Picking out a new tap for your kitchen or bathroom might feel like a small decision, but it actually makes a big difference! The right tap not only keeps things running smoothly but also adds that perfect finishing touch to your space. For homeowners and landlords in London, where maintaining property value is key, getting this right is even more important.
This guide has you covered. By the end, you’ll feel ready to give it a go yourself or know when to call in the Serviceteam pros for a hassle-free install. Let’s dive in!
- Content Guide
- » Understanding Tap Fittings
- » What Are the Different Bathroom and Kitchen Tap Fitting Types?
- » Key Considerations Before Choosing Tap Fittings
- » Are All Tap Fittings the Same Size?
- » How to Replace a Tap Fitting? A Step-by-Step Guide
- - Tools You Will Need
- - Step-by-Step Instructions for Tap Fitting
- » Can You Fit a Tap Yourself?
- - How much does it cost to fit a tap in the UK?
- » Your Trusted Partner for All Plumbing Needs
- » Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Tap Fittings
Okay, so what exactly are tap fittings?
Basically, they're the bits that connect your taps to the water pipes. Their main job is to create a secure, watertight seal, so you can turn your water on and off without any leaks or fuss.
Hiring a professional for tap fitting ensures the your tap installation is leak-free, safe, and compliant with plumbing standards, saving you time, hassle, and costly repairs down the line.
What are the Different Bathroom and Kitchen Tap Fitting Types?
| Tap Model | What They Are Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Taps | Single or Twin Lever Taps | Taps with just one handle for both hot and cold water that are easy to use. Then there are twin-lever taps, which have separate handles to mix the hot and cold water. |
| Deck-Mounted Kitchen Taps | These taps sit right on your sink or countertop, and you can get them with either one or two holes. | |
| Monobloc Kitchen Taps | A tap that sits on your counter and only needs one hole to mix hot and cold water in one spout. You can choose between a single or twin lever. | |
| Pull-Out Kitchen Taps | Comes with a hose tap fitting and nozzle that you can pull out. Good for blasting off food from dishes or giving your sink a good clean with a powerful jet of water. | |
| Kitchen Pillar Taps | Two separate taps, one for hot and one for cold. That’s what these are, and you’ll need a sink with two holes for them. | |
| Filter Taps | These have a filter built right in, so your water tastes better and you’ll see less limescale. Perfect for hard water areas like London. | |
| Boiling Water Taps | These tap fittings give you boiling water instantly, right alongside your regular hot and cold. They’re great for saving energy and come with handy safety features too. | |
| Bathroom Taps | Wall-Mounted Taps | These taps are installed right into the wall above your sink, with all the pipes hidden away for a super clean, modern vibe. |
| Deck-Mounted Taps | These sit on top of your sink or countertop, giving you tons of style options to choose from. | |
| Basin-Mounted Taps | This is a specific kind of deck-mounted tap, where it's fitted directly through holes already in your sink basin. | |
| Ceiling-Mounted Taps | Want to make a statement? These taps come down from the ceiling right over your sink – talk about dramatic! |
Most of the above models come as brass, steel, and even plastic. If durability matters to you, choose tap fittings made from brass or stainless steel. They resist corrosion and daily wear, ensuring your plumbing lasts.
Key Considerations Before Choosing Tap Fittings
Before you dive in and buy a new tap, let’s chat about a few technical things to consider so you can avoid any headaches.
Home Water Pressure
Your home’s water pressure really matters when picking a tap. If you’re in an older home, you might have a low-pressure (gravity-fed) system, meaning you’ll need taps specifically designed for that. Most modern homes with combi boilers or unvented systems have high pressure, so pretty much any tap will work.
Compatibility with Existing Plumbing
Take a peek at your current plumbing connections. You’ll want to note the size and type of pipes and connectors to make sure your new tap fits right in. This is super important if you’re in an older London property, as they might have imperial-sized pipework instead of the metric standard we use today.
Sink Compatibility
How many holes does your sink or basin have? This will narrow down your options. One hole? You’ll need a monobloc tap. Two holes? Pillar taps or a bridge mixer are your go-to. If you’re getting a brand new sink, then you’ve got more freedom to pick whatever tap style catches your eye!
Are All Tap Fittings the Same Size?
The short answer - No!
