Does your kitchen faucet need replacing? Why not attempt to expand your DIY capabilities with our expert guide on how to change your kitchen tap!
For some, fitting a new unit is a simple task; however, it’s still best to do some research beforehand and make sure you have acquired all the necessary tools to replace your faucet.
Chances are, you’ll need to make several trips to a hardware or plumbing store for supplies and parts to remove your faucet and install the new unit. However, with our one-stop comprehensive shopping list – you’ll give yourself a fighting shot at completing the job in one attempt.
Continue reading Fahren’s expert guide on how to change your kitchen faucet, including the relevant tools you’ll need and additional recommendations, including our most popular Instant Boiling Water Taps.
Required tools for replacing a kitchen tap
Whether your kitchen tap is blemished, leaky, or you’re simply in need of an upgrade, there are a specific set of tools you’ll need to remove the existing faucet and install the new unit.
Here’s our list of all the tools you might need to finish the task:
- Adjustable pliers
- Adjustable basin wrench
- Cleaning cloth
- Compression pipe fittings or non-return valves
- Drain plug spanner or ratchet
- Hacksaw
- Jointing compound
- Limescale remover
- Marker pen
- Masking tape
- Open-ended spanners
- Slotted screwdriver
- Tap back nut spanner
- Thread seal tape
- Towel
- Tube/pipe cutter
- Water bowl
How to remove and replace a kitchen tap
If you’re using the space under your sink for storage, it’s best to remove all these items to open up the area and prevent any of these items from getting damaged or dirty when replacing your kitchen tap.
Step 1 – Turn off your water valve and mains supply
First, identify what type of tap is installed in your home. Do you own a mixer tap, an Instant Boiling Water Tap or mono basin taps?
If you own mono basin taps, use the masking tape and marker pen to identify which supply pipe is connected to the hot tap and which to the cold.
If you own a mixer tap or boiling-water only tap, you do not need to label the supply pipe as there will only be one supply.
After this, turn off the mains water supply and shut off the faucet valve – if your tap is fitted with isolation valves, use a screwdriver to turn the mechanism clockwise and turn off the mains stopcock.
Following this step, turn on your faucet to drain any built-up water and clear the area underneath your sink so that you have ample space.
Step 2 – Disconnect the water pipes
At this stage, we advise laying down an old towel and placing a water bowl beneath the sink as insurance in case there are leaks or mess while you remove the existing unit and attach your new faucet.
After you’ve prepped your working space, disconnect the water pipes using your adjustable wrench.
If your existing tap is secured with compression fittings, you might need two wrenches – one wrench to hold the fitting and the other to loosen the nut above the component.
When loosening the nut, make sure you do so with a firm but forced balance to prevent causing damage. Once the nut becomes free, continue to unscrew and remove with your fingers.
Step 3 – Remove the tap olives/ferrules
Compression fittings also contain seals known as ferrules/olives, which will need to be removed with care so that you can access the nut.
Using your adjustable pliers, remove the olives. However, if these are lodged into place, you might need to use a hacksaw to loosen them.
Experts advise using an olive cutter as this is less likely to cause damage to your tap’s pipework, given that the tool is specifically designed to remove olives/ferrules.
Step 4 – Unscrew the securing nut
Once you’ve disconnected the faucet pipes, undo the securing nut located at the base of your existing faucet beneath the basin.
If you’re struggling to access the securing nut, use a drain plug spanner to facilitate the removal process – a traditional ratchet will also accommodate.
Step 5 – Remove the existing faucet
Now, you’ve done all the technical work; you can remove your existing tap!
However, we advise proceeding with caution as taps can be difficult to remove due to being secured in place for a long time.
You might want to wear gloves to protect your hands, and protective clothing as the edge of some basins are sharp.
Step 6 – Install your new kitchen unit
If there has been a build-up of grime, use a limescale remover or other specialist cleaning products to give your sink and surrounding surfaces a deep clean.
After this, fit your new faucet and repeat the steps above in reverse.
Explore our latest range of quality kitchen taps
Are you considering renovating your kitchen and want to implement innovative technology in your home? Discover our latest range of Instant Boiling Water Taps.
Fahren’s Instant Boiling Water Taps can dispense boiling water and filtered water at the push of the button – meaning no waiting around for kettles to boil or saucepans to heat up.
