Changing bath taps
Changing bath taps is straightforward as long as you have good access to the underside of the bath and the isolation valves for the water supply. Make sure that any replacements you buy are compatible with the number of tap holes on your bath and the distance that they are apart. In this example a bath filler unit is being replaced with one that has a shower spray attachment.
 |
1. Turn off the water supply to the bath taps, then turn on the taps till they run dry. Next disconnect the flexible tap connectors or cut the rigid supply pipes. |
 |
2. Lift out the old taps and simply lower in the new ones making sure that any washers are correctly positioned. |
 |
3. Slip on the washers on the tap tails, and tighten the retaining nuts to hold the taps firm. Take care not to overtighten. You can then reconnect the tap connectors or use new ones if you had to cut through rigid pipes. |
 |
4. Screw on the shower hose if you have one, checking washer positions. Turn the water back on and check for leaks. |
Further changing taps advice
- The technique for changing basin taps is much the same as shown above.
- Where access to tap tails is very tight, you may find that a specially designed basin wrench will be needed to undo nuts on the tap tails.
- For further information on cutting pipes, pipe fittings and connections, please take a look at my ‘Plumbing guides’.
The bath taps are an easy item to install. You may need a special pipe wrench or screw remover if the taps have been on for decades. Also, bath taps occasionally strip at the threads and won’t turn off adequately. This issue can be fixed if necessary. Bath taps come in single or mixer type. Make certain to measure the pipe so you get the correct size tap.