How to change bath taps in 10 steps

Fitting new bath taps provides a simple yet effective way to update your bathroom. In this step-by-step guide we explain how to fit bath taps.

You’ll learn how to remove the old bath taps and replace them with new ones.

Watch: how to fit bath taps

How to fit bath taps

1. Preparation

• You’ll need to remove the bath panel to remove and fit the new bath taps. Acrylic bath panels simply clip in, otherwise look for screws or push on/off magnetic catches that hold the panel. You may need to remove part of the supporting framework to create enough room to allow you to reach under the bath.
• You’ll need to check the tools you have are capable of bearing firmly on the tap back-nuts. The options are: a universal tap tool or an adjustable tap wrench.
• If you can get the supply pipes out of the way, it may be that an ordinary box spanner is the best solution as it allows you to apply more torque.
• If the tap tails are corroded or covered in grime, clean them with steel wool or a wire brush. Then, put penetrating oil around the back-nuts and tail threads, and leave this to work its way along the threads for a couple of hours.
• You’ll need to prevent the taps from turning as you loosen the back-nuts. A piece of wood bearing against the nearest wall will help. The tap will turn in the same direction as the nuts – clockwise viewed from above.
• Finally, pour some boiling water over the base of the taps to soften the old sealant.

2. Isolate the supplies

Isolate the supplies to the bath taps, and open the taps to drain away any water left in the pipes. (The stopcock is usually hidden behind the bath panel).

3. Undo the tap connectors

Use an adjustable wrench and undo the tap connectors that hold the supply pipes to the tap tails.

4. Remove the bath tap

From above ensure the bath tap is supported to prevent it from turning. Underneath, loosen the nuts with the appropriate tool and the remove the tap.

5. Position the new bath tap

Make sure the water is turned off at the mains before fitting your new bath taps. Begin with the hot tap, which should always be on the left side as you look at it from the opposite end to the taps. Unscrew the nut from the bottom of the tap and place the tap into the hole in the bath. Ensure it’s at 90 degrees to the rim of the bath.

6. Screw the nut back on

Reach under the tap hole and screw the nut back on by hand.

7. Tighten the nut

Once the bath tap is in the correct position, take the tap spanner and tighten the nut, take care not to damage the bath.

8. Repeat step 7

Repeat this process for the cold tap.

9. Flexible tap tails

You may need to fit flexible tap tails and connectors to attach to the water pipes, but this is best left to a professional plumber if you’re not experienced at DIY.

10. Check for leaks

Once everything is connected up, turn the water back on at the mains, switch on the taps and check for leaks. If there is a leak, check the connections and tighten as required.

The above steps relate to bath pillar taps (separate hot and cold taps).