How to install a tap

A hallmark of DIY renovation, knowing how to install a new tap in your kitchen or bathroom is a great skill which can save you time and money lost through leaky old fixtures. If a tap is leaking excessively, or you think the problem may not be caused by the fixture itself, you should contact a professional for assistance.

The steps you need to take can vary depending on the age or condition of the fixtures you are trying to install, but most new taps will come with a set of instructions printed by the manufacturer. Even so, there are a few useful tips which you should keep in mind when you decide to install a new tap. Read on for details!

Before you begin

Make sure that you switch off the water supply to your premises at the mains before you disconnect any fixtures. Failing to do so could leave you with a kitchen full of water. Some sinks will have a shutoff valve on the pipe below, which means you can turn that off without turning off the whole water supply. But if you fail to find a shutoff valve, switch off the main water supply.

Once you’ve shut off the water, turn the tap on to drain any remaining water.

Now it’s time to remove the fixture. You might need a few tools, such as a basin wrench, to do this. Disconnect and remove all the parts, including the lift rod and any nuts which are holding the tap in place. Once the old tap has been safely removed, you can begin to install your new fixture.

Installation

Make sure that you read the manufacturer’s instructions and keep all nuts and parts together so that you don’t lose any. Now you can install the tap, and fix the gasket in place. If the handles are not installed, screw them on now. Place the lift rod back into the drain and install the water line so that it services the taps below. Consider placing a putty or other sealant on the fixture to prevent any leaks.

Now it’s time to check your work. Switch the water back on and try running both hot and cold water through the tap. Check the sink both above and below to see if there are any leaks. If there are, you may need to repeat the process and see if you left any nuts or other parts out.

Some taps require a unique drain, which makes the process of installing them much more complicated. If this is the case, you should call a professional plumber. Remember that you should never be embarrassed about calling a plumber! There is no job too big or too small, and we are here to serve you in any way we can. Sometimes other issues such as corroded pipes or inaccessible fittings can prevent you from installing a new fixture yourself, but this is no problem for us as we have all the right equipment and skills to get the job done. Calling a professional can prevent unnecessary damage to your fixtures and/or water wastage.