How to Install a Kitchen Tap

Upgrading your kitchen tap is one of the most effective ways to enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen space. Whether you're replacing an outdated tap that's seen better days, fixing a persistent leak, or simply refreshing your kitchen's look, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process step by step. Follow our expert tips and detailed instructions to ensure a smooth, hassle-free installation. It is important to remember that if you are not comfortable with installing the tap on your own, you should contact a professional plumber rather than risk damaging your plumbing system.

Why Install a New Kitchen Tap?

There are several compelling reasons to consider upgrading your kitchen tap:

Fix Leaks and Prevent Water Wastage

Over time, kitchen taps inevitably develop leaks or begin to wear out. Even a small drip can waste a surprising amount of water – up to 20,000 litres per year from a single leaking tap. Beyond the environmental impact, this water wastage directly affects your utility bills. A new tap eliminates these issues, providing a watertight seal and smooth operation. If you do encounter these issues, see our handy troubleshooting guide for help. 

Improve Kitchen Efficiency and Functionality

Modern kitchen taps offer significant improvements in both water flow and energy efficiency compared to older models. Features such as:

• Dual-flow systems that allow you to control hot and cold water precisely
• Pull-out spray heads that make rinsing dishes and cleaning the sink much easier
• Swivel spouts with extended reach for filling large pots and pans
• Water-saving aerators that reduce water consumption without compromising performance
• Single-lever controls for easy operation even when your hands are full

All these innovations can make your daily kitchen tasks significantly more convenient and efficient.

Enhance Kitchen Aesthetics

A stylish new tap can transform the appearance of your kitchen, serving as an attractive focal point. With numerous finishes available – from classic chrome to contemporary brushed nickel, matte black, or even brushed gold – you can select a design that perfectly complements your kitchen décor and other fixtures. An updated tap is also one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh your kitchen's appearance without undertaking a complete renovation.

Accommodate Changing Needs

If your household circumstances have changed – perhaps you're now filling more baby bottles, accommodating someone with limited dexterity, or simply cooking more frequently – a new tap with features designed for your specific needs can make a significant difference to your daily routine.

Tools You'll Need for Kitchen Tap Installation

Before beginning the installation process, it's essential to gather all the necessary tools to ensure the job goes smoothly. Having everything prepared in advance will save you time and frustration once you've turned off the water supply.

Essential Tools:

• Adjustable wrench – For loosening and tightening nuts and fittings
• Basin wrench – A specialised tool designed to reach the difficult mounting nuts behind the sink
• Screwdrivers (both flathead and Phillips) – For removing any screws in the tap assembly
• Plumber's tape (PTFE tape) – Creates a watertight seal on threaded connections
• Bucket or towel – To catch any excess water that may spill during removal of the old tap
• Pipe cutter (if needed for adjustments) – In case supply pipes need to be shortened

Additional Helpful Items:

• Silicon sealant – To create a waterproof seal between the tap and sink
• Penetrating oil (such as WD-40) – Helpful for loosening corroded fittings on old taps
• Torch/flashlight – For better visibility in the dark spaces under your sink
• Safety glasses – To protect your eyes when working under the sink
• Plumber's putty – An alternative to silicon for sealing the base of the tap
• Mobile phone or camera – Taking pictures of your existing plumbing configuration before disassembly can be extremely helpful if you encounter any confusion during reassembly

Having these tools readily available will make the installation process much more efficient and help you avoid interruptions once you've started.

How to Install a Kitchen Tap: Detailed Steps

Whether you're fitting a tap for the first time in a new sink or replacing an old one, follow these comprehensive steps for a successful installation:

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply and Prepare the Area

• Locate the isolation valves under the sink and turn them clockwise to shut off the water supply. These are typically small fixtures on the pipes leading to your tap.
• If there are no isolation valves, you'll need to turn off the main water supply to your home, usually located near your water meter.
• Open the existing tap to release any water pressure and drain remaining water from the lines.
• Clear out the under-sink cabinet to create adequate working space – removing cleaning products, bins, or other stored items.
• Ensure adequate lighting in your work area, as the space under sinks is often dark and cramped.

Step 2: Remove the Old Tap (If Replacing One)

• Place a bucket or towel under the sink to catch any excess water that may still be in the pipes.
• Disconnect the water supply lines from the base of the old tap using an adjustable wrench. Turn counterclockwise to loosen.
• Locate the mounting nuts that secure the tap to the sink. These are typically found underneath the sink, at the base of the tap.
• Use a basin wrench to reach and loosen these mounting nuts – this specialised tool is designed specifically for reaching into tight spaces behind the sink.
• Once all mounting hardware is removed, carefully lift the old tap out of the mounting hole from above.
• Clean the sink surface thoroughly to remove any old sealant, limescale, or debris before installing the new tap. This ensures a proper seal and extends the life of your new fixture.

Step 3: Position and Secure the New Tap

• Check the manufacturer's instructions for any specific installation requirements for your particular model.
• If your new tap came with a gasket or requires sealant, place this on the base plate or apply a thin bead of silicone sealant around the base of the tap.
• Insert the tap tailpipes (the pipes that extend from the base of the tap) through the mounting hole in your sink.
• Align the tap correctly – ensure it's facing the right direction and sitting flat against the sink surface.
• From underneath, slide the backing plate and mounting nuts onto the tailpipes and tighten them securely against the underside of the sink.
• Use your basin wrench to tighten the mounting nuts – they should be tight enough to prevent the tap from moving but be careful not to overtighten, which could damage your sink or the tap fittings.

