How to Fit Bathroom Taps
Installing new taps doesn’t require being an expert plumber; with the necessary tools you can tackle this task yourself.
Most bath taps should be easy enough to remove and replace yourself, however, if your bathroom is old or the plumbing is in a hard to reach area, it may be best to call out a plumber
First and foremost, it is necessary to isolate your water supply. This could involve simply closing a gate valve on your Cylinder or switching off your main stopcock.
Fixings
Fitting new taps into a bathroom may appear daunting at first, but following some simple steps makes the task far simpler. Turn off both hot and cold water supplies prior to beginning work on this task in order to eliminate any chance of flooding and ensure no accidents happen while installing new fixtures.
Once this step has been taken, you can remove your old faucets. To do this, place a bucket underneath each tap to collect any excess water as you remove them, and unscrew any nuts that keep the tap attached to its basin nut – this may prove challenging in older bathrooms where connections have become rusty or corrosion ridden but perseverance should usually suffice in dislodging these pieces from place.
Once you have removed the old taps, clean all of their installation areas before cleaning out your basin in preparation for new taps. Before attaching new taps to their spots on the tub or basin, use silicone caulk along their bases in order to keep everything securely attached. Hand tighten all main nuts before testing for leaks by turning on water supply then again after everything has been reconnected.
Pipework
When installing new bath taps, flexible connectors must be installed. They’re easy to use and simply thread onto existing pipes; some taps come equipped with compression fittings that attach directly to internal plumbing – if this is the case for you, follow manufacturer’s instructions on how to connect and install these fittings.
Your new taps will also need access to water from either the mains or a hot water tank, so be sure to completely switch off both sources prior to beginning work and double check that all connections are secure. Before connecting any new pipework, ensure you drain out old ones thoroughly so as to prevent working with dripping pipes that could potentially cause lasting damage.
Once your washers, tap connectors, and flexi hoses are assembled, it is time to begin installing your new taps. Position them on the basin surface with their holes aligned accordingly before pushing the connector or hose onto their tails before hand-tightening its nut nut securely.
Using plastic fittings, apply two to three layers of PTFE tape over each connector end for a watertight seal. Next, secure a fiber washer over its flange and secure it around the tail of your tap (or tail adaptor) using its screws before tightening its nut by hand until a firm tightness has been attained.
Taps
Installing new taps in a bathroom is a quick and easy way to upgrade its aesthetic, and many homeowners can complete the project themselves. When starting, ensure all existing fittings, joins, extensions and fittings are free from leakage or damage before proceeding further with installation.
Before beginning, turn off your water at the meter. Put a bucket under both of your cold and warm water pipes so as to catch any leakage as you loosen bottom nuts on flexible tails connecting water pipework to bath taps. When the bucket has filled up with leakage, use a wrench to loosen them further and disconnect pipes from taps.
If the pipes are severely rusted or corrosion affected, freeing the nut may take a few minutes and you may need a junior hacksaw to cut through it or the stem of a tap if necessary. Once all old taps have been taken off and all new ones installed, screw on connectors/flexi hoses onto copper water pipes and tighten nut by hand to tighten (but be wary not to overtighten as this could damage rubber seal).
Once this step is complete, reconnect the water supply lines carefully and turn on your taps to check for leaks. If necessary, tighten any connections by hand but be mindful that if in doubt always seek professional assistance from an accredited plumber.
Basin
Install a basin in your bathroom to house its taps and conceal any pipework. There are numerous modern and traditional options available when selecting your basin design.
Install a pedestal basin by placing it in front of the water supply pipes and waste pipes, and fixing it to the floor using mounting bolts. For wall-hung basins, make sure they’re level before tightening their hanging bolts to the walls; using a spirit level, check their position against each other as well as mark out fixing holes before tightening them down with tightening bolts.
With your sink and pedestal set up, it is now time to install the faucet. Begin by placing the gasket over and inserting the faucet through its matching mounting holes; tighten any nuts underneath before tightening them securely if desired; for an added layer of security use some plumber’s putty around each nut for extra peace of mind.
Once the faucet is in place, you can install the basin waste. Be sure that both hot and cold inlets line up with their respective cutouts in the basin plug hole, before fitting the waste with its washers and applying silicone sealant on its thread for an airtight seal.
Check for leaks
Once you have finished it is now time to turn the water back on. Turn the water on slowly so it is not at full pressure. Then check for any escaping water. Remember that even the smallest drip over time will cause damage. If you do not find any leaks then turn the water pressure up to full and check again. If no leaks are found you have finished and done a good job.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed a new basin in your bathroom! Once this step has been accomplished, turn those taps and take time to appreciate your newly styled space.