Now that the tap is fixed in place you can connect the pipework. Use speedfit fittings or standard fittings of the right size to connect the water supply to the feed pipes. Ensure that fittings are tightened up securely. Rather than the old days of two separate taps for hot and cold water flow, a mixer tap ‘mixes’ the hot and cold water within the main body of a single tap. On top there is usually a lever/handle that you can pull up to establish water flow and to either side to determine water temperature.

If you are replacing an existing mixer tap, you will first need to remove the old tap. Before you start you will want to clear everything out from underneath your sink so you can gain full access to the pipes beneath. You might also want to have an old towel and a bowl handy so that you can catch any residual water sitting in the pipes. Open the kitchen tap to let the water out, and open a tap upstairs if you have one. This will release most of the water lying in the pipes.To fully remove the tap, make sure the nut is fully removed from the stud so that the tap can be lifted away with its flexible hoses. Take care to ensure that no washers or seals are left and be careful when withdrawing the hose ends to avoid scratches on the sink from any sharp ends. Once the tap has been removed clean away any residual mess left behind from the open mains pipe connections found under the sink. The old tap can then be disposed of. Replacing a Mixer Tap

Mixer taps. These taps mix hot and cold water while also giving you the option to control the water pressure (good water pressure is needed for them to work)

Water filter taps. With an in-built water filter, these taps help to filter out excess chlorine and impurities from the water making them ideal as part of a kitchen sink. Make sure you turn the water supply off first and make sure to tighten the nuts up securely as you don’t want the tap coming loose after a few uses. Then tighten the nuts on the threaded bar using a box spanner. A box spanner is great for places where there is less space (such as underneath sinks) and looks like a long open tube with a nut shaped hole at the end.

Pull-out Spray Mixer. With an extendable hose, this tap is perfect for rinsing dishes and food and can be used to control the flow of the water. Before actually removing or replacing any part of your water system it’s advisable to first turn the water off and drain down the system if you can.When looking to replace the mixer tap in your caravan or motorhome kitchen area you’ll probably be wondering how to actually access the tap to remove it. In many makes and models, the best way to do this is by first removing the sink, particularly if you don’t have cupboard access below. The sink will most likely be held in place by a number of screws so the first step is to remove these. You may need to gently use a flathead screwdriver to gently ease the sink away from the worktop and be careful not to lose or damage the rubber seal. Fit the threaded bars first before dropping the tap through the hole in the basin. Tighten them by hand to avoid causing damage to the thread.

A granite sink offers an alternative to ceramic and stainless steel and is more hardwearing. A granite sink will not scratch, chip or stain, and can withstand high temperatures and harsh chemicals. Again, the granite sink is available in a variety of styles and colours to suit any kitchen or bathroom design however the price may be slightly more expensive. Sometimes it’s virtually impossible to get any tools in properly because of the cupboard or other pipework. Once you have removed the old, faulty tap and have your new mixer tap ready to be installed, it’s a case of putting it in place and securing it by following the steps you took to remove the mixer tap, but in reverse.Once you have settled on the material, design and finish of your taps, you will want to turn your attention to where the tap is mounted. The two choices of mounting are sink mounted or worktop mounted, but you will also need to make sure that the spout of the tap is long enough to reach the centre of your sink. Maintaining Your Taps There should also be parts included with the new mixer tap that you will need for the installation. These are: Though fitting a full bathroom suite is a job you’ll want to get a professional in to do, if you’ve got a bit of DIY and plumbing experience, then fitting a mixer tap to the basin in your bathroom is a job you can do relatively easily. Take the flexible tap tails that came with your new tap and screw them into the main tap body. Gently tighten then up.