5 Easy Steps to Change Shower Taps

Are you tired of leaky, outdated shower taps that diminish your bathing experience? Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a novice handyman, changing shower taps is a straightforward task that can enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your bathroom. With some basic tools, a bit of patience, and this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to transform your shower into a rejuvenating sanctuary.

Before you embark on this project, ensure you have gathered all the necessary materials, including new shower taps, a pair of adjustable wrenches, a screwdriver, and a basin wrench. Turn off the water supply to prevent any unwanted leaks and protect your bathroom from potential water damage. Once everything is in place, disconnect the old taps by loosening the nuts that secure them to the water pipes. Carefully remove the taps and clean the threads on the pipes.

Now it’s time to install the new shower taps. Apply plumber’s tape to the threads of the pipes to create a watertight seal. Hand-tighten the nuts onto the pipes, then use the adjustable wrenches to secure them firmly. Avoid overtightening, as this can damage the taps or pipes. Reconnect the water supply, and check for any leaks by running water through the taps. Once you’re satisfied that everything is functioning correctly, finish the job by tidying up and disposing of the old taps.

Choosing the Right Replacement Taps

Selecting the ideal replacement taps for your shower requires careful consideration of various factors. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the right choice:

1. Type of Tap

Determining the type of tap you need is crucial.

a. Mixer Taps: These single-lever taps combine hot and cold water into a single stream, allowing for precise temperature control. They are ideal for showers that lack separate hot and cold taps.

b. Separate Hot and Cold Taps: This traditional setup features separate taps for hot and cold water, providing greater control over the temperature. However, they require additional plumbing connections and may take up more space.

c. Thermostatic Taps: Thermostatic taps offer enhanced safety by maintaining a consistent water temperature. They feature a temperature knob that allows users to set a maximum temperature, preventing scalding.

2. Material

The material of the taps influences both their durability and aesthetics. Common materials include:

a. Brass: Durable and corrosion-resistant, brass is a popular choice for shower taps.

b. Ceramic: Ceramic taps are known for their sleek appearance and easy cleaning, but they may be more fragile than other materials.

c. Stainless Steel: Stainless steel taps offer excellent rust resistance and durability, making them a good choice for areas with high humidity.

3. Style and Finish

The style and finish of the taps should complement your bathroom décor. Consider the following options:

Gathering Necessary Tools and Materials

Before starting the task of changing your shower taps, it’s crucial to gather all the essential tools and materials. This will help ensure a smooth and efficient process. Here’s a comprehensive list to ensure you have everything you need:

Essential Tools:

• Adjustable wrench
• Adjustable pliers
• Allen key (if required for your tap model)
• Spanner or crescent wrench
• Flathead screwdriver (if required for your tap model)
• Phillips head screwdriver (if required for your tap model)
• Tape measure or ruler
• Plumber’s putty (if required for your tap model)
• Teflon tape (if required for your tap model)
• Putty knife (if required for your tap model)
• Flashlight (if working in a poorly lit area)

Materials:

NOTE: The specific tools and materials required may vary depending on the model of your shower taps. Please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for a more accurate list.

Isolating the Water Supply

Before you begin working on your shower taps, it’s crucial to isolate the water supply, ensuring there is no water flow during the replacement process.

Locate the stopcocks, which are typically found underneath the sink or behind the toilet. Turn both the hot and cold stopcocks clockwise to shut off the water supply. If there are no stopcocks present, you will need to locate the main water valve for your home and turn it off.

To confirm that the water supply is indeed isolated, turn on a nearby faucet to release any residual water pressure. If there is no water flow, you have successfully isolated the water supply.

Pressure Relief

With the water supply isolated, it is advisable to release any remaining pressure in the plumbing system. To do this, open the shower tap handles to their full hot and cold positions. This will allow any pressurized water to escape, making it easier to remove the old taps.