Overhauling a Kitchen Faucet: A Self-Guided Tutorial from a Specialist, Detailing the Process
In the heart of every home, the kitchen is a hub of activity, and one essential fixture that sees constant use is the tap. Whether you're upgrading for a fresh look or dealing with a faulty tap, replacing your kitchen tap can be a straightforward DIY project. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this task.
Before you begin, it's crucial to ensure your household water supply uses a 15mm (0.5-inch BSP) copper pipe, a common standard in most household water supplies. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can replace your kitchen tap in no time.
**1. Turn off the water supply** To prevent leaks during removal, start by turning off the water supply to the kitchen tap. Locate the isolation valves under the sink and give them half a turn with a slotted screwdriver.
**2. Disconnect the water supply lines** Next, undo the nuts that connect the taps to the water supply pipes under the sink using a wrench.
**3. Remove the old kitchen tap** Loosen and remove the mounting nuts or screws holding the old tap in place. Once removed, take the old tap to a local recycling center where it can be processed and the materials reused.
**4. Clean the area** Clean the area around the sink where the old tap was seated to ensure a good seal for the new tap.
**5. Install the new tap** Fit the replacement tap by slotting the metal retaining plate over the threaded bar on the base of the tap, and tighten the retaining nut. Position the tap, ensuring the rubber seal is sitting between the hole and the tap base. Secure the new tap from underneath the sink with mounting nuts, tightening them firmly but without overtightening.
**6. Connect the hot and cold water supply lines** Connect the tap's flexible hoses to the hot and cold water pipes using the connectors on the ends. Ensure you get the hoses the right way around - blue for cold, red for hot.
**7. Secure the tap** Ensure the tap is tightened using a basin wrench. Some taps come with a 1.5-inch BSP connection for homes with high water pressure.
**8. Turn the water supply back on** Finally, turn the water supply back on and check the new tap for leaks and proper operation.
These steps are summarised from various expert DIY guides and plumbing advice sources. They cover single or double handle taps, cartridge and ceramic disc types, and even considerations for different finishes like chrome, stainless steel, and brushed nickel. For a smoother operation and leak prevention, it's recommended to clean parts and apply plumber’s grease to O-rings or moving parts during installation.
If you're not comfortable with DIY plumbing work, professional plumbers can handle tap replacements efficiently, ensuring proper fitting and avoiding leaks or damage.
David Cruz, a plumbing expert at MyJobQuote, with over fifteen years of experience in the plumbing industry, emphasises the importance of choosing high-quality taps. High cost taps usually have more range when it comes to style, finishes, and color, and are often more resilient than their cheaper counterparts.
With this step-by-step guide, you're now equipped to replace your kitchen tap with confidence. Happy DIY-ing!
[1] DIY Doctor. (2021). How to Change a Kitchen Tap. [online] Available at: https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/how-to/36235/how-to-change-a-kitchen-tap.html [2] Homebuilding & Renovating. (2021). How to Change a Kitchen Tap. [online] Available at: https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/plumbing-and-heating/how-to-change-a-kitchen-tap/1200.article [3] B&Q. (2021). How to Change a Kitchen Tap. [online] Available at: https://www.diy.com/DIY-projects/how-to-change-a-kitchen-tap/6602257.html [4] House Beautiful. (2021). How to Change a Kitchen Tap. [online] Available at: https://www.housebeautiful.co.uk/interiors/buying-advice/a30887693/how-to-change-a-kitchen-tap/ [5] Which? (2021). How to Change a Kitchen Tap. [online] Available at: https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-reports/home-and-garden/plumbing/kitchen-taps/how-to-change-a-kitchen-tap/a28751459/
- Before starting the project, check if your home's water supply uses a 15mm (0.5-inch BSP) copper pipe, which is common in most households.
- Turn off the water supply to the kitchen tap to prevent leaks during removal, by locating the isolation valves under the sink and giving them half a turn with a slotted screwdriver.
- Replacing your kitchen tap can be a straightforward DIY project with the right tools, patience, and instructions like these from various expert DIY guides and plumbing advice sources.
- While renovating your home-and-garden, updating the kitchen tap can significantly improve the lifestyle and aesthetics of your kitchen.
- For a smoother operation and leak prevention, it's recommended to clean parts and apply plumber’s grease to O-rings or moving parts during installation.
- When choosing a new kitchen tap, consider factors like style, finishes, and color, as well as the tap's quality, as high-cost taps tend to be more resilient than cheaper alternatives.
- If you're not comfortable with DIY plumbing work or encounter any unexpected issues, professional plumbers can handle tap replacements efficiently, ensuring proper fitting and avoiding leaks or damage.
- With a revamped kitchen tap, your kitchen's atmosphere will be uplifted, and the costs of updating your home-and-garden will be worth it in the end.
