A Homeowner’s Guide to Changing Kitchen Tapware

Kitchen tapware is one of those essential household items that are often taken for granted – until it starts to leak, drip, or otherwise cause problems.

If you’re not a DIY enthusiast, changing your kitchen tapware might seem daunting. However, with a bit of know-how and the right tools, it’s actually a relatively straightforward task that most homeowners can do themselves.

So, whether you’re looking to update your kitchen’s style with some old-fashioned taps Australia or you’re simply replacing an old, worn-out fixture, here’s everything you need to know about changing kitchen tapware.

Step 1: Gather all required tools

The right tools will make the job easier, faster, and cheaper. Without them, you’ll be spending more time at your local hardware store. Take note that plumbing tools aren’t cheap!

A change in a tap can seem like an easy task. But it doesn’t occur without some planning first.

Get all of those required tools in hand before going through what needs fixing or replacing. These include:

Open-ended spanners
Adjustable pliers
Box spanner
Dedicated Basin wrench
Screwdriver
Limescale remover
Cleaning cloth and towel
PTFE tape
Washing bowl
Pipe cutter
Joining compound
Your new kitchen tap

Buying a New Kitchen Tap

Kitchen taps can be an area where many people get confused. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing what you need. But there’s plenty of room in this world for both traditional design elements as well as modern ones.

Here are three crucial factors when purchasing a new tap for your kitchen.

Spout – This is the most important part of your tap. Make sure you pay attention to its size, shape, and position. Some also swivel so they can be used easily in any kitchen setting.
Body – Your kitchen sink will determine the body of your new mixer tap. Sinks with a single tap hole require one-handle and monobloc tapware. But for sinks with two tap holes, choose between pillar and mixer taps.
Features – To make sure you get the best out of your kitchen tap replacement, take into account its finishing and features. A good finish will be durable while also being aesthetically pleasing in design. If this isn’t an issue, then consider water efficiency when picking which type to purchase. Some taps are equipped with extra perks, such as steaming hot waters.

Step 2: Remove your old tap

If you’re using the space under your sink for storage, remove any items beforehand. That way, you can have easy access to the pipe connectors.

Then, proceed with these steps:

Turn off the water supply. To check if you have shut it off properly, try running the water. If you’re unsure of which valve to close, turn off the main water supply.
Prepare the working area by removing all unnecessary items. Also, you might want to put down some bowls below the sink or lay towels over any areas where drips could potentially occur during installation.
Disconnect the existing tap based on the type of tapware you have. Often, you just have to look for a small screw or nut before proceeding to the plates and flanges.

Step 3: Fit in the new tap

Now that you’ve removed the old tapware, it is time to get your new kitchen mixer tap fitted. Here’s how to do it:

Clean where your faulty tap used to be.

Take your time in cleaning the mounting surface because some buildup might be harder to remove. Avoid using any stiff brushes and harsh chemicals as they can damage the area.

Install the new kitchen tap

Installing a tap is easier than removing the old one. Mount it as per the manufacturer’s instruction or depending on the tap you need to install.

For instance, if you want to install a hob-mounted hot and cold water tap combo, ensure your sink has three holes. If not, convert it into a single-hold mixer. If so, make the hole bigger. You might also need to modify the plumbing underneath.

Other important tap installation notes:

Add enough seal at the tap’s base area before installation.
Make sure the washers, seals, and mounting plats are in the correct position.
Ensure proper tap alignment before tightening the nuts for your new tap further.

Turn on the water supply

Once you have reconnected the tap, slowly open the mains pipe connections water valve and let the water run to the newly-installed tap for a few minutes.

Check for any signs of leakage. If everything looks good, then you can reconnect everything without any worries.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully changed your kitchen tap.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a step-by-step guide to changing your kitchen tapware.

If you follow these simple steps, you’ll be able to get the job done in no time at all. And if you run into any problems or need help along the way, don’t hesitate to contact a licensed plumber to avoid any costly mistakes.