Taps

If you are anyway unsure, we always advise that you seek professional assistance for you tap installation.

Before you grab your toolbox, make sure you note what type you have. Most basins will be fitted with either a pillar tap or a mixer tap. Once you’ve noted your type of tap, it’s important to note whether you’ll be replacing a tap or installing a tap in a place that has never had one before.

The former option will make your job a bit easier. If you are replacing an existing tap with a new one, it makes sense to use the existing plumbing wherever possible.

Firstly, turn off the water supply, either at the isolation valve or the main stopcock if you don’t have an isolation valve. Then, with your basin spanner, disconnect your supply pipe from the current tap so it can be removed.

Use the basin spanner to access both the nut on the tap and the backing nut and undo the old and tighten the new. Poke the end of the spanner up to the compression nut o the base of the tap and wrap the jaws around it until you have a firm grip on the nut.

Then carefully apply pressure to the nut to undo it. Using the basin spanner again, put it under the sink, wrapping the jaws around the backing nut on the base of the tap that holds it to the sink. Undo it and fully remove it.

Once the old tap is removed, clean the tap hole well to remove any dirt or grime, as this new tap will hopefully be staying there for a while. Once cleaned, take your new tap and drop it through the tap hole. Ensure it is centrally positioned over the tap hole and reach underneath and screw up the backing nut until it’s finger tight.

Now, position yourself under the sink and use your basin spanner to fully tighten the backing nut, ensuring the tap is lining up on top of the basin as you are tightening it (a pair of extra eyes might be good, or just regularly pop your head up).

Then screw the tap end of your tap connector on to the base of your tap, finger tight first and then some pinching with the basin wrench. With the tap end connected, you can now connect the other end to the supply pipe.

If you’re using the same connector, then push on the push fit or add a compression nut before tightening with a wrench. Once the pipe is prepped and ready, push on the push fitting until it goes the full way down the pipe and then pull it back gently to ensure it is engaged.

With everything connected up and assembled, all that is left is to run the water to check for any leaks. If there’s some leaking, don’t worry, just check all of your joints and carefully tighten any that are leaking. If everything looks good, then congratulations, you’ve changed a tap!

Fixing a leaking tap may require the help of a professional plumber, so we always advise you seek professional help if you are unsure.

After you’ve turned off the water supply, remove the handle and take off the cover/ nozzle to find the retaining screw inside the tap. Then take your screwdriver and unscrew the retaining screw to take off the head of the tap. You should now be able to see the valve, and using a spanner,, undo the valve by unscrewing the nut section at its bottom.

To remove the washer of the tap, carefully prise it out of place with your screwdriver –if it’s necessary. Then simply replace this washer with a new one –it’s likely that it’s what is causing the problem. Also check if the supply pipes are leaking, which may have happened if you accidentally damaged them during your repairs. If your tap is still fixing then it is time to call in a professional.

Note: We always advise seeking professional assistance. The following instructions are for guidance only.

• Replace a faulty valve: The most common cause of low water pressure is a faulty valve, so this might need to be replaced.
• Unclog the pipes: Clogged pipes could be another cause of low water pressure, which can be remedied by using some basic ingredients that you likely have in your kitchen cupboard. For example, baking soda and vinegar can be used to remove mineral build-up.
• Replace the pipes: There could be a crack in your pipes, in which case, you’ll need to change these.

The first thing to consider before choosing your taps is to check how many tapholes your basin has.

• One taphole: If your basin has one taphole, then you have the choice between a single-lever tap or a monobloc tap. A single-lever tap has one lever which lets you control the water temperature from one spout, while a monobloc tap has a single spout but two handles to control the flow of hot and cold water from this.
• Two tapholes: If you have two tapholes, then you’ll have to go for pillar taps, which have two separate sprouts – one for hot water and one for cold.

The type of taps you choose will also depend on the water pressure system you have, along with what your personal preferences are with regards to materials, finish and general tap aesthetics.

Note: Please follow the manufacturer’s care instructions provided with your taps, as these can vary, based on the materials/finish of your particular set of taps. Not following the correct care advice for your specific model of taps can lead to excess wear and invalidate your warranty.

Taps are handled frequently and therefore get dirty very quickly, with multiple people touching them before washing their hands. As a result, they require regular cleaning, to remove germs and grime for hygiene purposes and to keep them looking their best.

It’s always best to keep it simple when you’re cleaning taps – and to note what type of material they’re made from and the finish they have, so you don’t use anything which could damage them and tarnish the surface. For example, matt black taps are best cleaned with something gentle and chemical-free – we recommend basic soap and water for these and any other tap.

Do not use scourers or anything abrasive like brushes to clean your taps, as these can scratch the surface and damage them. Instead, use something like a soft microfibre cloth.

Whether you have matt black, polished chrome or brushed brass finish taps, it’s best to avoid using anything acidic or chemical, as these can all cause damage. Avoid vinegar and bleach, for instance, and stay away from other harsh chemicals and sprays. Again, follow the guidance from the tap manufacturer in terms of cleaning, but if you’re in any way unsure, then contact them for assistance or just stick to that soap and water mix.

Indeed – if in doubt, use soap/washing-up liquid and water every time.

Things to avoid:

• Scourers and brushes
• Chemicals and cleaning sprays
• Vinegar
• Baking soda

Most taps will last for anything from 10-15 or even up to 20 years. However, their longevity depends on various factors, including the brand and tap type, along with how well you’ve looked after the taps (e.g. with cleaning) and any other damage which might have occurred.  

When it comes to positioning your taps, it’s best to get a professional to do this for you. However, a general rule of thumb is that the spout should extend out over the basin or bath enough so that it’s away from the edge and won’t spill over onto the floor.

A plumber will measure out the exact positioning, as well as considering the best height for the taps. They should be placed high enough so you can easily fit your hands underneath to wash them, for example, but not too high that they’ll create splashing.