How to Change a Kitchen Tap in 8 Simple Steps

Replacing a kitchen tap might sound like a job for a professional plumber, but it’s one of those plumbing tasks many homeowners can DIY with the right tools and guidance. Whether your tap is leaking, outdated, or you simply want to upgrade to a new mixer tap, knowing how to change a kitchen tap properly will save you time and money.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about removing an old kitchen tap and fitting a new one – from the tools required to troubleshooting common problems like leaks or low water pressure. These steps are designed with UK homes in mind, so whether you have a kitchen sink tap, pillar taps, or a mixer tap, you’ll find practical advice to make the process smooth and stress-free.

Tools You Need to Replace a Kitchen Tap

Before you start your DIY tap replacement, make sure you have the right tools at hand. Having everything ready will save time and help you avoid mid-job trips to the hardware store.

Essential Tools for Kitchen Tap Replacement

• Open-ended spanners / adjustable wrench – for loosening and tightening pipe connections.
• Basin wrench or back nut box spanner – designed for hard-to-reach mounting nuts under the sink.
• Adjustable pliers – handy for gripping connectors and valves without slipping.
• Slotted screwdriver – used for isolating valves or securing fittings.
• PTFE tape – ensures a watertight seal on threaded connections.
• Cleaning cloth & towel – to wipe away water and protect surfaces.
• Washing bowl – to catch any residual water when disconnecting pipes.

Optional but Recommended Tools

• Pipe cutter or hacksaw/olive splitter – for replacing old compression fittings if they’re worn.
• Compression fittings or check valves – useful if you’re upgrading or replacing old pipework.
• Limescale remover – to clean the area before fitting your new kitchen mixer tap.
• Masking tape & pen – for marking alignment and preventing scratches on chrome finishes.
• Joining compound – an extra layer of leak prevention when sealing tricky joints.

If you want to build a complete DIY plumbing kit, investing in these tools will cover not only tap replacement but also other small jobs like fixing leaks or replacing washers. 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.

Choosing the Right Kitchen Tap

Before fitting a new tap, make sure you choose one that matches both your sink and your kitchen style. Types of kitchen taps include mixer taps, pillar taps, bridge taps, pull-out taps, and wall-mounted taps. For more detail, check out the different types of taps and which one works best for your kitchen setup.

Types of kitchen taps:

• Mixer taps – modern and convenient, combining hot and cold water through one spout.
• Pillar taps – separate hot and cold taps, often found in traditional kitchens.
• Bridge taps – stylish options with exposed connecting pipes.
• Pull-out / pull-down taps – flexible hose for rinsing dishes or filling pots.
• Wall-mounted taps – sleek but require the right plumbing setup.

Things to check before buying:

• Hole count & spacing: Ensure your tap matches the sink’s pre-drilled holes.
• Mounting style: Deck-mounted vs wall-mounted.
• Spout reach & height: Must comfortably cover the sink bowl.
• Finish: Chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, copper, or porcelain.

If your current setup doesn’t have isolation valves, this is the perfect time to install them – they make future tap changes much easier.

How to Remove a Kitchen Tap

Before installing a new kitchen tap, you’ll need to remove the old one. Many people use the cupboard under the sink for storage, so start by clearing out everything to give yourself plenty of working space. Lay down a towel and keep a bowl nearby to catch any water drips.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

• Locate the isolating valves on the hot and cold pipes feeding the tap. These are usually small levers or slotted screws fitted on the flexible hoses.
• Rotate the valve a quarter turn so it sits at a right angle to the pipe. This shuts off the flow of water.
• Open both the hot and cold kitchen taps fully to drain the lines and relieve pressure; leave them open while you disconnect the pipework.
• Run the tap briefly to confirm that the water has stopped completely.

If you don’t have independent isolation valves, you’ll need to close the main stopcock instead. This is often found under the sink, in a utility cupboard, or near where the mains water enters your property.

In homes with a vented hot water cylinder, also close the hot water feed valve on the cylinder to stop residual flow.

Once you’re 100% sure no water is flowing, you can move on to disconnecting the pipework.

Step 2: Prepare the Area

Before you start disconnecting pipes, it’s important to prepare your workspace properly.

• Lay a towel or absorbent cloth under the sink to catch any drips or small leaks.
• Keep a washing bowl or bucket nearby to collect residual water.
• Place all your tools for tap removal (wrench, pliers, spanner, PTFE tape) within easy reach so you’re not scrambling mid-task.
• If you still have the instruction manual for your old kitchen tap, keep it close. It can provide helpful diagrams for how the fittings are secured.

Use a head torch or work light when working under the sink. The space is usually tight and poorly lit, so extra lighting helps avoid mistakes and speeds up the process.

Step 3: Disconnect the Tap from the Mains Water Supply

Once the water is shut off, it’s time to separate your old tap from the supply lines. There are two common types of kitchen tap pipe connections:

• Standard copper pipe connections – Use an open-ended spanner to loosen the screw that connects the joints to the pipe. Be ready with a bowl underneath, as a small amount of water may drain out when you undo the fittings.
• Flexible hose connections – Loosen the nuts where the flexible hoses join the mains pipe connections or fitted isolation valves. While doing this, support the valve or pipe with adjustable pliers to prevent strain and potential damage.

