require professional installation
- Integrated systems - Taps integrated with dishwashers or water treatment systems
- Water pressure issues - If your new tap requires different water pressure than your system provides
- Persistent leaks - If DIY repairs don't solve leaking issues
Our Exeter plumbers are experienced in all types of tap fitting and replacement, from simple basin taps to complex kitchen systems. We carry a wide range of parts and can often complete the job in a single visit, saving you time and preventing water damage from improper installation.
Common Tap Problems and Troubleshooting
Even with a successful tap installation, you might encounter these common issues:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dripping Tap | Worn washer or cartridge | Replace the washer or cartridge |
| Low Water Pressure | Blocked aerator or limescale build-up | Clean or replace the aerator/flow restrictor |
| Leaking Base | Loose mounting or failed sealant | Tighten mounting nuts and apply fresh sealant |
| Stiff Tap Operation | Limescale on internal components | Descale or replace internal components |
| Noisy Tap | High water pressure or loose parts | Install a pressure reducer or tighten components |
Professional Tap Replacement in Exeter
While this guide provides detailed instructions for DIY tap replacement, sometimes it's best to call in the professionals, especially for complex installations or if you encounter unexpected problems.
Our team of experienced plumbers in Exeter offers fast, reliable tap replacement services for all types of basin, bath, and kitchen taps. We can recommend the best taps for your needs and budget, and ensure they're fitted correctly the first time.
Contact Us for Tap Replacement Services