Installing a taps need a bit of preparation. If you are
installing the sink taps by replacing the old ones the first step that
you need to take is to disconnect the existing ones where they join the
supply. The first step involves the switching off the supply and then
draining the excess water by opening the taps.
Disconnection is not an easy task and the fact that the taps have been
fitted for several years, the connections have welded themselves
together due to corrosion. You can try one of the following method for
disconnecting.
- One can apply a released oil that can penetrate sufficiently to
break the corrosive bond.
- Use blow torch to heat the connection. Heat will result in the
expansion of metal which will almost invariably assist in releasing
the bond between components. However one should take precaution
while using it as the heat may harm both the plastic pipes and the
ceramic basins.
The task can be made more convenient if taps are disconnected from
the final connection. This will leave the maximum amount of pipe work
onto which to connect the new taps.
If the taps are located in awkward position then you can use different
types of tap spanner. There are different types of tap spanner including
self-gripping multi-fit multi-angle tap spanners.
If disconnection is difficult, then cut the pipe or undo a fitting
further away from the taps. This will, however, involve extra labor to
extend the pipes to reach the new taps once more.
Remove the taps by undoing the retaining nut beneath the basin, and
lifting the tap clear once the connections to the supply pipes have been
undone.
Once disconnection is completed, the next step you have to follow is to
replace the tap. The washer of the new taps will allow the taps to sit
immediately above and below the hole in the basin. When the mounting nut
is tightened, these taps take up pressure.
While mounting do not apply too much pressure.
The length of the original pipes need new adjustment for the new taps.
Depending upon the type of tap being fitted you must cut them back or
extend them.
