A failing mixer kitchen tap is one of those household issues that seems minor until it leaves water pooling on your sink deck. Before you call a plumber or resign yourself to a life of awkwardly holding a jug under a trickling stream, understand that replacing the tap is a straightforward DIY project. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can eliminate the drip and restore full water functionality to your kitchen.
The first step to a successful installation is ensuring you have the correct replacement part. Not all mixer taps are created equal, and dimensional mismatches are the primary cause of frustration during installation. Measure the center bore—the distance between the two existing supply pipe holes on your sink—which is typically 150mm, 200mm, or 250mm in the UK. Additionally, take note of whether your current tap has flexible supply lines or rigid pipe connections, as this will dictate the specific connectors you need.
Tools and Materials Required
Preparation is key to avoiding mid-job trips to the hardware store. Gathering everything beforehand streamlines the process and minimizes water damage risk. You will need an adjustable wrench, a pair of adjustable pliers, a screwdriver set (both flathead and Phillips), and a basin wrench for those hard-to-reach tap nuts under the sink. A cloth bucket is essential to catch residual water, and PTFE tape or pipe sealant is required to ensure a tight, leak-free seal on the new connections.
Safety and Water Supply Shutdown
Never begin work on a live water supply. Locate the isolation valves (stopcocks) usually found under the sink and turn them clockwise to shut off the hot and cold feeds. If your valves are stiff or unavailable, you may need to turn off the main water supply to your home. Open the tap in the sink briefly to drain the remaining water from the pipes and relieve any pressure before proceeding. Place the bucket beneath the pipes to catch any residual drips during the disassembly phase.
Removing the Old Tap
With the water off and drained, you can dismantle the old unit. Look for the tap handles; they are often secured with a small grub screw located at the side or top of the handle. Unscrew this to release the handle, then use your screwdriver to gently lever off the decorative cap if present. Next, use your adjustable wrench to loosen the large mounting nut that secures the tap body to the sink deck. Once this is loose, grip the tap body from above and pull upward while simultaneously wiggling it to break the seal of any old sealant or debris.
Carefully maneuver the tap up and out, being mindful of the supply lines or tails still connected underneath. Use your adjustable pliers or wrench to loosen the nuts securing these tails to the isolating valves. If the connection is particularly tight, a basin wrench can be a lifesaver for accessing the awkward angles under the sink. Keep a firm grip on the pipes to prevent them from twisting and potentially damaging the valve seats.Preparing the New Tap
Before the new tap touches the sink, prepare the connections. If your new mixer tap has ceramic disc valves, do not overtighten the valve bodies, as this can crack the ceramic components. Wrap the threaded ends of the supply tails with three to four layers of PTFE tape, applying gentle tension as you wrap. This creates a waterproof barrier that prevents leaks without the mess of traditional pipe sealant. Ensure the tape is applied in the direction of the thread so it does not bunch up when you screw the parts together.
Installing the New Tap
Feed the new tap body up through the center hole of the sink, aligning the outlet lugs with the front of the vessel. Secure it in place by tightening the mounting nut from underneath the sink using your hand initially, then snugging it up with the wrench. The goal is firm resistance, not brute force; overtightening can crack a porcelain sink or strip the metal nut. Reconnect the supply tails to the isolating valves, using the wrench to tighten the nuts firmly. Wrap the threads with PTFE tape beforehand to guarantee a modern, drip-free seal.
Once the connections are secure, carefully lift the tap and straighten it to the vertical position. Turn the water supply back on by rotating the isolation valves counterclockwise. Allow the water to flow fully and inspect the base of the tap and all connection points for immediate leaks. If you spot a drip, turn the water off again, slightly unscrew the connection, add another layer of PTFE tape, and tighten once more. Test the handles, ensuring the hot and cold flows operate smoothly and the temperature mixing function works as intended.
