Olivia Carter
Changing a monobloc kitchen mixer tap can be a simple and cost-effective way to update the look and functionality of your kitchen. Whether you want to replace a worn-out tap or simply upgrade to a more modern design, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.
Before you begin, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need a new monobloc kitchen mixer tap, an adjustable wrench, plumber’s tape, a bucket or bowl to catch any water, and a cloth to protect the surface of your sink. It’s also a good idea to turn off the water supply to your kitchen before starting the installation.
Once you have everything you need, you can start the process. First, use the adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the nuts securing the old tap to the sink. You may need to apply some force, but be careful not to damage the surrounding area. Once the nuts are removed, lift the old tap out of the sink and set it aside.
Step-by-Step guide
Changing a monobloc kitchen mixer tap may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a little bit of patience, you can easily complete the job. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure a successful replacement.
Step 1: Preparation
Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and materials. This may include an adjustable wrench, screwdriver, bucket or towels to catch any water, and the new monobloc kitchen mixer tap.
Step 2: Turn off the water supply
Locate the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them clockwise to shut off the water supply. If you don’t have individual shut-off valves, you may need to turn off the main water supply for your home.
Step 3: Disconnect the existing tap
Using an adjustable wrench, carefully loosen and remove the nuts that connect the water supply lines to the existing tap. Once the nuts are removed, lift the tap up and set it aside.
Step 4: Install the new tap
Begin by placing the new tap on the sink, making sure the gasket is in place to create a watertight seal. Tighten the nuts to secure the tap in place, but be careful not to overtighten and damage the fittings.
Step 5: Connect the water supply lines
Using your adjustable wrench, reconnect the water supply lines to the new tap. Make sure the connections are tight to prevent any leaks. Turn on the water supply valves and check for any leaks.
Step 6: Test the tap
Once the new tap is installed and the water supply is turned on, test it by turning on the hot and cold water. Check for any leaks and make sure the water flows properly.
Step 7: Clean up
Clean up any excess water or debris from the installation process. Store any unused materials and properly dispose of any old parts.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can easily change a monobloc kitchen mixer tap and enjoy a properly functioning tap in your kitchen.
Tools Needed
Before you begin changing your monobloc kitchen mixer tap, you will need the following tools:
1. Adjustable wrench: This tool is essential for loosening and tightening the nuts and bolts on the tap.
2. Screwdriver: You will need a screwdriver to remove any screws that are holding the tap in place.
3. Basin wrench: A basin wrench will be necessary for accessing and loosening any nuts or bolts that are difficult to reach.
4. Plumber’s tape: Plumber’s tape is used to create a watertight seal on the threads of the tap.
5. Bucket or towels: It’s a good idea to have a bucket or towels on hand to catch any water that may leak out during the tap replacement process.
6. Safety goggles and gloves: Safety goggles and gloves are important for protecting your eyes and hands while working with tools and water.
Having these tools ready before you start will help make the process of changing your monobloc kitchen mixer tap much easier and efficient.
Shut off the water supply
Before you begin changing the monobloc kitchen mixer tap, you need to shut off the water supply to prevent any leaks or accidents. Locate the isolation valve or stopcock under the sink or nearby. Turn it clockwise to shut off the water flow.
It is important to shut off the hot and cold water supplies. In some cases, there may be separate valves for each supply. Make sure to turn off both to avoid any potential water damage.
Once you have successfully shut off the water supply, turn on the taps to release any remaining water in the pipes and relieve any pressure. This will make it easier to disconnect the old tap and install the new one.
Remove the old tap
Before installing a new monobloc kitchen mixer tap, you will need to remove the old tap. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Shut off the water supply
Before starting any work on your kitchen tap, it is important to shut off the water supply. Locate the isolation valve for your kitchen tap and turn it clockwise to close it. This will prevent any water from flowing into the tap while you are working on it.
2. Disconnect the supply hoses
Once the water supply is turned off, you can proceed to disconnect the supply hoses from the old tap. Use a pair of adjustable pliers or a wrench to loosen the nuts connecting the hoses to the tap. Be prepared for a small amount of water to drain from the hoses when you disconnect them.
Note: If your tap has flexible braided hoses, they may have a small valve built-in that allows you to shut off the water flow without turning off the main water supply. In this case, you can simply close the valves on the hoses instead of shutting off the main water supply.
3. Remove the retaining nut
With the supply hoses disconnected, locate the retaining nut that secures the tap to the sink or countertop. This nut is usually located underneath the sink or countertop and can be unscrewed using a basin wrench or adjustable pliers. Turn the nut counterclockwise to loosen and remove it.
4. Lift out the old tap
Once the retaining nut is removed, you can now lift out the old tap from the sink or countertop. Carefully lift it straight up, ensuring that any remaining water in the tap drains into the sink.
Note: If the old tap is stuck or difficult to lift out, you may need to use a little bit of force or apply some lubricant to loosen it.
Now that the old tap is removed, you can proceed with installing your new monobloc kitchen mixer tap.
Install the new tap
1. Start by placing the rubber sealing washer over the threaded part of the tap.
2. Insert the tap through the tap hole in the sink, making sure the sealing washer sits flush against the sink surface.
3. Underneath the sink, hand tighten the large mounting nut onto the threaded part of the tap.
4. Use a wrench to tighten the mounting nut further, ensuring that the tap is securely attached to the sink.
5. Connect the flexible hoses to the hot and cold water supply pipes under the sink. Make sure to attach the correct hose to the corresponding pipe.
6. Tighten the connection nuts of the hoses using a wrench, being careful not to overtighten.
7. Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks. If you notice any leaks, tighten the connection nuts further or replace the sealing washers.
8. Once everything is secure and leak-free, you can turn on the tap and test its functionality.
9. If necessary, adjust the direction and flow of the water by loosening the screw on the tap handle and repositioning it.
10. Enjoy your newly installed monobloc kitchen mixer tap!
Test the new tap
Once you have successfully installed the new monobloc kitchen mixer tap, it is important to test it to ensure that everything is working correctly. Follow these steps to test the tap:
1. Run the water: Turn on both the hot and cold water supply valves. Turn on the new tap to allow water to flow through it. Check for any leaks or drips around the base of the tap and the connecting pipes. If you notice any leaks, turn off the water supply and tighten the affected connections.
Note: It is normal to have some air bubbles in the water initially. These will usually disappear after a short period of use.
2. Check the water flow: Ensure that both hot and cold water are flowing smoothly and with adequate pressure from the tap. If there are any issues with the water flow, you may need to adjust the water supply valves or clean any debris from the aerator.
3. Test the mixer function: Move the lever or handles of the tap to test the mixer function. The hot and cold water should be able to be mixed together to achieve the desired temperature. Test both the hot and cold sides to ensure proper functionality.
4. Test the spray function (if applicable): If your monobloc kitchen mixer tap has a pull-out spray function, test it to make sure it extends and retracts smoothly. Check that the spray nozzle functions properly and that the water comes out with satisfactory pressure.
5. Clean and dry: Once you have finished testing the tap, clean any water residue and dry the area around the tap to prevent water damage or potential slips.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your new monobloc kitchen mixer tap is functioning properly and ready for use. If you encounter any issues during the testing process, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek professional help.