Tap fittings come in all shapes and sizes, and finding the right one is super important for a leak-free connection. Here are the common sizes you'll likely run into:
| Connector Size | Ideal Situation |
|---|---|
| 1/2 Inch Tap Connector | Go-to size for most basin and kitchen sink taps in the UK. |
| 10mm Tap Connector | Got some smaller copper pipes? This one's your perfect match for hooking them up. |
| 15mm Tap Connector | When you're connecting to the main water supply pipes for sinks and basins, this is usually the standard you'll go for. |
| 22mm Tap Connector | Think bigger for this one. It's ideal for bath taps and larger pipework, like for those lovely tubs! |
| 1 Inch Tap Connector | You won't see these as often for indoor taps, but they pop up on older or more specialised fittings. |
| 1 Inch Outside Tap Connector | This is your classic outdoor garden tap size. Most hose tap fittings? They'll connect right to this! |
| 200mm Flexible Tap Connector | These braided "flexi tails" are a lifesaver, especially when you're squeezed into tight spots. |
How to Replace a Tap Fitting? A Step-by-Step Guide
Replacing a tap connector is pretty simple if you're confident with DIY. If not, it's best to call a plumber. Just make sure to turn off the water supply first, either at the isolation valve or the main stopcock, before you get started!
Tools You Will Need
- Adjustable spanner or wrench: You'll need this to tighten and loosen the nuts and bolts on your tap.
- Slip-joint pliers: These are great for gripping and turning different tap parts as you install them.
- A cloth or small bucket: Keep this handy to catch any drips and keep your workspace dry.
- PTFE tape/plumber's tape: This is essential for sealing the threaded joints and stopping any leaks from your tap connections.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Tap Fitting
- Prepare Your Workspace: Clear the area under the sink to give yourself plenty of room. Lay down an old towel and have a bucket ready to catch any residual water.
- Disconnect the Old Connector: Use a spanner to loosen the nut connecting the old tap connector to the water supply pipe. Then, undo the nut connecting it to the tap tail. Be prepared for a little water to spill out.
- Clean the Threads: Once the old connector is removed, clean the threads on both the tap tail and the supply pipe to ensure a good seal for the new fitting.
- Fit the New Connector: If you're using PTFE tape, wrap it clockwise around the male threads of the tap tail and supply pipe. This helps create a watertight seal.
- Tighten the Connections: Hand-tighten the nuts on the new tap connector first. Then, use a spanner to give them another quarter to half-turn. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage the threads or washers.
- Test for Leaks: Slowly turn the water supply back on. Carefully inspect all the connections for any drips or signs of moisture. Keep an eye on the connections for the next couple of days just to be sure.
Can You Fit a Tap Yourself?
Should you fit a tap fitting yourself? It’s definitely doable for many people, but sometimes, calling in a professional plumbing engineer is just the smarter move.
Why Go DIY?- Save Money: No labour costs means more cash in your pocket.
- Feel Good Factor: There’s nothing like the satisfaction of nailing a home repair project on your own.
- Tricky Plumbing: Got an older system or complicated pipework? Better leave it to the experts.
- Not Feeling Confident: If plumbing makes you nervous, one small mistake could turn into a costly mess.
- No Time: Life’s busy, especially for London landlords and homeowners. A professional gets it done quickly and hassle-free.
How much does it cost to fit a tap in the UK?
The cost really depends on how complicated the job is, but for a simple replacement, you’re usually looking at around £80 to £150, and the process can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.
Take a moment to read our blog: How Much Does Tap Replacement Cost?
Your Trusted Partner for All Plumbing Needs
Picking the right tap fitting is key to keeping your home running smoothly and leak-free. Sure, you can try a DIY fix, but with all the different systems out there- especially in London’s mix of housing. It’s often easier and safer to call in the pros.
That’s where Serviceteam comes in. Our certified plumbers are here 24/7 across London, ready to handle anything from a quick tap replacement to a full bathroom installation. Let us take the hassle out of the job so it’s done right the first time, giving you one less thing to worry about!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tap fittings universal?No! Tap fittings come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and what you need often depends on the brand, model, and even the plumbing standards of your country. Here in London, you'll commonly find 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch BSP (British Standard Pipe) threads.
How long does it take to fit a tap?It usually takes between 1 to 3 hours. If things are a bit more complicated, like needing to move some pipes around or a custom setup, it could take longer. Your best bet is to get a quote from a local plumber if you're in London and need a professional to fit a standard tap.
How much for an outside tap fitting?For an outside tap in London, you're generally looking at about £120 to £250, and that usually covers both parts and labour. Just keep in mind that the price can change depending on the type of tap you want, how tricky the installation is, and what your plumber charges.
How to fit a tap connector?Make sure your water supply is turned off! Then, just screw the connector onto the tap's tail piece. After that, attach the other end to the water supply pipe. Tighten both connections well with a spanner and check for any leaks once you're done!
How much to fit a tap UK?Fitting a tap in the UK usually costs somewhere between £80 and £250. In London, it’s typically a bit more, averaging around £120 to £300. This price usually covers the labour and sometimes basic fittings, depending on your plumber and how involved the job is.
