If your kitchen mixer tap is leaking, stiff to operate, or simply looking tired, replacing it is a highly effective way to update the functionality and aesthetic of your sink area. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process on how to change a kitchen mixer tap uk, ensuring you choose the right model and install it correctly. With the right tools and a methodical approach, you can complete this upgrade in under an hour, transforming a frustrating drip into a sleek, modern feature.
Understanding Your Current Setup
Before you purchase a new tap, it is essential to assess the configuration of your existing pipes and sinks. The standard arrangement in the UK features a three-hole sink with a spacing of 120mm between the centre points of the hot and cold water holes. However, variations such as 96mm or 160mm centre-spreads do exist. You must measure this distance, often referred to as the "decking distance," to ensure compatibility. Furthermore, determine whether your home operates on a high-pressure system (like a mains-fed tap) or a low-pressure system (such as one fed by a gravity tank in the loft).
Choosing the Right Replacement Tap
Selecting the correct replacement involves more than just picking a style you like. You must match the thread size, which is typically either 1/2 inch or 3/8 inch BSP (British Standard Pipe) thread, and confirm the pipe configuration within your walls. If you are unsure, turning off the water and unscrewing the cap nuts from the pipes under the sink will reveal whether they are threaded or compression-fitted. Additionally, consider the handle style—whether cross-handle, lever, or disk—and the finish, such as chrome, brushed nickel, or matte black, to ensure it complements your kitchen décor.
Prepare the Work Area
Safety and preparation are key to a smooth installation. Start by turning off the stop valves located under the kitchen sink. If these are stuck or ineffective, you may need to turn off the main water supply to the property. Open the taps in the sink to drain any remaining water from the pipes. Place a towel or cloth over the sink basin to prevent tools from scratching the surface and to catch any residual drips. Gather your tools, which will typically include an adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, PTFE tape, and possibly a basin spanner.
Removing the Old Tap
Carefully lift the old tap from the sink, taking care not to damage the ceramic finish of the sink itself. You will likely need to unscrew the large nut or threaded collar located underneath the sink. This can be tricky due to space constraints, so using a basin spanner or an adjustable wrench with a protective cloth jaw is recommended. Once the mounting nut is loose, you can pull the tap assembly through and disconnect the flexible supply hoses from the valves beneath. Remember to have a bucket or cloth ready, as residual water may spill out of the pipes.
Installing the New Mixer Tap
With the old tap removed, inspect the holes in the sink for any debris or sealant residue. Most new mixer taps come with rubber or plastic washers and a threaded tailpiece. Feed the tap body up through the sink holes, ensuring the handles are oriented correctly for hot and cold. From under the sink, place the securing nut or bracket onto the tailpiece and hand-tighten it securely. It is crucial not to overtighten plastic nuts by hand, as this can cause cracking, but you must ensure a tight seal to prevent leaks.
Connect the Water Supply
Reconnect the flexible supply hoses to the valves under the sink. If the old washers on the valves are worn, replace them now to avoid future drips. Wrap the male threads of the valves with PTFE tape to create a watertight seal before screwing on the supply hoses. Tighten these connections firmly with a wrench, again avoiding excessive force that could strip the threads. Once connected, turn the stop valves back on slowly and check for any immediate leaks at the joints or beneath the tap.
Final Checks and Testing
After ensuring there are no leaks, turn on the water supply fully and run the tap through its full range of motion. Check the handles for smooth operation and inspect the base of the tap for any seepage. If the tap remains stiff, a specific tap lubricant can be applied to the cartridge, though modern ceramic discs rarely require this. Finally, wipe down the entire fixture to remove any fingerprints or installation marks, revealing a like-new kitchen fixture that functions perfectly.
