How do I change my kitchen taps?

Kitchen taps are one of the most frequently used features in our home. We use our kitchen taps for all kinds of things, from preparing food and washing dishes, right through to cleaning football boots or even bathing our pets! With all the wear and tear, your kitchen taps may need replacing at some point, or perhaps you just fancy a change in style. Follow these 9 simple steps to change kitchen taps easily and effectively.

1. Make sure you have everything you need including the essentials:

Bucket
Wrench
New tap
Sealant (Silicone sealant if necessary)

2. Turn off the hot and cold water supplies and open the tap to drain any excess water. Place the bucket beneath the sink, directly under the tap.

3. You now need to remove the old tap, which can be awkward to access. Use a torch to help light your view if necessary, and support your back with cushions if you need to lie down. Use the wrench to undo the nut which connects the water supply pipes to the tap. Allow any remaining water to run into the bucket.

4. Using the wrench this time to hold the tap in place, remove the nuts that connect the tap to the sink.

5. Lift the old tap out of its socket and clean the hole of any dirt or old sealant.

6. Apply sealant around the edges of the hole and press the washer into the sealant. Use silicone sealant if you don’t have a washer.

7. Assemble the new tap through the hole in the sink fixture. Tighten it by hand while ensuring the spout is facing in the right direction.

8. Connect the tap to the water supplies and tighten all connections using the wrench.

9. Turn the water supplies back on.