DIY Home Tools

Installing a mixer tap

Mixer taps are available in two versions

A mixer tap – the word says it all – is a tap that mixes hot and cold water to the desired temperature. You can choose a faucet with a single handle or with two handles. It makes no difference in the installation.

Tip: A thermostatic mixer tap is a good alternative for the bath or shower. The water from such a tap has a constant temperature, which you set in advance. Besides being handy, it is also safe because the water can never accidentally get too hot. The thermostatic mixer tap is definitely worth considering, especially when you have small children.

Materials

  • Mixer tap
  • Teflon tape

Installing a mixer tap in 4 steps

S-couplings and decorative rosettes for the mixer tap

1. Shut off the water

Turn off the main tap and turn on the tap you are about to replace until no more water comes out.

2. Remove the old tap

Evenly loosen the nuts of the tap on the left and right using the adjustable spanner. Remove the tap and unscrew the decorative rosettes and the S-couplings.

3. Install the new tap

  • Check whether the center distance – the distance between the center of the hot and cold water pipe – is correct for the new tap. By default, this distance is 15 cm.
  • Wrap the threads of the S-couplings with a few layers of Teflon tape. You do this in the direction of clockwise rotation.
  • Screw the S-couplings back into the wall plate.
  • Use a spirit level to check the position of the tap and correct if necessary.
  • Attach the decorative rosettes and the packing rings and, tighten the tap to the S-couplings with the connecting nuts. Tighten the nuts alternately to prevent you from pulling the tap “skewed”.
open-ended spanner tightens mixer nut

4. Check for leaks

Open the main tap again and see if the tap is working correctly and not leaking. If you want to be 100% sure, you can shut off the water and turn off the tap to see if the couplings have remained dry. If they are damp, apply tape again.

Tip against damage

To avoid scratching the chrome of the nuts, wrap them with a cloth when tightening them. A cloth on the bottom of the bath or shower tray will keep you from chipping if you accidentally drop something from your hands during assembly.

You can learn more plumbing tips and step-by-step plans in Installing an outside tap and How to solder water pipes.

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