Replacing bath taps/bib taps - possible?

plumbdog

Hello I have a 1960s-ish bath with bib type taps, the bath may well go at some point but just looking to have the taps replaced at the moment. However 2 plumbers (well one and a boiler engineer i asked in passing) have said I 'won't get that done' & new bath it is. I didn't pursue it as he wasn't the plumber I would use for this anyway; I'm not sure if he meant it can't be done, or I'm not going to find someone who would do it.. for some reason... Not my field entirely but I don't see why it's not possible as the principle would be the same as fitting them when it was new wouldn't it..? if that logic is wrong excuse my ignorance.

can't post a pic but if you search 'diy not old style bath tap - help needed!!!!' (hope ok to post that) then the pic in that thread is the right type. The tiled wall at tap end is the outside wall as you'd expect, tiled outside wall to right and access to pipework on left of bath.

Any input gratefully appreciated.

molerat

Have they looked at the bath and is the problem access, the taps are available.
https://www.bradfordbathroomcompany.com/bathroom-taps/bristan-taps-from-gbp16.00/1901-chrome/bristan-1901-globe-taps-chrome-plated

plumbdog

Thanks - Yes I am presuming it's an access problem, but why would that be any more the case than when the bath was put in new if you see what I mean? It's not as if you can connect taps then install the bath, so wouldn't the accessibility be the same as it was from the off? That's basically where I have difficulty understanding the problem.

They are very nice taps btw, definitely what I would be looking at for my retro-semi-derelict look lol, ie trying to pass off my falling to bits decor as deliberate..

Ruski

Taps may well have been fitted, tails left long, bath put in situ and then tails connected up... No need to access tight spaces that way. I often do it that way now, although its a lot easier with modern fittings.

HTH

Russ