Can you replace two taps with a mixer tap?

Hi all, in our kitchen we currently have two taps. Can we replace these with a mixer tap without changing the sink?

If so, is it something we could do ourselves or would we need a plumber? (Bearing in mind that we don't really know anything about plumbing, but can follow instructions :o)
"If you can dream it, you can do it". Walt Disney
«1

Comments

  • ormus
    ormus Posts: 42,714 Forumite
    http://www.screwfix.com/prods/33280/Kitchens/Kitchen-Taps/Ellipse-Deck-Sink-Mixer

    do you mean to change two seperate taps for a deck mixer?
    Get some gorm.
  • wallbash
    wallbash Posts: 17,775 Forumite
    If so, is it something we could do ourselves or would we need a plumber?

    DIY
    but can follow instructions

    More than most of us do!
  • You already have a sink with two holes, so unless you can make a new hole big enough which won't be easy without damaging the sink and then get some chrome plugs for the two holes you already have then it won't be easy or look too great.

    Mixers are usually fitted in a different location to separate taps so you would need to check whether there is space to fit a mixer.

    It could be done if you have the tools but check everything you need first and whether it is going to work by looking at a mixer and getting sizes and seeing if it is likely to fit.

    I fitted my water filtering tri tap mixer but that was replacing a regular mixer and not separate taps.
  • wallbash
    wallbash Posts: 17,775 Forumite
    Guessing the OP was thinking more along the lines of the solution given by ormus.

    Enlarging one whole and plugging the other!!!

    Easier to swap the whole sink.
  • diable
    diable Posts: 5,258 Forumite
    You already have a sink with two holes, so unless you can make a new hole big enough which won't be easy without damaging the sink and then get some chrome plugs for the two holes you already have then it won't be easy or look too great.

    Mixers are usually fitted in a different location to separate taps so you would need to check whether there is space to fit a mixer.

    It could be done if you have the tools but check everything you need first and whether it is going to work by looking at a mixer and getting sizes and seeing if it is likely to fit.

    I fitted my water filtering tri tap mixer but that was replacing a regular mixer and not separate taps.

    The taps Ormus linked to have separate pipes spaced out to fit a two hole system unless you were thinking of a bathroom basin setup where the taps are at either end.
  • diable wrote: »
    The taps Ormus linked to have separate pipes spaced out to fit a two hole system unless you were thinking of a bathroom basin setup where the taps are at either end.

    I see what you mean now. It looks similar to one my mother & father had in their kitchen before the kitchen was replaced which I had forgotten about. It's old style, most mixer taps seem to have the water inlets through one hole in the sink now.

    So the OP could replace two taps with one of those without too much alteration or cutting new holes, that will encourage me to actually open links before commenting. lol :o
  • jwil
    jwil Posts: 21,624 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Thanks everyone for the replies - Ormus, something like that I think would be perfect.

    Now for stupid question number 2 - the taps in this sink have been in there since the 1960s probably. Would any mixer tap fit or do I need to measure something?

    Is there anything else I need to contemplate before I go out and buy something?

    Thanks everyone, it's much appreciated :beer:
    "If you can dream it, you can do it". Walt Disney
  • keystone
    keystone Posts: 10,916 Forumite
    You need to make sure the spacing between the centres threaded parts of the new tap are the same as the spacing between the centres of the tap holes in the sink.

    If the existing have been there for 40+ years then it will probably need an awful lot of ignorance to remove them. It may even be necessary to cut them out - without damaging the sink of course.

    Cheers
    The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it's limits. - Einstein
  • jwil
    jwil Posts: 21,624 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    keystone wrote: »

    If the existing have been there for 40+ years then it will probably need an awful lot of ignorance to remove them. It may even be necessary to cut them out - without damaging the sink of course.

    Cheers

    Eek! Never thought of that, that's probably true. We'll have to have a look at them before we try anything.

    Thanks very much though.
    "If you can dream it, you can do it". Walt Disney
  • ormus
    ormus Posts: 42,714 Forumite
    changing to metric from the old imperial system is very slight. you may need a bit of filing etc..
    or it maybe a slack fit. (oh matron).

    even if you need a new ss sink, they are only about 30 quid from BQ.
    Get some gorm.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 350.4K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.3K Spending & Discounts
  • 243.3K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 597.9K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.6K Life & Family
  • 256.4K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.