Before you renew a tap the existing one has to be taken out and this can be the most difficult part of the job. The back nut, which secures the tap underneath, is likely to be inaccessible and may well be firmly fixed by scale and corrosion. Cut off the water supply to the tap and then unscrew the ‘cap and lining’ nut that connects the tail of the tap to the water supply pipe. With a basin or sink it may be necessary to disconnect the waste pipe, take the appliance off its mounting and turn it upside down on the floor in order to get a better purchase on the back nut. A cranked ‘basin spanner’ will help do this. Removal of old bath taps can be particularly difficult because of the cramped and badly lit space in which you will have to work. It may prove better to disconnect the water supply and waste pipes and pull the bath forward to give yourself more room to work.
Pillar taps
When fitting new pillar taps slip a plastic washer over the tail of the tap and insert the tail into the hole provided for it in the top of the appliance. Slip another plastic washer over the tail as it protrudes through the appliance and follow it with the retaining back nut. Where the tap is being fitted into an appliance of thin material, such as a stainless steel sink or an enamelled steel fitted basin, a ‘top hat’ or spacer washer must be used under the appliance to take the protruding shank of the tap. With an appliance of thick material, such as a ceramic wash-basin, a flat plastic washer can be used. When fitting a tap into a basin of this kind do not overtighten the back nut, since the ceramic is very easily damaged by rough handling. Pillar taps are connected to their water supply pipes by means of a ‘tap connector’ or ‘cap and lining’ joint. This incorporates a fibre washer that ensures a watertight connection.