Basin tap replacement

JasperAlex

Hi, I wish to replace my basin taps but the tap connectors I have don't look like the standard nuts that you can simply unscrew like I've seen in demonstration videos. They are more rounded in shape and have shallow ridges jutting out of the sides. Can these be unscrewed in the same way?


Thanks

JasperAlex

JasperAlex

[IMG]http:/imgur.com/a/aB7oWe3[/IMG]

-taff

there are two on there, the copper one, which screws onto the tap with an olive, which is your shallow/jutting one, and the black plastic one affixing the tap to the sink.
It can be unscrewed in the same way, yes, but try to avoid damaging it, also switch off the water before you unscrew it or switch off the isolator valve if you have one. If the new tap is the same length as the old one, you'll need a new olive, and don't screw the joint up too much.


http://www.handymanknowhow.co.uk/plumbing/replacingatap.htm


If you're not au fait with plumbing, get some push fit flexi connectors, cut the copper pipe down a bit and fit them instead.

JasperAlex

Thanks so much Taff for your reply. Never ever even looked at plumbing before this and completely not looking forward to the prospect of cutting my own copper pipes. May look into changing just the tap head instead and it's just this that has broken.

Currently I have tap heads similar to these http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/how-to/taps/replace-tap-head-gear.

Would it be possible to unscrew the existing ones and change it for these lever types instead using these /similar conversion kits https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lever-Head-Basin-TAP-Conversion/dp/B00RHZIAQC

Apologies if this is a stupid question and thanks once again

-taff

You'll have to wait for a better plumber than me to come along and answer that..:)
I'd just do as above. I might get a push fit isolator vale for future plumbing isues too though...

nofoollikeold

I can't see your images, but:
1. The tap connector sounds like a Conex one. They can be unscrewed with a normal spanner.
2. The tap connector will have a fibre washer between the end of the threaded shank of the tap and the shoulder inside the connector. You should replace these with new one. If its a basin they will almost certainly be 1/2" fibre tap connector washers. There is no olive within the connector.
3. The black plastic nut is probably the back nut. This threads onto the threaded shank of the tap and (as stated above) hold the tap in place on the basin. If the new tap comes with plastic back nuts, I'd advise you to buy a pair of 1/2" brass back nuts to replace them.
4. Many modern taps come with flexible connection hoses. One end (usually an M10 or M12 thread) screws into the body of the tap and the other has a 1/2" BSP female connector. You would need to alter your copper pipework to fit such a tap. You might also find the flow is reduced, because the flexis are small bore.
5. If you can, get taps with the same fittings as those you already have, as you have a much better chance of getting a decent flow.
6. If the threaded shanks of the new taps do not "reach" the tap connectors, you can get threaded extension pieces.
3.

blackshirtuk

antilles

I had a similar issue a couple of years back when changing an old bath tap. Once the old copper fittings came off the olives were damaged enough to cause minor leaks - I changed the olive but kept getting leaks. I think the issue is that sometimes when you disturb really old fittings they never seem to reseal/reseat property.


Ended up cutting the copper pipe back, cleaning it up with wire wool, and using a Speedfit flexible bath tap connector - no more leaks and easy to fit for a competent DIYer.