Do you know how to replace a kitchen tap? Find out how in this easy-to-follow DIY guide

The constant drip of a worn kitchen tap can drive you insane. It’s not something you want to live with for long. It needs to be replaced as soon as possible. You can opt for a basic, cost-effective replacement, or it may be the perfect time to upgrade your taps to match your latest kitchen ideas.

And the best part is that you can tackle the job yourself. If it's a straightforward like-for-like replacement, you can have the job done in no time. All you need is a few tools and the know-how you’ll find in this guide.

Replacing kitchen tap: Are sizes universal?

No, they are not, but most taps are designed to fit most basins. Ensure you measure the tap hole (commonly 35mm) to determine the required tap size. Other sizes generally apply to designer or specialist taps.

Also, remember what type of tap you're looking for. A mixer tap requires only one hole, while a bridge or pillar tap requires two.

The other consideration is the size of the pipework. The most common size is 15mm, so you will need a flexi pipe (like this 15mm Flexible Tap Connector from B&Q) to connect to the water supply. Larger 22mm pipes are less common and often found in bathrooms, to allow a higher flow rate.

Try these kitchen taps to replace your old ones

Mike Bekin

Mike Bekin is a construction and DIY expert with over 20 years’ experience in timber and sustainable building materials. Mike has worked with the UK’s Environment Agency on tropical hardwood procurement and now advises homeowners, builders, and landscapers on using durable, low‑carbon materials.

How to remove and replace a kitchen tap

Before you tackle the tap removal, you’ll need to invest in a few tools to make sure you get the job done properly. You’ll need an adjustable wrench (like this Bahco 32mm Adjustable Wrench from Amazon) and a Basin wrench (like this HAUTMEC 11-Inch Pro Basin Wrench also from Amazon) to undo any retaining nuts.

1. Switch off water

The first step is to turn off your water supply. Mike Bekin, founder of Ecochoice, points out how. “The neatest isolation is via the quarter‑turn valves under the sink. Turn both hot and cold off, then open the tap to depressurise into a bowl.”

Isolation valves are commonly found on the pipe work under the taps. You’ll need a flathead screwdriver for the quarter turn.

However, older pipework often doesn't have isolation valves. If this is the case, Bekin adds, “If there are no isolators, shut off the mains stopcock.”

2. Remove tap

Clear out under the sink and have a container and towels ready to catch any water left in the pipes. First, Bekin says, “Loosen each flexi at the isolation valve with an adjustable spanner, catching residual water.” Place the end of the flexi pipes into the container/bucket.

Next, adds Bekin, “Locate the retaining nut at the base of your tap and unscrew this to remove the tap. He adds, "You may find a basin wrench helpful if it’s hard to access." Finally, “Lift the tap out, then clean off old silicone and limescale.”

3. Prep and fit replacement tap

Start by fitting the base gasket and flexi pipe(s) to the tap. Next, Bekin says, “Feed through the flexi pipes through the tap hole, align the tap, then fit the horseshoe plate and backnut, finger‑tight first.”

Finally, Bekin says, “Give a cautious final nip with a spanner,” Not too tight, but enough to secure the tap. Bekin adds, “Don’t distort stainless sinks or compress timber and hardwood worktops.”

4. Connect taps to pipework

The final step is to reconnect the tap’s flexible hoses and attach them to your hot and cold water pipes. Bekin says, “Connect hot left and cold right, use new fibre washers on flat‑faced joints.” These are commonly supplied with taps. Now says Bekin, “Open valves slowly while watching joints with a dry tissue, then run cold and hot to purge air and debris.”

To ensure everything is in order, Bekin says, “Recheck after a few minutes and again after 10–15 minutes.” Finally, dispose of the old tap at your local recycling centre.

FAQs

Jess Thomas

Jess Thomas is a well-recognised expert in the drainage and plumbing industry. Jess continually provides valuable insights on a wide range of industry topics, and is dedicated to helping homeowners find effective solutions to their drainage problems.

What is the difference between a lost cost and high cost tap?

Budget is often a key consideration when replacing taps, as costs can vary widely. But does spending big mean you are getting a good deal? Jess Thomas, MD of Drainage Central, shares his thoughts, “Lower cost taps are more prone to wear and tear related issues, lower quality control and may not have as diverse a range of options compared to higher priced products.”

He adds, “High cost taps usually have more range when it comes to style, finishes and colour, and are often more resilient than their cheaper counterparts.”

But lower-cost taps will still have a place in any kitchen remodel. However, Thomas says, “Cheaper taps will work just fine when installed; they may not last as long as more expensive taps.” He adds, perhaps not unsurprisingly, “They are likely to show signs of wear and tear much faster.”

When replacing a tap, we recommend allocating as much of your budget as possible to kitchen taps. If you intend to stay in your home, then definitely spend as much as you can afford. But if you are doing a short-term remodel, you may want to consider budget- to mid-priced taps.

What type of tap is best for a kitchen?

There are a lot of choices when it comes to replacing a kitchen tap. Boiling water taps, pillar taps, wall mounted taps, monobloc taps and filter taps are just some of the options available.

But it's not just the tap you need to consider, you should also think about the finish as Thomas shares, “Chrome works well with most kitchen styles and colours. It is also very durable, resistant to corrosion and tarnishing, as well as being easy to clean.” He adds, “Chrome finishes normally tend to be more affordable than other options.”

But chrome is not the only finish to consider. Thomas adds, “Stainless steel taps are resistant to stains, scratches and fingerprints. Similarly, brushed nickel finish taps are resistant to corrosion but are better at hiding fingerprints and water spots compared to polished finishes."

He adds, "Another option for finishes is brass, but this finish will require regular cleaning and polishing to maintain the lustre, and they are not as resistant to corrosion as other finishes.”

Replacing a kitchen tap can be a simple replacement or part of a larger remodel. Check out our new kitchen for under 5K (including taps) and our kitchen installation cost guides to see what you can get for your money. Check out our minimum kitchen island size guide if you fancy something extra.