Changing your kitchen tap involves a series of steps focused on disconnecting the old tap and installing a new one. Here's a breakdown of the process:
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Kitchen Tap
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Turn Off Water Supply | Locate and turn off both your cold and hot water valves under the sink. You should also turn off the mains water supply as a precaution. |
| 2 | Disconnect Water Pipes | Use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the flexible supply pipes from the tap. Place a bucket underneath to catch any water. |
| 3 | Remove Tap Olives/Ferrules | Olives/ferrules are small metal rings which create the seal. Use a wrench or pliers to remove them. |
| 4 | Unscrew Securing Nut | Locate the nut securing the tap under the sink. Unscrew it and remove the fixings, such as washers or metal plates. |
| 5 | Remove the Old Tap | With all fixings removed you should now be able to lift the old tap out from above the sink. |
| 6 | Install New Tap | Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for fitting the new tap, which usually involves reversing steps 1-5. |
Detailed Steps
- Preparation:
- Before starting, clear the area under the sink to give yourself space to work.
- Ensure you have all the necessary tools: adjustable wrench, pliers, bucket, and potentially a cloth or towel.
- Turning off the Water Supply:
- Locate the isolation valves for your hot and cold water feeds beneath the sink.
- Turn the valves clockwise to shut off the water.
- As a precautionary measure, it’s recommended to turn off the mains water supply, which is usually located where the water enters your property.
- Disconnecting Water Pipes:
- Place a bucket or container under the pipes before disconnecting them, as residual water will likely be present.
- Using the wrench, gently unscrew the water supply pipes from the tap.
- Removing Olives/Ferrules:
- Olives (also known as ferrules) are small metal rings that are used to create a watertight seal at the pipe connection.
- They may require a little force to remove, either using pliers or a wrench to gently pry them off.
- Unscrewing the Securing Nut:
- Under the sink, identify the nut securing the tap in place.
- Use your wrench to carefully unscrew the nut while holding the tap from above to prevent it from falling.
- Removing the Old Tap:
- Once the securing nut and any other fixings are removed, you should be able to gently lift the old tap out from the top of the sink.
- Installing the New Tap:
- Position the new tap into the sink hole, ensuring any seals and washers are correctly placed.
- Go under the sink to install the retaining nut and fixing plates to secure the new tap.
- Reconnect the water pipes to the new tap, checking that all connections are properly fitted and tightened.
- Slowly turn the water back on, making sure there are no leaks around the connections.