Important: These nuts can tighten over time due to mineral build-up. If they’re stiff, apply gentle, steady pressure rather than forcing them – this helps avoid damaging threads.

Pro tip: Wrap a cleaning cloth around your pliers to avoid scratching chrome fittings, especially if you plan to reuse them.

Step 4: Remove the Existing Tap

Now it’s time to free your old tap from the sink or worktop.

• Loosen the retaining nut – Underneath the sink, locate the nut or clamp that holds the tap in place. Use a basin wrench or back nut spanner (depending on the style of tap) to carefully loosen it.
• Hold the tap steady – Grip the tap firmly from above while loosening the nut to prevent the unit from rotating. This avoids scratching your sink or damaging the fittings.
• Detach the flexible hoses – Once the nut is fully undone, you should be able to lift the tap away, bringing the flexible hoses with it. Take care when pulling them through the sink hole – stainless steel braided hoses can have sharp edges.
• Clean the mounting surface – Wipe away any old sealant, grime, or mineral deposits from the exposed pipe connections and the sink surface. A clean, smooth area ensures your new tap will fit securely and seal properly.

Pro tip: If you’re replacing a kitchen mixer tap or single-block style, the securing nut may be harder to reach. Use a box spanner or a pivot-head basin wrench for tight spaces.

That’s it – you’ve successfully removed your old tap! But if the process feels tricky or you’d rather avoid the hassle, you can always rely on My Plumber’s professional tap repair and replacement services in London for a quick, clean installation.

Check also: How to Fit an Outside Tap

How to Fit a Kitchen Tap

Now that you’ve gone through the (sometimes nightmarish!) process of removing your old kitchen tap, it’s time to get your shiny new one fitted. Installing a kitchen tap is usually more straightforward than taking one out, but it still requires care.

There are many types of kitchen taps to choose from, from modern mixer taps to traditional pillar taps, so always pick one that suits both your sink configuration and your kitchen’s interior style. Most taps in the UK now come with flexible hoses and installation kits, which makes the fitting process easier for DIYers.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you fit a new kitchen tap safely and correctly.

Step 1: Clean the Mounting Surface

Before installing your new kitchen tap, take a moment to prepare the area properly.

• Remove old residue – Scrape away any remaining sealant, putty, or gasket material from around the sink hole.
• Clean mineral deposits – If limescale has built up around the opening, apply a small amount of limescale remover or a vinegar solution to loosen it. Wipe away with a soft cloth.
• Protect your sink – Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools, as these can scratch or dull stainless steel or ceramic sinks.
• Check the sink hole size – Ensure the hole matches your new tap’s requirements. Standard UK mixer taps usually fit a 35mm hole, but always check the manufacturer’s guide.

A clean, smooth mounting surface ensures the new kitchen tap seals properly and prevents leaks. If you’re fitting a heavier unit, consider using a tap brace for extra stability.

Step #2. Mount the New Kitchen Tap

As we mentioned earlier, fitting a kitchen tap is usually much easier than removing one. If you’ve bought a standard pillar tap or a bridge combination tap, start by wrapping about five layers of PTFE tape around the lower threads of the mains connection. Always wrap in a clockwise direction so the tape stays secure when tightening.

Most modern taps come with pre-fitted flexible hoses. If yours doesn’t, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to attach them.

Next, feed the connection hoses down through the mounting hole left by the old tap. It’s best to have someone hold the tap firmly in place from above so it doesn’t rotate while you’re working underneath the sink.

Once aligned, screw on the retaining nut by hand and then tighten securely with adjustable pliers or a basin wrench. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage fittings.

Pro tip: If your new tap is on the heavier side, consider adding a tap brace for extra support.

Step #3. Reconnect the Mains Supply

You’re nearly done! Now it’s time to reconnect your new kitchen tap to the mains water supply.

Start by threading the connector nuts onto the mains pipe connections or isolator valves by hand. This prevents cross-threading, which can easily damage fittings.

Once the threads are engaged, gently tighten the connections. Use an adjustable open-ended spanner to give them a final secure turn, but avoid overtightening, as this can crush washers or damage the seals.

Important tip: Always support the connector or isolator valve with adjustable pliers while tightening. This prevents strain on the pipework and eliminates the risk of twisting or cracking the valve.

At this point, all connections should be firmly in place and aligned. The only step left is to restore the water supply and check your installation.

Step #4. Turn on the Water Supply

With your new tap firmly in place, the final step is to restore the water supply and test your installation.

1. Open the valves – If your tap has isolating valves, simply turn them back to their original position (a quarter-turn should do). If you shut off the mains stopcock, reopen it fully.
2. Test the tap – Turn on both hot and cold handles to allow water to flow through. This clears any trapped air and ensures the supply is restored properly.
3. Check for leaks – While the water is running, carefully inspect all joints, hoses, and connectors under the sink. Look for any drips or damp spots.
4. Tighten if needed – If you notice a minor leak, gently tighten the affected connection with a spanner, but don’t overtighten.

Expect a little sputtering at first as trapped air leaves the system. Once the flow becomes steady, your new tap is good to go. If spluttering persists after a few minutes, you may need to remove airlock from water pipes to restore a smooth, steady flow.

How to Change a Kitchen Tap in 8 Simple Steps

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