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Fitting Guides - Basemounted Tap

A guide to fitting a base mounted tap

Changing a bathroom or kitchen tap can bring a new lease of life to that room. There are many different styles of tap available from ultra modern stainless steel minimalist monobloc mixer taps to more traditional gold finish pewter pillar taps.

If a base mounted tap is chosen, there are a few key steps to follow in order to fit the tap. If this easy guide is followed then any base mounted tap fitting should run smoothly and without problem.

When changing a tap one of the hardest and most important steps is removing the old taps.

Removing an old tap

Make sure the water is switched off and that the remaining water in the system is allowed to drain out through the taps. A good idea is to turn on taps that are lower down in the system to ensure maximum drainage and to avoid dripping.
Using a claw spanner undo the tap connectors and back nuts underneath the sinks or basin. If the tap begins to turn get somebody to hold the tap still or use a wrench to steady the tap. If the tap will not move do not try turning the tap whilst keeping the nut still else the tap may damage the enamel on the sink.
Remove the old taps and the waste fitting if the new tap has a pop-up waste feature incorporated.
Once the taps have been removed, clean the holes bath/basin of any old sealing compound.

Before fitting the new tap

Undo the head mechanism on the new tap and check the inside of the new tap for any excess debris as this can cause damage to the O ring and washers.
Compare the pipe connections on the old taps to the new taps. If the old taps are longer than the new taps then a shank adapter is required.

Fitting a new base mounted tap

Fit the new tap, seating it on the plastic bedding washer if supplied. If not, surround the hole with silicone sealing compound or sanitary sealing compound before putting the tap in place.
Refit the back nut and tighten by hand to clamp the tap to the basin. Make sure the spout is facing the right way and tighten the back nut gently with the tap wrench.
When fitting onto some thin baths or sinks you may require the use of a Top Hat spacing washer. This will ensure that the back nut can be tightened for a firm fixing.
Put a new fibre washer on the tap connector and screw it to the tap tail. With the back nut and washer in place the supply pipes can be connected to the tails of the taps.
If there is a small gap it is advisable to fit a tap extender rather than trying to strain the pipe work.
Make sure all joints are fully tightened before turning the water back on, once on double check the tap and fittings for signs of leaking.

If any leaks occur they can mostly be stopped by simply tightening joins otherwise the system will have to be drained and a closer and more thorough investigation should occur.