On 02/11/2020 09:21, Jedzi wrote:
I need to replace the hot tap in my bathroom sink. The bathroom is
ancient, 30+ years old, and will be replaced in the next year, so I
just need something simple to keep it working until then. I've not
fitted a new tap before, but I've done some research and have a
couple of questions:
1. Assuming that the old tap is a 1/2 inch tap, do I need to buy a
1/2 inch tap, or will a modern 15m tap be OK?
Traditional taps typically have a threaded base that passes through a
hole in the basin. You pass the tap through the hole (possibly with an o
ring or washer of some sort between the tape base and the basin), and
then fix it in place with a lock nut that screws onto the threaded base.
Once fixed in place, you connect the pipes using a tap connector, which
is fitted to the end of the pipe.
e.g:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/swirl-bat...aps-pair/88965
The threaded section that sticks out the bottom of the tap will be
described as 1/2" BSP (British Standard Pipethread) or 3/4" BSP. Note
that the sizes refer to the *internal* diameter of an iron barrel (i.e.
thick walled) pipe. So the actual diameter of the thread if you measure
is is quite a bit larger than the size would suggest.
Even modern taps with threaded bases will be in one of the imperial
sizes above. Typically 1/2" on basins, and 3/4" on bath taps.
(some taps like monoblock mixers will use slim braided flexi hoses to
connect to the pipes. These *might* terminate in a 15mm compression or
push fit connector)
Tap connectors are available in compression, push fit, and solder:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/compressi...r-15mm-x/28793
https://www.screwfix.com/p/jg-speedf...r-15mm-x/12129
https://www.screwfix.com/p/endex-cop...r-15mm-x/98412
(I have shown right angled types - but straight ones are also available)
2. From looking round
on the net, a sensible option seems to be to use a flexible hose. Am
I right to think I should buy a 1/2 fitting for the pipe end and,
depending on the answer to Q1, a half inch or 15mm fitting for the
other end?3.
The easiest swap would be "like for like" - assuming the tap projects a
similar distance below the basin, you will likely find you can simply
reuse the existing tap connector. Especially of there is a bit of "give"
in the pipe to allow it to be reposisitioned a bit.
If you can't get the new tap to match up with the existing tap
connector, then yes you could use a flexi connector.
3. Should I use a push or compression fitting (bearing
in mind I haven't done this before)?
In the circumstances, I would go for push fit. Something like:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/jg-speedf...m-2-pack/9938g
The 1/2" BSP connector would screw onto the tap (with a fibre washer to
make the seal). The push fit end just pushes onto the cut end of a pipe.
Note that you will need to use a pipe slice to cut the pipe and not a
hacksaw since the internal rubber seals in a push fit fitting need a
slightly tapered pipe end and no sharp bits, and that is difficult to do
with a hacksaw. Something like:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/3-28mm-ma...e-cutter/49428
will do the job. Put round the pipe, and tighten the thumb wheel, spin
it round the pipe a couple of times, and tighten again. Rinse and repeat
until the pipe is cut.
Or you can get "automatic" versions like:;
https://www.screwfix.com/p/monument-...e-cutter/29457
Just push onto the pipe and rotate in the indicated direction until the
cut is done.
--
Cheers,
John.
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