Perhaps your tap is leaking, or maybe you just want to update the look of your bathroom. Whatever the reason, you need to change your basin mixer tap.

Good news: you don’t necessarily need to pay a plumber. With a bit of expert guidance from Bathroom Space, this is a job you can probably tackle yourself.

Here’s how.

What should I check before I start?

It can be tempting to dive right in, but before you do, you need to check a few things:

• Size: Most bathroom basins have a standard hole that will fit most modern mixer taps, but check the dimensions of yours before you shop. The spout also needs to reach out over the basin bowl.
• Connections: Most Australian homes have standard mini taps (isolation valves) below the sink, which makes the mixer replacement process quicker and easier. Older homes may not have them, so it’s worth considering getting them installed by a plumber (though this is not a necessity).
• Pressure: Some mixers need a minimum amount of pressure to operate, so check whether you’re on a mains pressure or low pressure system, and choose a mixer tap that suits.

What tools do I need to change a mixer tap?

You don’t need many tools at all. In fact, there’s a good chance you already have everything you need... although specialist tools may be required for particularly tight and tricky basin configurations.

You’ll need:

• An adjustable wrench and/or basin wrench (for tight spots)
• A screwdriver set
• Plumber’s tape
• A bucket or towel to catch drips or leaks

Step-by-step mixer tap installation guide

Let’s get to it. It’s wise to budget around an hour for your installation, but if it’s a simple job you could be done in 20 minutes.

• Turn off your water: If there are mini taps/isolation valves under the sink, turn them off. If there aren’t, turn your water off at the mains.

• Disconnect the hoses: Open the tap in the centre position to release held water. Locate the hose connections beneath the sink, and place a bucket or towel underneath them. Disconnect the hot and cold hoses by undoing the nut on the mini taps or water supply.

• Remove the old tap: Loosen the nut underneath the sink, then remove the old mixer and pull the hoses through the hole in the basin. Give the area around the hole a good clean.

• Install the new tap: Feed the new mixer’s hoses through the basin hole, centre the new tap, then tighten it into place. How you do this will depend on the mounting method of your new tap:

• Horseshoe bolts: A long threaded bolt is clamped on with a horseshoe-shaped plate beneath the sink (you may need a basin wrench if space is tight).

• Quick fit nut: The hoses are fed through a plastic barrel nut that is then tightened by hand on the underside of the vanity. A specialised wrench may be supplied with the mixer to tighten the nut.

• Connect the hoses: Attach the new hot and cold hoses to the mini taps or water supply, using 2-3 loops of plumber’s tape to seal the connection.

• Turn the water back on and test: Turn on the mini taps or mains, then turn on your new mixer and run it for a couple of minutes to remove air pockets and to check for leaks around the mixer and under the sink.

Should I use a plumber to change a mixer tap?

Replacing a bathroom mixer tap is a relatively simple job… most of the time. But there are a few situations where the work can only be done by a licensed plumber.

As a general rule you can’t touch plumbing lines and supply pipes. If mini taps need to be installed or repaired, or old plumbing needs to be fixed or updated, you’ll need professional help.

Or, now that you understand what’s involved, you may just be more comfortable with a plumber taking care of the job, and that’s fine too.

Ready to elevate the look of your bathroom?

Now that you’ve got the know-how, it’s time to choose your new tapware. At Bathroom Space we offer a carefully curated selection of easy-to-install basin mixer taps, which we deliver to your door.

Enhance the aesthetics of your bathroom in as little as 20 minutes. Shop our stunning range today.