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How to replace old kitchen taps?

Hello everyone,

I'm wanting to replace some old taps in my kitchen soon. I'm on a very strict budget so the taps I want to purchase must be low budget but, look great and have a modern look. Does replacing taps need a plumber, or can I (an amateur) do it myself? I also want to replace vanity taps.

I have enclosed a pic of my taps.

Look forward to your comments and suggestions. Thanks in advance.

Cheers Julie

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JacobZ

Hi Julie (@julesg),

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Replacing taps is a relatively easy job that can be done with some basic tools. You have two different types of tap here, a wall-mounted tap and a basin-mounted tap. The process is similar, with slight differences.

Wall-mounted taps are fixed directly to plumbing inside the wall, meaning you’ll need to access and replace the spindles inside the fittings. The spindles will be included with your new taps.

Start by turning off the water supply at the main shutoff valve, as wall taps typically don’t have isolation valves. Open the taps fully to drain any remaining water from the pipes.

Next, remove the tap handles by loosening the screw underneath or at the back of each handle. Once removed, use a spanner to unscrew and take out the spindles.

Once the old spindles are out, clean the threaded section inside the wall to remove any debris or old sealant. Apply plumber's grease to the new spindles to ensure smooth operation, then screw them into place, tightening them firmly but not over-tightening.

After securing the new spindles, reattach the tap handles and decorative covers. Slowly turn the water supply back on and check for leaks around the fittings.

For your basin tap, start by turning off the water supply. If isolation valves are installed under the sink, turn them off individually; otherwise, shut off the main supply. Open the existing taps to release any remaining water in the pipes.

Place a bucket underneath the sink to catch any drips, then use a spanner to loosen the nuts securing the taps to the basin. If the connections are stiff, apply a bit of penetrating oil and let it sit for a few minutes. Once the nuts are loosened, disconnect the water supply pipes from the underside of each tap.

Lift the old taps out of the basin and clean the mounting area, removing any old sealant or grime. Position the new taps in place, ensuring any rubber washers or seals provided are correctly fitted to prevent leaks. Secure the taps from underneath using the supplied nuts, tightening them firmly by hand first before finishing with a spanner.

Reconnect the water supply pipes, wrapping thread tape around the threads for a watertight seal. Turn the water back on and check for leaks. If necessary, tighten the connections slightly until no drips are visible. If water leaks from the tap spout when closed, replacing the tap washer should resolve the issue.

You'll find instructions that come with whatever tap you purchase that will outline their installation procedure, but as a guide, this is what is typical.

While it doesn't require a plumber, you might like to consider our Tap and Mixer Installation service as a reasonably priced option.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

julesg

Hi JacobZ,

Thanks for your reply with your great information and suggestions!

Has Bunnings got a video on 'how to' in relation to replacing taps? As I'm a visual person, having a 'how to' video would be awesome.

Thank you as well for your warm welcome. 😊

Look forward to your reply. Thanking you.

Cheers Julie 🌻

JacobZ

Hi Julie (@julesg),

Unfortunately, we do not currently have a video showing how to replace taps.

I am confident that if you have a look on YouTube for "How to replace wall mounted taps" and "How to replace basin taps" you will find something showing you the process.

Also, if you run into any questions along the way, our wonderful members and the Workshop team will be happy to help. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you run into any questions or concerns.

Jacob

julesg

Thanku Jacob. Cheers 😊

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