
Replacing your bathroom taps might seem daunting at first, but trust me, it’s a DIY project well within reach. I recently had my bathroom mixer tap with shower attachment replaced. To my surprise, it was pretty easy to do by myself. Knowing how to replace a bathroom mixer tap as a DIY was a great sense of accomplishment.
In this guide, I will provide you with all the necessary information to successfully install a bathroom tap with shower attachment yourself.
Before You Begin:
Gather Your Tools:
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Adjustable wrenches (two sizes)
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Pipe wrenches (two sizes)
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PTFE Tape
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Screwdrivers (Flathead and Phillips)
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Spanner (if needed for the tap connections)
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Basin wrench (optional but helpful)
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Sealer (e.g., silicone or plumber's putty)
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Bucket or bowl
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Towels
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Safety glasses
In addition to that, you should also have the following materials.
- New bath mixer tap with shower attachment.
- New flexible hoses (if required).
- Any necessary washers or seals.
- Locate the isolation valves for the hot and cold water supplies to your bathroom sink. Turn them both off.
- Turn on the taps to release any remaining water pressure.
- Step-by-Step DIY Guide For Installing a bathroom tap.
Time Required: 30 to 60 minutes.
Step 1. Remove the Old Taps:
- Using the adjustable wrenches, carefully loosen the nuts holding the old taps in place.
- If the nuts are stubborn, use pipe wrenches for extra grip.
- Be prepared for some water dripping as you loosen the connections.
- Once the nuts are loose, lift the old taps off the sink.
Step 2. Prepare The Area:
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Thoroughly clean the area around the tap holes to remove any old sealant, dirt, or debris.
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Use a damp cloth to wipe away any residue.
Step 3. Install the New Taps:
- Wrap two to three turns of PTFE tape around the threads of the tap connections. This helps to create a watertight seal.
- Carefully insert the new taps into the holes in the sink.
- Hand-tighten the nuts on the underside of the sink. Using the adjustable wrenches, tighten the nuts firmly but avoid overtightening, as this can damage the taps or the sink.
- Check for proper operation and water temperature.
- Test the shower attachment to ensure proper water flow and spray.
Tips and Troubleshooting:
- Sometimes, removing the old taps is difficult when fitting a new bathroom tap. To make it easier, try using a basin wrench. The tool makes it easier to access under the sink area and loosen the nuts without much effort.
- a specialized tool designed to access and loosen nuts under the sink.
- If you encounter any trouble during the installation or are unsure about anything related to installation, it may be a good idea to consult a qualified plumber.
- Leaks after tightening are a sign of a problem. Check the washer or seals for damage or size for proper fitting. In most cases, you will need to replace them.
- Safety first! Always wear safety glasses when working with plumbing tools.
- Although replacing a bathroom tap is a pretty task, you should avoid it if you are not


Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid:
Here, we have a few common mistakes to avoid when installing a bath mixer tap with a shower attachment.
- Plumber’s tape (also known as PTFE tape) is essential for creating a watertight seal on threaded connections. Skipping it can lead to water leaks, causing damage to surrounding areas and wasting water. You can avoid it by making sure you wrap the plumber’s tape around the threads of pipe connections before tightening them. You should also ensure that the wrapping of PTFE is in the direction of the thread to prevent unraveling when screwing the fittings together.
- Overtightening the tap fitting can strip the thread or even sometimes crack the pipes or damage the washer. This compromises the installation or sometimes even requires replacing the parts. To avoid this problem, you should firmly tighten the connection without applying excessive force on it. Ideally, you should stop tightening as soon as resistance is felt.
- Even small leaks may, over time, cause water damage requiring unnecessary repairs. Leaks may not be visible at first but can worsen with use. To minimize the risk of leaks, you must observe all the connections carefully after turning the water back on. Let the water flow for a few minutes, and check for any dripping or pooling water. In some cases, you may need further tightening or resealing of the connection.
Fitting a bath mixer tap with a shower attachment will become a lot easier and hassle-free with the steps and tips discussed here. Remember! All you need is some willpower, a little plumbing knowledge, and an installation guide to replace a bathroom tap yourself.
Disclaimer:
Please note that this bathroom tap installation guide is for information purposes only and should not consider professional plumbing advice. We recommend consulting a certified plumber for any complex or safety-critical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here, we discussed frequently asked questions about installing bathroom mixer taps with shower attachments as DIY.
1. Can You Install a Mixer Tap Yourself?
Yes, replacing a bathroom tap is a relatively straightforward task and can take around half an hour. However, if you don’t have prior experience working with plumbing tools, you could spend much more time trying to install a new tap.
2. What Is the Distance Between Tap Holes In a Bath Mixer?
The distance between tap holes in a bath mixer is the measurement of the centre-to-centre distance between two holes (hot and cold water holes) for the tap. The standard distance between two spots is 150mm to 180mm.
3. How to remove the bathroom sink mixer tap?
You must turn off the water supply to a bathroom sink mixer tap in order to remove it. After that, take off the handle caps and release the tap's fastening screws. After loosening the screws, unplug the tap's water supply pipes. Lastly, remove the tap from the washbasin with caution.
4. Which type of water tap is best?
The choice of "best" type of water tap depends on your requirements. Ceramic disc taps, which are renowned for their long-lasting durability, are among the popular choices. Thermostatic mixer taps are another that effectively maintains the desired water temperature, preventing scalding hot water.
5. What Is 2 Way Mixer Tap?
The most popular kind is a two-way bathroom mixer tap. It has a single outlet and two inlets for hot and cold water. By combining streams of hot and cold water, this kind of tap lets you adjust the water's temperature and flow.
6. What Is A 3 Way Mixer Tap?
There are three outputs on a 3-way mixer taps. It may regulate the water flow to several fixtures at once or separately, including a shower and a bathtub. Shower/bath combos frequently employ this kind of tap.
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