Step 4: Connect the Water Supply

• Identify which tailpipe is for hot water and which is for cold water. Typically, the hot water connection is on the left when facing the tap from the front.
• Apply plumber's tape (PTFE tape) to the threaded connections of the water supply pipes, wrapping it clockwise 3-4 times around each thread to create a watertight seal.
• Connect the flexible water supply hoses to the tap tailpipes first, then to your existing water supply pipes.
• For flexible hoses, hand-tighten first, then use your adjustable wrench to secure them – typically a quarter to half turn beyond hand-tight is sufficient. Over-tightening can damage the fittings.
• Ensure all connections are secure but be careful not to apply excessive force, which could crack the fittings or strip the threads.

Step 5: Check for Leaks and Make Final Adjustments

• Turn the water supply back on slowly by turning the isolation valves counterclockwise.
• As you open the valves, check for any signs of leaking around all connection points.
• Run both hot and cold water through the tap for at least a minute to flush out any debris that may have entered the system during installation.
• Check again for leaks around all connections while the water is running.
• If you notice any leaks, turn off the water supply again and tighten the problematic connections slightly before retesting.
• Test all tap functions – ensure the lever or handles move smoothly and that water flow and temperature control work as expected.
• If your tap has special features like a pull-out spray or separate spray attachment, test these thoroughly as well.

Common Issues When Replacing a Kitchen Tap

Even with careful preparation, you might encounter some challenges during the installation process. Here's how to address common issues:

Stuck or Corroded Fittings

• If the fittings on your old tap are stuck due to corrosion, apply a penetrating oil like WD-40 to the corroded parts.
• Allow the oil to penetrate for 15-30 minutes before attempting removal again.
• For severely corroded fittings, you may need to use a pipe cutter as a last resort, but be careful not to damage your sink or water supply pipes.

Leaky Connections

• If you notice leaks after installation, turn off the water supply and check all connections.
• Ensure all fittings are properly aligned and not cross-threaded.
• Apply additional PTFE tape to threaded connections if necessary.
• Check that rubber washers and O-rings are properly seated and not damaged.
• Retighten connections, but remember that over-tightening can damage fittings.

Incorrect Hose Connections

• Always double-check the correct placement of hot and cold supply lines before turning the water back on.
• The hot water connection is typically on the left side of the tap when facing it from the front.
• If you've accidentally reversed the connections, simply turn off the water supply again and switch the hoses.

Insufficient Mounting Space

• If your new tap has a different configuration from the old one, you might find the tailpipes don't align with your water supply pipes.
• In this case, you may need to purchase flexible extension hoses of the appropriate length.
• Ensure any additional connections are properly sealed with PTFE tape.

For a detailed visual guide to tap installation, this helpful video tutorial offers additional guidance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63DpcQN8Nrs

FAQs About Kitchen Tap Installation

How long does it take to install a kitchen tap?

A standard kitchen tap installation typically takes around 30-60 minutes for someone with basic DIY skills. However, the time can vary depending on:

• Your experience level
• The complexity of the tap design
• Whether you're replacing an existing tap or installing in a new location
• Any complications like corroded fittings or non-standard plumbing
• The accessibility of the under-sink area

If you encounter difficulties, it's better to take your time to ensure everything is installed correctly rather than rushing and risking leaks or damage.

Can I install a kitchen tap myself?

Yes, if you have basic plumbing knowledge and the proper tools, installing a kitchen tap is a manageable DIY project. However, if any of the following apply, consulting a professional plumber is recommended:

• You need to modify your existing plumbing
• Your water supply pipes are made of lead or galvanised steel (common in older properties)
• You have limited mobility that makes working in tight spaces difficult
• You're installing a specialised tap with features like water filtration or boiling water
• Your home has non-standard water pressure issues

Do I need an electrician to install a kitchen mixer tap?

No, standard kitchen mixer taps operate using water pressure alone and don't require electrical connections. However, if you're installing a specialised tap such as:

• An instant boiling water tap
• A tap with LED features
• A tap with electronic sensors Then you may need an electrician to safely install the electrical components, particularly if you don't have an appropriate power source nearby.

How much does it cost to install a new kitchen tap?

If you choose to hire a professional, installation costs typically range from £50 to £150, depending on:

• The complexity of the installation
• Your location (prices vary regionally)
• Whether any additional plumbing modifications are required
• The time of service (emergency or after-hours service will cost more)
• Whether the old tap needs to be removed

DIY installation costs are limited to any tools you might need to purchase if you don't already own them, plus potentially some additional fittings like flexible hoses or isolation valves if required.

How do I know if my new tap is compatible with my sink?

Most kitchen taps are designed to fit standard sink hole diameters (usually 35mm in the UK), but you should check:

• The number of mounting holes in your sink (1, 2, 3, or 4)
• The diameter of the mounting hole(s)
• The thickness of your sink (affects whether the supplied mounting hardware will fit)
• Water pressure requirements (some modern taps require minimum pressure levels)

If your sink has multiple holes but your new tap only requires one, you can usually cover unused holes with blanking plates that may come with your new tap or can be purchased separately.

Conclusion

Installing or replacing a kitchen tap is a satisfying DIY project that can significantly enhance your kitchen's functionality and appearance. By following this comprehensive step-by-step guide, you'll be able to complete the job efficiently and enjoy your new tap for years to come.

Remember that proper preparation is key to a successful installation – gathering the right tools, turning off the water supply, and carefully following each step will ensure the best results. If at any point you feel unsure about the process or encounter an issue you can't resolve, it's always wise to consult a qualified plumber rather than risk damage to your plumbing system.

With your new kitchen tap installed, you'll enjoy improved functionality, water efficiency, and a fresh new look that enhances your entire kitchen space. If you need help with anything regarding your new tap, just get in touch with our friendly team.