How to Replace Basin Taps Step By Step

Posted by Claire Davies on Friday 8th September 2023, updated on Friday 8th September 2023

Giving your bathroom a small refresh can make the whole room feel like a new space, and one of the easiest ways to do this is by updating your basin tap. Whether your existing tap has seen better days, or you just fancy a new style, updating your bathroom tap can be a straightforward task. If you follow this handy step-by-step guide you should have your new basin tap fitted in no time.

Tools you will need:

In order to successfully install your new tap there are a few essential tools you’ll need at hand.

  • Your new basin tap, connectors, and washers
  • Adjustable spanner
  • Grips
  • PTFE tap (optional)

1. Turn off the water supply

The first step is to turn off the water supply which can be done by turning off the isolation valve. Before doing this turn your old tap on slightly so that you can see when the water supply is off. Run taps until dry to drain away an excess water.

2. Disconnect your old tap

If you have old taps that haven’t been updated in years then you might find some corrosion. This is likely to make it difficult to unscrew the old tap but worry not there is a way to overcome this. Use a lubricant such as WD-40 to release particularly tight and corroded pipe work.

To disconnect your old tap you will need your adjustable spanner and grips to undo the water feed which is found at the base of the tap under the basin. Once you’ve done this it’s time to undo the nut that holds to tap in place, again with your adjustable spanner. Please note the nut can be either plastic or brass. Once you’ve undone the nuts under the sink the tap should simply lift out.

3. Fit your new tap

Before getting started make sure to give the specific installation instructions for your taps as this can vary between makes and designs. For example, fitting for pillar taps might be different from one single mixer tap.

Firstly, make sure to clean the area around the tap hole to remove any grease or grime from the old tap.

Next, unscrew and remove the nut on your new tap before inserting it into the basin's tap hole. Once you have inserted the new tap, the nut will need to be screwed back on. This can be a fiddly task and you might need a second pair of hands to hold the tap in place while you screw the bolt back on. After the bolt has been screwed on make sure to tighten this with your adjustable spanner.

You will then need to reattach the water feed pipe. If this is old and has seen better days it may need replacing but a quick fix can be completed with some PTFE tape.

4. Turn on the water supply

This is where you turn the plumbing on and test your handy work. Once you have turned the water supply on slowly turn your tap back on. It will first release some air and then the water should start to flow.

Once the water is back on and running make sure to check all connections under the basin for leaks. If there are no leaks present and the taps are working this is the sign of a successful job. Well done!

Now you know how to fit a basin tap there really is no stopping you. Take a look at our other DIY guides for information on your next bathroom project.

Plumbing Basics – How to Fix a Dripping Tap – How to Unblock a Bathroom Sink – How to Fit a Shower Tray – How to Change a Toilet Flush.

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