How to change this bathroom tap?

muffinek

Hello

I got some very old taps in the bathroom that are leaking and I want to replace them.

I have never done this before, I am DIY novice.

I watched couple youtube videos and it looked simple enough. However they always show taps connected to a flexi hose. Mine are connected directly to a copper pipe.

Do I just need to make sure I buy replacement taps with the same threaded tails as the old one and then unscrew the bolt on the copper pipe, take the old one out and screw on new one?

Is it that simple or there is something else I need to take into consideration?

silvercar

First step would be working out how to turn the water off. I would also consider fitting isolators to the taps when you replace them.

muffinek

I am able to switch off the water supply. I was also thinking about isolator valve as the only way at the moment to disconnect water supply is at the main stopcock.

However I cant see how this would work, unless I was to start cutting pipes etc which would take it beyond simple DIY task.

TadleyBaggie

What I would do is cut the pipes down and then use flexible pipes that have built in stop valves. Buy a simple 15mm pipe cutter to do the job, it's quite straightforward.

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82082486#Comment_82082486

If you aren't prepared to cut pipes, I'd suggest that this isn't the best plumbing DIY jobbie to cut yer teeth on. It should be as simple as you say, but often - usually - it ain't.

If the copper pipes are rigid and have no back and forth 'play', then the threaded tail length of the new taps would need to pretty much exactly match those of the current ones, or else the tap connectors won't connect up and be watertight. Happy to bet they won't be.

When - cough, if - things go awry, then without isolating valves in place, you'll need to keep your main stopcock closed whilst you sort the problem.

You'll also need to get the new taps secured firmly in place on the basin so they don't move when they are turned on and off. Getting access to these securing tap nuts is often a pain, and requires a specialised spanner. To undo the current - tight - ones, and doing up the new ones to adequate tension can't really be done with orn'ary tools.

But, if you are mad enough to proceed… 😶

EssexExile

As you are a "DIY novice", I wouldn't start with this job. As WIAWSNB says, there are many things that could go wrong, and most of them will.

mta999

buy a pair of these. connect one end to.your tap. cut the copper pipe shorter and connect the other end to the shortened pipe

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Aumix-Flexible-Bathroom-Connector-Isolator/dp/B08N3WPP74/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=37D3HWX5RP45M&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Yzoi9Ylu5gmttzqC2IhyfJ3_1J5CATPWxFpvrWbbiAcNFUGzGchu3S5sAo23LX2phnPHnN49ymtXGzbOv4asTty1oqtBcu6k_c4ZvKggtsxGuL8qmViHOGO-o--O0xzAPCosMcAdPI5GbwG0rEkovHzfe5unXNQm57dnSb_8jUSVyirdyLFW2RKDc2f2E46shPjeSSsEa8X0sE6aOzMRgA.puQqvEl8rOShZ7p9TQjK6n60qx93u-5Uj1mkkV4pd2Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=flexible+tap.connector+with+isolator+valve&qid=1785156462&sprefix=flexible+tap.connector+with+isolator+valve%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-3