The Ultimate DIY Guide: How to Replace and Change Bathroom Sink Taps
Noticing a constant drip, struggling with stiff handles, or simply dreaming of a bathroom refresh? Learning how to replace basin taps is one of the most satisfying and cost-effective DIY upgrades you can do. While it might seem daunting, with the proper guidance and tools, changing bathroom taps is a project well within the reach of a confident homeowner.
This comprehensive guide from Em Bathrooms will walk you through the entire process, from selecting your new taps to the final leak-free check. Let’s transform your washbasin!
Pre-Installation: Planning and Preparation
Before you grab a wrench, a successful tap replacement starts in the planning stage. Rushing this part can lead to frustration and extra trips to the hardware store.
Step 1: Choosing Your New Taps
The first step in changing bathroom sink taps is selecting the right replacement. Here’s what to consider:
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Basin Configuration: Most bathroom sinks have either a single tap hole (for a monobloc mixer tap) or three tap holes (for a pillar tap set or a centre-set mixer). Measure the distance between the holes if you have a three-hole basin; this is the “spread.”
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Tap Type: Do you want a sleek monobloc mixer, a classic pair of pillar taps (hot and cold), or a modern wall-mounted tap? Each has different installation requirements.
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Size and Spout Reach: Ensure the spout is long enough to reach well over the basin, preventing water from splashing onto the countertop.
At Em Bathrooms, our experts can help you navigate these choices to find the perfect tap for your style and sink.
Step 2: Gathering Your Tools and Materials
Having the right gear is half the battle. Here is the essential list of tools needed to change bathroom taps:
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Core Tools:
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Adjustable Wrenches (or a basin wrench – see below!)
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Screwdrivers (Flat-head and Phillips)
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Allen Keys (often needed for modern tap fittings)
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Plumber’s Tape (PTFE Tape)
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Bucket and Old Towels
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The Game-Changer: A Wash Basin Tap Removal Tool
If you’re wondering how to replace bath taps against a wall or struggling with a cramped vanity unit, a wash basin tap removal tool (often called a basin wrench or a crows foot wrench) is indispensable. Its long handle and pivoting jaw are explicitly designed to reach and grip the awkwardly located nuts under the sink.
The Step-by-Step Guide: How to Replace Your Basin Taps
Follow these steps carefully for a smooth and successful installation.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the isolation valves (often called quarter-turn valves) under your sink. Turn them clockwise until they stop. If you don’t have these, you’ll need to turn off the main water supply to the house. Once off, turn on the existing hot and cold taps to drain any remaining water and relieve pressure.
Step 2: Disconnect the Water Supply Lines
Place your bucket under the connections. Using an adjustable wrench, loosen the nuts connecting the flexible hoses (or copper pipes) to the old tap tails. Water will drip out, so have your towels ready.
Step 3: Remove the Old Taps
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For a Monobloc Mixer Tap: Look for a fixing nut (usually plastic or metal) directly under the basin, securing the tap in place.
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For Pillar Taps: There will be a backnut on each tap tail.
This is where the wash basin tap removal tool earns its keep. Use it to loosen and unscrew these nuts, which are often very tight and in a confined space. Once the nuts are off, the old taps should lift freely from the top of the basin. Clean the area thoroughly before proceeding.
Step 4: Prepare and Fit the New Taps
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Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model.
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Many new taps come with a template or rubber gasket. Ensure this seal is in place to prevent water from leaking onto the countertop.
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From above, lower the new tap(s) into the hole(s).
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From below, screw the provided backnuts or mounting brackets onto the tap tails. Hand-tighten first, then use your wrench or wash basin tap removal tool to secure them firmly, but avoid over-tightening as this can crack ceramic basins.
Step 5: Reconnect the Water Supply
Reconnect the flexible hoses to the new tap tails. If your new bathroom sink mixer tap has different thread sizes, you may need new connectors. This is a common step in changing a bathroom sink mixer tap. Use plumber’s tape, wrapping it clockwise 3-4 times around the male threads to ensure a watertight seal.
