Replace bath pillar taps

Turn off the water, swap old bath taps for new WRAS-approved ones, then reconnect and test for leaks.

BT-01Turn off the water and drain the pipesFind your stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink) and turn it off, or use the isolation valves under the bath if fitted. Open both bath taps to let the pipes drain into the bath, then leave them open. Lay a dust sheet and keep a bowl and towel handy for drips.

1 each · Dust sheet

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

1 each · Bowl

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

BT-02Remove the bath panelMost panels clip or screw on at the bottom edge — unclip or unscrew and lift it away to reach the pipework. If your bath has no panel and is boxed in, you may need to lift flooring below to reach the tails. Set the panel somewhere safe so it doesn't get scratched.

1 each · Screwdriver

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

BT-03Disconnect the old tap tailsUnder the bath, find where the tap tails meet the pipe — usually a flexible connector or a compression joint. Hold the tail steady and loosen the backnut with an adjustable spanner or basin wrench, then undo the connector or compression nut. Keep the towel underneath to catch the last of the water.

1 each · Adjustable spanner

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

1 each · Basin wrench

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

BT-04Lift out the old tapsOnce the tail is free from the pipe, the tap should lift out through the bath deck. Old taps often seize with limescale — a squirt of releasing oil and a gentle twist usually frees them. Wipe round the tap holes to clear old grime and old washer material.

1 can · Releasing oil (WD-40)

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

1 each · Cloth

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

BT-05Check the new taps are WRAS-approved and the right fitAny fitting connected to your mains water supply must meet the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 — look for the WRAS kite mark on the box before you buy. Check the new tap tails match the thread size of your old pipework, or buy flexible tap connectors to bridge any mismatch. Have new sealing washers ready even if the taps come with some.

RULES

1 pair · Pillar taps (pair)

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

1 roll · PTFE tape

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

KNOW THE RULES

The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 require plumbing fittings connected to the mains to be WRAS-approved. Check for the kite mark before fitting anything new.

BT-06Fit the new taps to the bathPush each tap tail through its hole in the bath deck, fitting the rubber or fibre washer supplied. Tighten the backnut by hand from underneath, then give it a quarter turn with a spanner. Do not overtighten — too much force can crack the bath or the tap base.

2 each · Sealing washer

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

BT-07Reconnect the pipeworkCables and pipes aren't a risk here since you're only reconnecting existing pipework, but double-check the water is still off before you start. Fit flexible tap connectors or remake a compression joint onto the existing pipe, wrapping the threads with PTFE tape for a good seal. Tighten by hand, then a further quarter turn with a spanner — no more.

2 each · Flexible tap connector

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

BT-08Turn the water back on and check for leaksTurn the stopcock or isolation valves back on slowly. Check every joint you touched underneath the bath, feeling for drips with a dry cloth. If a joint weeps, nip it up a little more — never force it hard, as overtightening compression joints can crack them.

1 each · Cloth

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

BT-09Test the taps and tidy upRun both taps fully hot and cold, checking flow and temperature, and let the bath drain to check the waste isn't affected. Refit the bath panel, clear away dust sheets and tools, and take the old taps to a scrap metal or recycling point.

4 each · Panel fixing screws

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

Some links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Save this as a project

Back to all guides