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How to Change a Kitchen Tap in 8 Simple Steps

An image of a kitchen tap

Many plumbing jobs require a professional hand, but there are certain tasks that you can always DIY. Replacing your kitchen tap falls into that category. With that in mind, while fitting a new unit may be easy, you still have to do your homework beforehand and this is exactly what we are going to help you out with!

Below you’ll find detailed information on how to change a kitchen tap, the tools you need, and additional tips.

Table of Contents

Tools You Need to Replace a Kitchen Tap
How To Remove a Kitchen Tap
How to Fit a Kitchen Tap
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Kitchen Tap?

Tools You Need to Replace a Kitchen Tap

If you plan to change the tap by yourself, you’ll need certain tools to complete the job. Note that if you don’t have the required instruments, you should make a trip to the nearby hardware store, which won’t be very cheap. That said, here is what you may need:

Open-ended spanners
Basin wrench
Back nut box spanner
Adjustable pliers
Cleaning cloth
PTFE tape
Washing bowl
Towel
Adjustable wrench
Slotted screwdriver
Pipe cutter
vBox spanner or ratchet
Compression fittings or check valves
Hacksaw or olive splitter
Limescale remover
Masking tape
Pen
Joining compound

And if you strive to become a master DIY plumber, here is a complete list of all of the instruments you can get for your toolbox.

How to Remove a Kitchen Tap

Many people like to use the area under their sinks for storage. If you do the same, we suggest removing all items before you get down to work, so you can have access to the pipe connectors.

Step #1. Turn off the water supply

To turn off the water supply, you need to locate the isolating valve of the pipe supply system. You can find it fitted on the hoses’ outputs. Now, turn the valve only a quarter to turn off the water. Try running the water to see if you’ve turned it off properly. If your system doesn’t have independent isolation valves, turn off the water supply from the main stopcock. Once you are 100% sure that there is no circulating water, you can proceed to the next step.

Step #2. Prepare the area

Lay a towel under the sink and prepare all the instruments you are planning to use. If you still have your old kitchen tap instructions manual, keep it close. You may need to take a look or two, while you are trying to remove the old tap.

Step #3. Disconnect the tap from the mains water supply

There are two types of water pipe connections – standard and flexible. If you have a standard hose system, loosen up the screw that connects the joints to the pipe with the help of an open-handed spanner. Some water may come out once you’ve disconnected the tap. For a flexible pipe connection, you have to unfasten the nuts where they join the mains pipe connections or fitted isolator valves. As you do this, use a pair of adjustable pliers to keep the connection or valve into place. Note that you may have a hard time loosening the nuts, as they can get tighter over time.

Step #4. Remove the existing taps

Now comes the time to remove the tap. Start by loosening the nut that keeps the tap attached to the surface. Grab the tap and secure it into place. Make sure it doesn’t rotate as you are trying to unscrew the nut. The idea is to remove it from the stud, so you can detach the tap along with the flexible hoses. Be extra careful when pulling out said hoses, especially if they are stainless steel ones. You don’t want to cut yourself on a sharp, pointy edge. Once you’ve removed everything, take the time to clean any nasty residue or buildup from the open mains pipe connections under the sink.

That’s it! You’ve just successfully removed your kitchen tap! Still, if you find the entire process hard or you just don’t feel like doing it yourself, count on My Plumber’s tap repair and replacement services! It’s fast, it’s easy, and it’s clean!

How to Fit a Kitchen Tap

Now that you’ve undergone through the nightmarish process of removing a kitchen tap, it’s time for you to get your new one fitted. There are many types of taps, so make sure to choose the best one for your interior. Here is how to fit it:

Step #1. Clean the mounting surface

Clean the surface where your old kitchen tap used to be. Some buildup may be harder to remove, so take your time. Don’t use any harsh chemicals or brushes, so you don’t damage the area.

Step #2. Mount the new kitchen tap

As we said earlier, to install a kitchen tap is far easier than removing one. So, if you’ve bought a standard individual pilar or a bridge combination one, you should apply about 5 layers of PTFE tape to the mains connection lower threads beforehand. Wrap the tape in a clockwise direction to secure it the right way. Once done with that, you can fit your new tap. Most models come with pre-fitted hoses, and if yours aren’t, grab the manufactures’ manual and connect them yourself. Then, feed the mains connections hoses through the hole you’ve made for the previous tap. You can get someone to help you out by holding the tap into place. It shouldn’t rotate as you are handling the hoses underneath the sink. Finally, screw the retaining nut by hand and secure it tightly with the same pair of adjustable pliers you used to remove the old unit. If you suspect that your new unit is too heavy for your sink, better install a tap brace. It’s a small, additional investment that saves you a lot of trouble.

Step #3. Reconnect the mains supply

We are close to the finish line. To reconnect the mains supply, start the threads by hand to avoid cross-threading. Most tap units have a thread length standard with the existing connection alignment assured. So, when you’ve started the thread, tighten it but don’t overdo it. Screw-in the connector nuts to the mains pipe connections or fitted isolator valves. Then tighten once more with an adjustable open-ended spanner. Make sure to hold on to the connector or valve to eliminate excess pressure. That’s it – now what’s left is to…

Step #4. Turn on the water supply

Now that you’ve installed everything, it’s time to turn on the water supply. All you have to do is adjust the isolating valve to its original position or turn on the water from the stopcock. Test the tap by turning it on and check the hoses for leaks and drips. If everything is fine – congratulations! You’ve replaced your kitchen tap successfully! Give yourself a pat on the back!

How Long Does It Take to Replace a Kitchen Tap?

It really depends on your handyman skills. If you have some experience, then replacing the kitchen tap can take under an hour. And, if you don’t have a clue what an adjustable wrench looks like – you can spend the entire day trying to get your new tap installed. Needless to say, the instructions we’ve given you in this article can make it a lot easier and faster.

Disclaimer: The information on this web page is presented for general guidance purposes only and is supplied without liability. Such information is provided in good faith. Whilst every care has been taken in its preparation, no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions which it may contain. The information on this may be updated or changed at any time without warning.

Takeaways

Replacing a kitchen tap is a fairly simple job to complete – you just need to have patience, a manual, and the right tools.
Make sure you are extra careful when tightening, well, anything – over-tightening a single nut can lead to damage.
If you aren’t 100% sure that you can DIY your kitchen tap replacement, you can always schedule an appointment with one of our local and experienced plumbers in London to do it for you.
Hard water in London is often the culprit of unsighty or malfuntioning taps. You can avoid often replacement of gunky, scaled, or faulty taps when you fit an under-sink water softener by entrusting the job to a water treatment specialist in London.