Fitting new kitchen tap

[mattyfez]

Hi,

I'm looking to replace my kitchen tap as mine is weeping a bit and the 'chrome' paint is rubbing off the taps as it's very old, and looks a bit scruffy. So I thought i'd get a nice new shiney one. Mine looks identical to this so will probably just buy this https://www.screwfix.com/p/vardar-mono-mixer-kitchen-tap-chrome/5497t

The problem is under the sink..youtube videos I've watched all have flexi hoses so that would be nice and easy...but mine has copper pipes that go all the way up to the tap fitting...how do I remove the tap without damaging the copper pipes?

 

[Beans on toast Dave]

i would cut those pipes off and refit with flexi hoses, preferably with isolation valves too

 

[mattyfez]

i would cut those pipes off and refit with flexi hoses, preferably with isolation valves too

Thanks, that would be a better solution, but I was hoping to DIY it.. I'd probably need a plumber to do that as I'm not sure i could do it...

 

[Thekwango]

Thanks, that would be a better solution, but I was hoping to DIY it.. I'd probably need a plumber to do that as I'm not sure i could do it...

If you’re comfortable and confident enough to replace the taps it’s not any more difficult to shorten the copper and add flexi.

 

[Beans on toast Dave]

Thanks, that would be a better solution, but I was hoping to DIY it.. I'd probably need a plumber to do that as I'm not sure i could do it...

It should be easy. Forget the islolation valves to make it a little easier. Get yourself a pipe cutter. Hours job max
However I do understand how you would want a plumber as in the past that's what I would have done.
Have you anyone if your family or friends who could give you a hand in person?

Also Im pretty sure you will have to cut the pipes anyway to remove the tap.
It's all about having the right tools to hand then it's easy

 

[Slam62]

I think you’ll have to chop the copper pipes to get the tap out.
If I remember the bit entering the tap is hand tightened with an o ring, if you can cut back to a clean standard size copper pipe a you can fit a flexi with a valve on it.

Just to add obviously you’ll isolate the water supply and then use a hacksaw or pipe cutter and some sandpaper.

If I remember correctly the bit that’s a pain is tightening the bit that secures the tap, you need one of those spanners that goes over the top in a narrow space.

 

[mattyfez]

Thanks... dont really have anyone competent to help me! How do the flexi hoses attach to the copper? I assumed they would have to be braized on or something?

 

[mattyfez]

Ahhh...actually it doesnt look too difficult:

How to join a flexible (flexi) pipe to a copper pipe - conex compression

How to join a flexible (flexi) pipe to a copper pipe. Copper to flexible hose with conex compression connector, stop valve and hemp.

www.youtube.com

 

[mattyfez]

Just need to figure out what bits I need.. I'm hoping my pipes are a standard size?

So I'd just need these?:

Monument Tools Clamshell 15mm Automatic Copper Pipe Cutter - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Excellent quality, automatic copper pipe cutters. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

Flomasta Push-Fit Straight Flexible Hose with Isolating Valve 15mm x 1/2" x 300mm - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. 10mm bore. Includes isolating valve. Lightweight and kink-free polymer braid for corrosion and heat resistance, and sustained functionality and appearance. Retains good flexibility at both hot and cold water temperatures and prevents bio-film growth inside the hose...

www.screwfix.com

Flomasta Isolating Valve with Handle 15mm - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Brass, steel and plastic construction. ¼-turn operation. Compression connection. Suitable for water. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

and these but which size?

 

[mattyfez]

Although the isolator valve says its a compression fitting, so i wouldnt need an additional compression connector?

 

[mattyfez]

Ahh just spoted this flexi hose is push fit and has an isolator valve..would this be the best solution? IS push fit secure, or am I better off with a compression fitting?

Flomasta Push-Fit Straight Flexible Hose with Isolating Valve 15mm x 1/2" x 300mm - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. 10mm bore. Includes isolating valve. Lightweight and kink-free polymer braid for corrosion and heat resistance, and sustained functionality and appearance. Retains good flexibility at both hot and cold water temperatures and prevents bio-film growth inside the hose...

www.screwfix.com

 

[LuckyBenski]

15mm and 22mm are standard pipe sizes and you're almost certainly looking at 15mm at the point of a tap or toilet etc being fed. So that should inform your choice of cutter and service valve etc.

I like both push fit and compression - push fit are more toolless and less fiddly so don't be afraid to buy some decent push fit (JG Speedfit or similar).

 

[Beans on toast Dave]

Ahh just spoted this flexi hose is push fit and has an isolator valve..would this be the best solution? IS push fit secure, or am I better off with a compression fitting?

Flomasta Push-Fit Straight Flexible Hose with Isolating Valve 15mm x 1/2" x 300mm - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. 10mm bore. Includes isolating valve. Lightweight and kink-free polymer braid for corrosion and heat resistance, and sustained functionality and appearance. Retains good flexibility at both hot and cold water temperatures and prevents bio-film growth inside the hose...

www.screwfix.com

Push fit although I don't like them are supposed to be ok
The other end needs to be the same as the tap. Infact some kitchen taps come with the pipes in the box. Might be worth checking the contents description firs edit. They do come with flexi pipes but will need a islotation valve to fit those

Hep2O Push-Fit Flexible Monobloc Tap Connectors 15mm x M12 x 300mm 2 Pack - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Push-fit system, no tools required. In4Sure joint recognition lets you know when the pipe is connected. Secure demounting with the HepKey system. Safe for drinking water. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

 

[Beans on toast Dave]

Get yourself a small hacksaw and some wire wool or sandpaper too
Hacksaw incase the pipe cutter won't fit. Wire wool to clean the pipe up clean pipes are better fit. Don't cut the pipe too close to the joint too

 

[mattyfez]

Push fit although I don't like them are supposed to be ok
The other end needs to be the same as the tap. Infact some kitchen taps come with the pipes in the box. Might be worth checking the contents description first

Good call, The tap I'm looking at says:

Product Contents​

Tap, 2 x ½" BSP female flexible braided hoses with built in pre-filters, and fixings.

So thats a few quid saved...might buy the tap first and see exectly ehats included as I might not need compression fittings aswell?

 

[mattyfez]

Ive just noticed the pipe going up into the tap is tapered.. does that mean it goes from 22mm to 15mm? you can just about see in the pic where it tapers about 2/3ds of teh way up....

 

[Beans on toast Dave]

For ease I would have the push fit pipes and not use the ones in the box.
Just open the box and make sure they fit before you leave screw fix. But they are good with returns there
You don't need isolation valves but I do like them. For ease don't bother

Also when fitting turn off water and open all taps upstairs and downstairs to get water out the system

It will be 15mm (your current pipe)
To 12mm these are the ones on the taps
And the push fit flexi pipes will do that

I'm sure others will just check this too

 

[Mercenary Keyboard Warrior]

looks like solid tapered tails to me

 

[jaybee]

Isolate the cold and hot.
Cut the pipes with a pipe cutter.
Undo the nut clamping the tap to the base of the sink.
Pull the tap out from the top.
Install new tap with Flexi tails.
Place new compression fittings on the newly cut and prepped pipe which will mate up with tap tails. You can use compressions with tap tails adapters, or all in one compression to flat face ones. Toolstation sell the later.