Step 6: The All-Important Check for Leaks
Slowly turn the isolation valves back on. Then, turn on your new taps and let the water run, checking every connection you’ve touched—both at the water supply and where the hoses connect to the taps—for any signs of dripping. Tighten connections slightly if needed.
Common Challenges and Pro Tips from Em Bathrooms
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Problem: Stuck or Corroded Nuts.
Solution: Apply a penetrating lubricant, such as WD-40, and let it soak for 10-15 minutes before trying again with your wrench. -
Problem: How to replace basin taps in a bathroom with very little space under the sink.
Solution: This is the primary reason to invest in a wash basin tap removal tool. Its design is made for this exact scenario. -
Problem: A small leak from the tap base after installation.
Solution: The seal between the tap and the basin is likely the issue. Turn off the water, loosen the fixing nut, and ensure the rubber gasket is seated correctly before re-tightening. -
Problem: You need to replace a single component.
Solution: Sometimes, you don’t need a whole new tap. A fix-a-tap kit can often resolve issues like a dripping spout by replacing internal washers or cartridges. Ask our team at Em Bathrooms for advice.
When to Call a Professional
While this guide empowers you to tackle the job yourself, don’t hesitate to call a qualified plumber if you encounter:
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Severely corroded pipes that won’t budge.
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No isolation valves, requiring the main water to be shut off.
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Any situation where you feel out of your depth.
Conclusion: You’ve Got This!
Learning how to replace basin taps in bathroom settings is a fantastic and empowering skill. It not only saves you significant money on plumbing costs but also provides a tremendous sense of accomplishment and instantly modernizes your space, boosting your home’s overall appeal. By carefully following this guide, gathering the right tools for changing bathroom taps, and approaching the task with patience, you can absolutely achieve a clean, professional-looking result that will last for years to come.
Ready to begin your project? Visit Em Bathrooms today! Our experts will help you select the perfect new taps and ensure you have all the necessary tools and confidence for a successful and rewarding DIY upgrade.
Faqs
1. What is the most important tool I need to change my bathroom taps?
The most crucial tool is a basin wrench (also called a wash basin tap removal tool). Its long handle and pivoting jaw are specifically designed to reach the awkward nuts under the sink, especially in tight spaces.
2. How do I know what new taps will fit my existing bathroom sink?
You need to check your basin’s tap holes. Most have a single hole for a mixer tap or three holes. For three-hole basins, measure the distance between the centre of the left and right holes—this “spread” (usually 4 inches) determines which taps will fit. The team at Em Bathrooms can help you confirm this.
3. Why should I use plumber’s tape when replacing taps?
Plumber’s tape (PTFE tape) is wrapped around the thread of the tap tails before connecting the water supply lines. It creates a watertight seal, preventing leaks from the connections under your sink.
4. My new taps are installed, but there’s a leak from the base. What did I do wrong?
A leak from the base usually means the seal between the tap and the basin isn’t tight. Turn off the water, loosen the fixing nut underneath, and ensure the rubber gasket provided with your new tap is properly seated before re-tightening.
5. Can I replace bath taps that are against a wall myself?
Yes, but it can be challenging due to limited access. A basin wrench is essential for this job. If the space is extremely tight or the pipes are corroded, it may be best to call a professional plumber.
6. Do I need to turn off my home’s main water supply to change a tap?
Not necessarily. First, look for the small isolation valves (often with a blue/red turn) on the pipes under your sink. Turn these clockwise to shut off the water. If your sink doesn’t have these, then you will need to turn off the main water supply.
7. What’s the difference between changing a mixer tap and two pillar taps?
A mixer tap is a single unit held in place by one or two nuts underneath. Two pillar taps are separate units, each with its own backnut. The process for both is similar, but you’ll be working with two sets of connections for pillar taps.
8. I have a dripping tap. Do I always need to replace it, or is there a fix a tap kit?
Not always! Often, a dripping tap can be fixed by replacing internal parts. A fix a tap kit containing new washers, O-rings, or a cartridge can solve the problem without the cost of a full replacement.
