How to Install or Replace a Tap

 The taps in your bathroom or kitchen are not going to last forever and will eventually need to be replaced.  Even though they still work, some homeowners decide that they want to do an upgrade, so will require tap installation.  Most of the modern taps are deck mounted and attached to their respective hot and cold-water supply tubes.  The standard sink comes with three or four holes that are spaced four inches apart.  To make sure that the holes match, you should get a replacement tap that matches up to the holes.

Regardless of the brand you choose to use for tap replacement, the installation process is basically the same.  All you will need to do is make sure that the body of the tap is firmly secured on the sink or counter.  You also need to make sure that the hot and cold supply tubes are connected properly.

Steps to remove the old tap as carried out by your plumber

  • Shut off the water supply to both the hot and cold water and lay some towels under them in the cabinet where the tap is installed.
  • Use some penetrating oil to spray on the nuts that are holding the tap in place. Give the oil a few minutes to soak in.  Doing this will help to remove the tap.
  • Next, your plumber will need to detach the water supply. Your plumber may replace the tubes instead of using old ones.
  • Now is the time to take the body of the tap off the counter or sink. If you want, your plumber can replace the base.  Many times, the taps also come with a new base.  If you want to keep the old base, your plumber will need to scrape the old putty or caulk off by using a sturdy putty knife.  Your plumber will also need to clean the sink where the base sat, even if you are using the same base.  Your plumber can use a scouring pad to clean the area with an acidic-based scouring cleaner.

Once this is all done, it is time to do the tap installation:

Installing a new tap

  • On the bottom of the new tap replacement, your plumber will apply some silicone caulk and then insert it into the sinkholes, then press downward on the taps to set into the caulk firmly.
  • Your plumber will then take the friction washers and put one on each tailpiece and tighten. If any caulk has squeezed out, your plumber will make sure that they wipe it off with a damp rag before it dries.
  • Next, your plumber will connect the water supply making sure that the hot and cold are connected to the right one.
  • Fix the water supply tubes to the shutoff valve.

Conclusion

Once you have everything reattached, turn on each tap and check to make sure that there are no leaks.  If there are, then you need to check to make sure that the washers are tightened enough.  It is not hard to change taps, but it does take some time.

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