Bathroom tap doesn’t have flexi hose - how to replace?

nuremburger06

Having to replace the bathroom sink tap at home. It’s quite old and doesn’t have flexi hoses coming out of it. Instead it’s got 2 copper pipes that go straight into the supply. Any idea how I can disconnect the tap short of cutting the copper pipes? Hope the picture make it clearer. 

Petriix

You can cut the copper pipes, that's what you need to do.

You will have to turn off the water supply and then turn those taps on to release the pressure in the pipes. Then you can cut the pipes, insert isolators (to make future replacement easy) and connect the appropriate fliexi tails.

Make sure you measure carefully and account for how far the pipes need to be inserted into any fixings. You can get flexi tails with built in isolators or some that connect directly to separate isolators but it's probably best to adapt your plumbing to whatever connectors come with your replacement tap(s).

There are loads types of plumbing connectors so do some research. If using compression fit be sure to use a bit of plumbers paste and don't over tighten. Watch some YouTube videos and, if you're not confident, get a professional in. 

Petriix

... It should end up looking something like this:

nuremburger06

Cheers @Petriix some great advice there. 

grumbler

This will make cutting much easier

(if it's small enough to go between two pipes)

There are smaller ones, but much more expensive)

FreeBear

I have started to use the this type  - Good for those tight spaces, and so much easier to use. Downside is you need one for each size of tube, and they can be expensive depending on the brand & supplier.

neilmcl

And if you don't want to do this then you'll need a basin wrench to get at the tap nut.

Mutton_Geoff

FreeBear said:

I have started to use the this type  - Good for those tight spaces, and so much easier to use. Downside is you need one for each size of tube, and they can be expensive depending on the brand & supplier.

Well worth chopping those pipes and fitting isolating valves and flexis onto the tap. Makes future maintenance so much easier.

I've been using these "pipe slices" for years. You only really need a 15mm and 22mm. A decent brand like Rothenberger will last forever, even at £20 each, they are worth buying because they will speed up your job no end but for now, just buy the 15mm one. They fit in a much tighter space than grumblers version which you have to tighten manually with each revolution of turn. The pipe slices are automatic and tighten themselves up until the pipe cuts (provided you are turning it the right way!)

You could use a hacksaw if you can get in there but make sure you clean and smooth off the pipe ends before putting any fittings on there.

grumbler

Given the limited space, in the OP's case I'd suggest 90°  Isolating Valves

This will also make cutting easier with a hacksaw

Myser

Petriix said:

... It should end up looking something like this:

Flexis should not be connected directly to isolating valves.  The sharp edge on the thread cuts into the washer eventually leading to leaks.  You should use flexi tap connectors:

https://www.screwfix.com/p/tesla-brass-compression-adapting-flexible-tap-connectors-15mm-x-2-pack/2665r

https://www.screwfix.com/p/tesla-brass-compression-adapting-flexible-tap-connectors-15mm-x-3-8-2-pack/6089r

southcoastrgi

neilmcl said:

And if you don't want to do this then you'll need a basin wrench to get at the tap nut.

That's no good for those taps