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How to fit a basin mixer tap
How to guides

How to fit a basin mixer tap

Posted by Adam Chard in How to guides | 3 years ago 3 min read

Whether you're replacing an old basin mixer tap or simply installing a new one, this expert guide on how to fit a basin mixer tap will save you time and money.


Whilst fitting a whole bathroom is best left to an experienced professional, fitting a basin mixer tap is relatively simple if you are competent at DIY.

Basin taps are, generally, split into 2 categories:

  • Mixer taps—1 tap which combines both hot and cold water
  • Pillar taps—2 separate taps for hot and cold water

If you’re not sure which tap you have, check out our tap buying guide.

You can find fitting instructions for other bathroom products by clicking the links below:


What is a basin mixer tap?

A mixer tap is a tap that mixes hot and cold water in the body of the tap, either by using separate hot and cold levers, or a single lever that swivels from left to right to determine the flow of the hot and cold water.

Wharfe basin mixer tap

A basin mixer tap is smaller than a bath mixer tap as it isn’t required to deliver a very large volume of water quickly. You can even buy cloakroom basin mixers—smaller versions for small basins. Find out more in our basin mixer tap buying guide.


Before you do anything

Always unpack your tap immediately after delivery. Check for any damage or faults as it’s better to find them now, rather than during installation.

Always turn off your water at the mains before attempting any DIY in the bathroom.

Tools you’ll need:

  • Adjustable spanner
  • Grips
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Tap spanner

Check you have the following:

Usually supplied with tap:

  • Fixing studs
  • Washers
  • Nuts
  • Flexible tap tails

Typical time to complete:

  • 30 minutes

Typical cost when hiring a tradesperson:


Fitting your basin mixer tap

At Victoria Plum, you’ll find our basin mixer taps are manufactured to the highest standards, with chrome plated brass for both durability and a beautiful finish. All our taps come with ceramic disc technology which helps eliminate drips.

See our step-by-step video showing you how to fit a basin mixer tap.


Here's how to fit a basin mixer tap

Step 1

If you need to remove an old tap, undo the connection (you may need a spanner and grips to do this) and remove the hexagonal nut holding the tap in place (a tap spanner will make this easier). Now you can take out the old tap and wipe down the area.

Step 2

Screw the flexible tap tails into the tap body and tighten by hand.

Step 3

Screw fixing studs into the bottom of the tap.

Step 4

Position the tap over the tap hole in your basin or countertop (ensuring it is at 90 degrees to the basin rim) and lower the flexible tap tails and fixing studs through it.

Step 5

From below the tap hole attach a washer and retaining plate onto the fixing studs.

Step 6

Screw nuts onto the fixing studs by hand. Once you’re satisfied that the tap is in the correct position, tighten the nuts using a spanner, taking care not to damage the basin.

Step 7

Make sure there aren’t any leaks by turning the water back on at the mains. If any leakage occurs, check the connectors and tighten as required.

Handy hint: Looking at the tap from the front, hot is on the left and cold is on the right

Congratulations, you’ve now fitted your basin mixer tap.


Step-by-step images

To help you visualise each step of the process, follow the images below.

Step 1

Removing the old tap.

Removing the old tap

Step 2

Fitting the flexible tap tails.

Fitting the flexible tap tails

Step 3

Screwing fixing studs into bottom of tap.

Screwing fixing studs into bottom of tap

Step 4

Feeding the flexible tap tails through the tap hole.

Feeding the flexible tap tails through the tap hole

Step 5

Attaching a washer and retaining plate onto the fixing studs from below.

Attaching a washer and retaining plate onto the fixing studs

Step 6

Screwing nuts onto the fixing studs.

Screwing nuts onto the fixing studs

Step 7

Checking connectors.

Checking connectors


A final word...

Whilst DIY can be a good way to save time and money, you should always hire a qualified professional to plumb and install your products. The instructions above are simply a guide to fitting your new basin mixer tap and shouldn’t be used to attempt full plumbing and installation.


Shop taps

Whatever type of tap you're looking for, whether it's for your kitchen, bath or basin, we have one of the widest selections in the UK. Simply click on the image below to begin browsing.

Shop taps


Tap into our knowledge

At VictoriaPlum.com, you'll find plenty of practical, expert advice on taps to help you save money on your bathroom. Head to our bathroom advice section or click on any of the links below to read an article.

Author, Adam Chard

Posted by Adam Chard in How to guides | 3 years ago

A born & raised West Countryman, now living on the Yorkshire Coast, for over 10 years Adam has been bringing home interior ideas to life at Victoria Plum. Adam’s favourite interior styles have been shaped by both urban and natural influences.

Sales Line 0344 264 4141 Track order Design Service Trade account

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