EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
For replacing existing taps, you will need the following tools and equipment:
• new taps of the right type and size
• an adjustable spanner
• a basin wrench (‘crowsfoot’)
• an adjustable wrench
• penetrating oil
• plastic washers
• plumber’s putty
• PTFE tape You may also need tap tail adaptors (if the new taps have shorter tails than the old ones) and new tap connectors (if your new taps have metric tails instead of imperial ones).
WHAT ABOUT WASHERS?
With ceramic basins, use a plastic washer above and below the basin surface so you don’t crack the basin as you tighten the back-nut.
You can use plumber’s putty instead of the upper washer. On thin basins, use a special top-hat washer between basin and back-nut.
TIPS TO SAVE TROUBLE
• to undo stubborn back-nuts, add extra leverage to the crowsfoot by hooking a wrench handle into its other end
• if this fails, squirt penetrating oil around the back-nuts. Leave for a while and try again
• in really stubborn cases, remove the basin completely, and turn it upside down on the floor so you have more room to work
• grip the tap body with an adjustable spanner to stop it turning as you use the crowsfoot; otherwise the tap lugs could crack the basin