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How to change bathroom mixer tap?

Hi all

I really want to change my bathroom sink tap to a style that allows me to control the hot and cold water separately. Currently this tap will only let me flow low volume of water in cold, and maximum flow is hot.
Can this be done with the current sink? Or do I need to replace sink and mixer?
thanks in

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MitchellMc

Hi @amrita_diy,

Does the handle have a hole in the back of it? If so, I'd suggest that it is missing its pin lever handle and is on the back to front. In the incorrect position, the handle might be restricted from moving to the appropriate position to control the flow and temperature of the water.

You could pop off the circular cover on the front there and use an allen key to loosen the grub screw within the handle. This will allow you to pull the handle off and rotate it 180 degrees. You can then try its operation to see if it fixes the issue. However, you still wouldn't have a handle as typically seen on a mixer. You might be able to find a spare part to suit. Alternatively, you'd be looking at replacing the tap. There are plenty of budget-friendly sink mixers which allow you to control temperature and flow. You will need a plumber to swap the mixers over.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

amrita_diy

Thanks Mitchell.
it might look the wrong way around as I photographed it with the tap on full blast. There is no hole in the back.
But it seems that to change the tap so I can control both temperature and flow I’ll need a plumber correct? Do you think I’ll need a different sink too or is it likely I can find a tap that fits this set up?
Thanks.

EricL

Hello @amrita_diy

If you plan on changing your tapware you will need a plumber to do it for you. Reading your description regarding the flow of water, I suspect that you have an uneven pressure system. I also suspect that you can never quite get that sweet spot between hot and cold. It's always very hot or very cold, but never just right. If you are in that predicament, I suggest calling the plumber and asking them to install a pressure reducer on the hot line to equalize the pressure between your hot and cold water. Technically, if both hot and cold water are coming out at the same pressure you should have a good mix.

However, if you want to return to the classical hot and cold tap, it will be necessary to change the basin as well as you will require three mounting spots for the hot and cold tap along with the spout.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

amrita_diy

Thanks Eric!

I don’t think we have a pressure issue. We can get that sweet spot. What I don’t like is that I have great control of temperature, but due to the design of this tap, I can’t adjust flow. As I turn the tap, it starts at low flow cold only, and as I increase flow the temperature increases. But I cannot, for example, get low flow but hot water. Or high flow with only cold water. Does that make sense?

I know there are taps that allow you to do this with only one mount, dad we have such taps elsewhere in our house, and I would like to switch to this. From your advice, it seems I will need a plumber to do this.

Thanks

Amrita

JacobZ

Hi @amrita_diy,

Unfortunately, you are correct that you will need the assistance of a plumber to change over to a system with separate taps for hot and cold.

Let me know if there is anything else I can assist with.

Jacob

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