How to Install a Mixer Tap

You don’t need to be a professional plumber to install a mixer tap. While it may seem a bit tricky under the sink, learning how to install a mixer tap is a straightforward DIY project that most people can complete in an afternoon.

What You’ll Need

Before you get started, make sure you have these basic tools on hand:

– Your new mixer tap (along with the fixing kit it came with).

– An adjustable wrench or a set of spanners.

– A basin wrench (useful for tight, hard-to-reach spots).

– Plumber’s tape (PTFE tape).

– A bucket and some old towels (to catch any water spills).

Step 1: Turn Off the Water

First and foremost: safety first! You want to avoid a fountain in your kitchen. Locate the isolation valves on the pipes leading to your tap and turn them a quarter turn so they are at a right angle to the pipe. 

If you don’t have isolation valves, you’ll need to turn off the main stopcock for the entire house. Once the water is off, open the old taps to drain any remaining water in the pipes.

Step 2: Remove the Old Tap

Now it’s time to take out the old tap. Use your wrench to unscrew the nuts connecting the water pipes to the old tap. You may need your bucket to catch any drips! Once the pipes are disconnected, unscrew the large nut that holds the tap to the sink. 

Tip: If the nuts are stubborn or rusty, a little spray of WD-40 can help loosen them. Once everything is free, simply lift the old tap out.

Step 3: Prepare Your New Mixer Tap

Most modern mixer taps come with “flexi-tails,” which are flexible braided hoses that connect the tap to your pipes. Screw these into the base of your new tap by hand. You don’t need to over-tighten; a firm hand-tightening is usually sufficient to create a seal.

If your kit includes a threaded rod (the part that secures the tap to the sink), screw it into the base as well with a screwdriver.

Step 4: Install the Mixer Tap

This is where your sink starts to look nice again.

• Position the Tap: Feed the flexi-tails through the hole in your sink or worktop. Ensure that the rubber O-ring or seal is correctly positioned at the base of the tap to prevent water from leaking.
• Secure from Below: Slide the washer and the metal fixing plate over the threaded rod from underneath. Screw the brass nut onto the rod.
• Straighten Up: Before fully tightening, make sure the tap is facing the right way and is sitting straight. Once you’re satisfied, tighten the nut with your wrench until it’s secure and doesn’t wiggle.

Step 5: Connect the Plumbing

Now that you know how to fit a tap, you just need to get the water flowing. Attach the ends of your flexi-tails to your hot and cold water pipes.

Tip: Use a bit of PTFE tape on the threads of the pipes before screwing the nuts on. This creates a watertight seal that helps prevent annoying drips later.

Step 6: The Big Reveal (and Leak Check)

Slowly turn your water supply back on. Open your new mixer tap and let the air sputter out until you have a steady stream of water.

Now, grab your torch (or use your phone light) and carefully inspect all the connections underneath. If everything is dry, congratulations! You have successfully installed your mixer tap.

Ready to Upgrade?

Now that you know how to install a mixer tap, why stop at just one? Whether you’re looking for a modern kitchen mixer or a stylish bathroom upgrade, we have everything you need at Build & Plumb to get the job done right.Still feeling unsure? If you encounter any issues or if your pipework seems too complicated, there’s no shame in calling a local professional for assistance!