Fitting a New Kitchen Tap

zom247 · 26 Mar 2015 at 19:14

The kitchen tap has started leaking and I've never liked it (was a cheap one) so now's the ideal time for me to replace it. I've had a look around and watched a couple of videos (pron cos the Mrs is out

) and I think this is all I need:

Monobloc Tap (seen a couple I like)
Box Spanner

The current tap has 2 copper pipes coming out of the bottom and these are attached to braided pipes which are then connected to those connectors you turn off with a screwdriver (don't know technical name). The tap I like comes with the braided cables so I take it I just attach these to the connectors? Do I need anything else before I start tomorrow? Before anyone says it, yes, I know I'll have to turn the water off.

wazza300 · 26 Mar 2015 at 19:43

yeah those are isolator valves,turn them half way to shut off the water going to each tap

then unscrew each tap and connect the braided lines and tighten up,not forcefully overtight but just enough then turn back each isolator valve and check for leaks

you dotn need to turn the main water off,those valves will do it for you

zom247 · 27 Mar 2015 at 12:25

What I thought would be an easy (ish) job is turning into a pain! Got the old tap out and then found one of the flexi tail connectors on the new tap isn't long enough to reach the solator valve. The cold one fits perfectly but the cold one is further away. How do I get round this, can I buy an extension to connect them both together? Trying to get this done before the Mrs comes home but failing miserably at the moment

uchuff · 27 Mar 2015 at 13:11

B&Q sell tails, I bought some Speedfit ones to do our bathroom tap, I think there's a couple of diameters of screw in bit. Someone more knowledgeable may have a better suggestion, I was where you are now 6 months ago!

Or Screwfix would have a wider selection.

zom247 · 27 Mar 2015 at 13:47

All the tails are 300mm and not long enough, I need one at least 500mm. Been to all the DIY shops here and 2 plumbers merchants and they alll said the only way to do it it extend my pipework. Getting thoroughly cheesed off now and losing the will to live. The Mrs will be home soon and no kitchen sink - she'll be devastated!

wazza300 · 27 Mar 2015 at 16:37

cut your copper pipework and put some speedfit plastic pipe in and the fittings,they clamp/pushfit onto the copper pipes

then you'll reach

ScoobyDoo · 27 Mar 2015 at 17:04

Extending the pipework is easy but you can also extended the flexible tail hose by using another flexible hose and an isolating valve.