Hi l want to replace two old taps , hot and cold , on my bathroom sink. should l use a plumber to do that or could l use a handyman which would be cheapee then a plumber, is replacing taps only something a plumber should do
New Bathroom Sink Taps Do I Need a Plumber
Jackdawson79 on 19/06/2024 - 12:03
Last edited 19/06/2024 - 12:12 by 1 other user
Last edited 19/06/2024 - 12:12 by 1 other user
Comments
If OP has "no idea" and no previous plumbing experience I would not recommend OP does it themselves.
Its something thats best personally taught to you by a plumberAnd its not always a straight forward job either.
And the right tools means good quality tools which are "expensive"
Not a cheap and nasty tap spanner from Bunnings.that will bend out of shape or wont be able to apply the force required to remove an old tap.
And gettng old tap handles off can be very difficult as well
And if OP stuffs up the threads it becomes a much more expensive fix.So one really needs to know what they are going and what to do if they get "stuck"
Best advice is to use a plumber.
Handyman would be cheaper if you can find one that does such simple plumbing jobs.
But thier insurnance would not cover them for plumbing jobs.But then there is the question for OP of what taps to get?
Plenty to choose from these days.So more questions than answers for OP!
thanks , dont want to do it myself, but do you think its something safe for an experienced handyman to do , l dont want to risk ending up with leaks or anything if l use a handyman rather then a plumber
It's really straight forward. An inexperienced handyman could do it.
What is it you're asking about then? Who knows what you or anyone else would consider an 'experienced handyman'? How would someone here know the handyman you end up using?
If you're worried about leaks, possible issues, etc. then go-ahead and book the services of a plumber. That's not to say a plumber can't make a kistake but at least they've had specific training and experience.
a plumber can't make a kistake
Oh the irony.
orony.
but at least they've had specific training and experience.
They get trained in screwing and unscrewing hose connectors?
How old is your house/plumbing? Anything modern should be piece of cake as you'll have isolation taps, everything will be braided line that all screws and unscrews easily as unscrewing a nut and bolt. Youtube will show you how to do it all. If you have an old house like mine, then you might be in for a battle.
12 years old
Yes, a 12 year old could change those taps.
You're thinking of a mixer tap.
2 taps to me sounds like the old school separate basin taps sets which have replaceable washers.
yes 12 years old
Give it a go yourself op, you'll feel good when you complete it and it will also give you confidence to try and do other DIY jobs around the home which will save you a lot of money in the long run.
alternatively, you'll kick yourself when your house floods…..
Sounds like the old school separate basin taps sets which have replaceable washers.
You should learn to change the taps yourself, you'll need to undo the taps in future to change the washer.
If you're change the taps, consider taps that are half turn ceramic disc spindles, rather than have washers/jumper valves.
So, I know I'll get roasted for this - but it is technically illegal to do plumbing work unless you have a license. This might not bother you and that's totally fair enough - for simple jobs, a competent handy person can do this kind of thing….
But just be aware that most likely your house insurance won't cover any issues caused by incorrect/illegal installation. Check the PDS
But just be aware that most likely your house insurance won't cover any issues caused by incorrect/illegal installation. Check the PDS
actually, policies generally just exclude not complying with building laws or regulations, as well as defects, faults, workmanship
however, tap warranty could be void if not installed by licensed plumber
You need a plumber to do any fixed plumbing. Taps these days will have flex tails that screw on after the under sink tap.
Enjoy changing these as you wish.
Note you can also change your washing machine hose, garden hose, sprinkler and other non-fixed tap ware and accessories.If the taps are soldered directly to copper pipe, or crimped to plastic PEX pipe it is fixed and will require a plumber.
a quick guide for replacing a tap - so easy.
the below is for Kitchen mixer tap - but you get the drift.
turn off water at mains
run the tap to get rid of extra water in pipes.
clear area below tap.
have a bucket or towel ready.
disconnect flex pipes at the pipe end (not the tap end - because you want to replace the flex pipes - the new tap comes with them)
undo/remove the bolt holding the existing tap on.
remove tap from housing/sink/hole.insert new tap in to hole and put on the bolt and tighten until secure.
attach new flexipipes to new tap.
teflon tap on the water pipes (at least 10 turns of teflon tape)
attach flexpipes to water pipes and tighten.turn on tap slightly and go an turn water on at the mains (for beginners it's better to have 2 people at this stage - one to turn on the mains water and one to watch for leaks under the sink - use mobile phones) - if all good then have a beer(or celebratory beverage of choice) you champion (after you clean up).
if there is leak (hence having 2 people when turning on mains water ) add more teflon tap (if pipe to pipe connection is leaking) or if leaking where flex pipe connects to the tap then make sure the O rings are still on the tap end of the flex pipe.
Good list!
And when tightening the taps to the cabinet, if the counter top is stone don't go too heavy with the tightening.
Serviced six taps of my two baths last night. The old taps run smooth like new now, and zero dripping. Trick is to not go overzealous while torquing and use right size spanners. Less than 90 min job.
Its pretty straightforward. Aldi had the right tools recently.
A relatively simple job the biggest problem is choosing a replacement tap and the same/correct type.
I've never been shown how but I've replaced taps, s-bends, stormwater pipes and toilets just got to use common sense and research it.
I got a professional in to upgrade the hot water system though and got him to check the toilet and stormwater in particular and reckons my work was better than most the plumbers out there(Must be lots of cowboys).
If a diy job you do is not going to be equal to or better in quality pay for a professional.
Honestly assess your ability and do your research.
It's generally straight forward to do with the right tools - check a few YouTube videos and you'll probably be more aware if you're able to do yourself.