Instructions for Installing a Kitchen Faucet: The Explanation Behind the Placement of Hot and Cold on the Left and Right

Instructions for Installing a Kitchen Faucet: The Explanation Behind the Placement of Hot and Cold on the Left and Right

Fitting a kitchen tap can be an effective and affordable way to give your kitchen a fresh look. Here's a comprehensive guide on the essential tools and steps required for a smooth and successful installation.

Tools Needed

1. Adjustable wrench for tightening/loosening nuts.
2. Plumber’s tape (Teflon tape) to seal threaded connections and prevent leaks.
3. Screwdriver for securing parts.
4. Measuring tape to ensure correct tap fit.
5. Bucket and towels to catch water drips.
6. Basin wrench or kitchen faucet wrench tool to reach and tighten the nuts under the sink.
7. (Optional) Leak putty sealant.
8. (Optional) HAUTMEC 11-Inch Pro Basin Wrench from B&Q.

Steps to Fit the Kitchen Tap

1. Turn off the water supply by closing the shut-off valves under the sink.
2. Drain any remaining water by opening the existing tap.
3. Remove the old tap using the adjustable wrench and basin wrench to loosen and detach nuts and hoses.
4. Prepare the sink surface—if the sink or benchtop lacks the appropriate holes, drill new ones with a suitable hole saw, smoothing edges after drilling.
5. Check the new tap compatibility with the existing holes and pipe setup.
6. Apply plumber’s tape on the threaded connections of the new tap to ensure a watertight seal.
7. Install the new tap by securing it with the mounting nuts underneath the sink, using the basin wrench/kitchen faucet wrench to tighten nuts firmly but without over-tightening.
8. Connect the water supply lines to the new tap.
9. Turn on water supply and check for leaks.
10. Test the tap to ensure it operates smoothly and without dripping.

Additional Tips

• If you have a combi boiler without isolation valves, the cold supply to the boiler must also be turned off, as the hot water relies on cold mains pressure.
• Before removing the tap, place a large bowl under the sink to catch any excess water.
• After fitting the new tap, Powell suggests turning the water back on and checking for any leaks.
• When installing the new tap, fit it by following the reverse of the removal process.
• If isolation valves are present, turn these off to isolate water flow.
• Clean the sink area thoroughly once the old tap is removed.

Expert Recommendations

• Thomas recommends checking the alignment and tightening the retaining nut with an appropriate tool after it has been applied by hand.
• High neck pillar taps with a high shine chrome plated finish are also mentioned.
• Matthew Powell, owner of WarmZilla, provides essential tools needed for fitting a new tap.
• The cost of hiring a plumber ranges between £40-£80 per hour depending on location, plus the costs of the taps and the complexity of fitting them.
• Locate the internal stopcock or external stopcock on the road to shut off the cold main water supply.

Special Mentions

• A Victorian style tap with a swivelling elegant swan neck spout and classic white lever handles is mentioned.
• A single lever water saving tap with 360 degree swivel, anti-limescale spout, and a 10-year guarantee is also mentioned.
• Installation of a new kitchen tap is one of the 9 Cheap and quick ways to give your kitchen a makeover, as stated by Andy Simms from MyBuilder.com.

Following this guide will ensure a successful and efficient kitchen tap installation. Happy renovating!

1. When installing a new kitchen tap, be sure to check the alignment and tighten the retaining nut with an appropriate tool after it has been applied by hand, as recommended by Thomas.
2. To provide a fresh look for your home's lifestyle, consider building an extension that will feature a modern kitchen design, incorporating a single lever water saving tap with a 360-degree swivel, anti-limescale spout, and a 10-year guarantee.
3. Tools like an adjustable wrench, plumber’s tape (Teflon tape), screwdriver, measuring tape, and a bucket and towels will be essential for the build, along with a basin wrench or kitchen faucet wrench to reach and tighten nuts under the sink.
4. For a more luxurious touch in your home-and-garden, choose high neck pillar taps with a high shine chrome plated finish, such as the Victorian style tap with a swiveling elegant swan neck spout and classic white lever handles.
5. To minimize costs, it might be more economical to perform the installation yourself, instead of hiring a plumber, which can range between £40-£80 per hour depending on location, plus the costs of the taps and the complexity of fitting them.

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