Dean Owens of Plumbers Warragul has to say “Are you wondering if you can change taps without a plumber? The answer is yes, you can. However, some plumbing jobs require a licensed professional. In Australia, regulations are in place to ensure that plumbing work is done safely and to a high standard.”

If you’re looking to replace a tap, it’s a relatively simple job that you can do yourself. You’ll need to turn off the water supply, remove the old tap, and install the new one. However, if you encounter any issues or are unsure about what you’re doing, it’s best to call a licensed plumber to avoid causing any damage or creating a safety hazard.

It’s important to note that there are limits to what DIY plumbing work you can do without a license. In Australia, certain plumbing jobs must be done by a licensed professional to ensure compliance with regulations and to protect the health and safety of the public. Always check the requirements in your state or territory before attempting any plumbing work yourself.

Understanding Tap Replacement

Assessing the Need for Replacement

Before you start replacing your tap, it is important to assess the need for replacement. If your tap is leaking or has become difficult to turn on and off, it may be time to replace it. In some cases, a faulty washer may be the cause of the problem, which can be easily replaced. However, if your tap is old or has signs of corrosion, it is best to replace it entirely.

Tools and Materials Required

To replace a tap, you will need a few tools and materials. These include an adjustable wrench, screwdriver, Teflon tape, and a new tap. It is also important to turn off the water supply to the tap before you begin any work. You can do this by using the isolating valve or turning off the water meter.

Safety and Preparation

Before you start replacing your tap, it is important to take some safety precautions. Make sure to wear gloves and eye protection to protect yourself from any sharp edges or debris. It is also important to disconnect any hot water supply to the tap to avoid any burns or scalding.

Once you have assessed the need for replacement, gathered the necessary tools and materials, and taken the necessary safety precautions, you can begin replacing your tap.

Start by removing the old tap by using a wrench to loosen the nut that holds it in place. Make sure to turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.

Once the old tap is removed, clean the threads on the pipes and attach the new tap by screwing it onto the threads. Make sure to use Teflon tape to ensure a tight fit. Tighten the nut with a wrench, but be careful not to overtighten it.

Executing the Tap Change

Changing taps is a relatively simple DIY plumbing job that you can do yourself without the need for a professional plumber. In this section, we will guide you through the process of executing a tap change in your kitchen or bathroom.

Removing the Old Tap

Before you can install a new tap, you need to remove the old one. Start by turning off the water supply to the tap. You can usually find the isolation valve under the sink or basin. If you can’t find the valve, turn off the main water supply to your house.

Next, remove the tap’s cover plate or decorative cap. You can use a flathead screwdriver to do this. Once you remove the cover plate, you will see the tap’s fixing nut. Use a spanner or adjustable wrench to loosen the nut and remove the tap.

Installing the New Tap

Once you have removed the old tap, it’s time to install the new one. Start by placing the rubber gasket or O-ring on the base of the tap. Insert the tap through the hole in the sink or basin and secure it with the fixing nut. Tighten the nut with a spanner or adjustable wrench.

Next, connect the tap’s flexible hoses to the water supply pipes. Ensure that you use the correct fittings for your tap and pipes. Tighten the fittings with a spanner or adjustable wrench. Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks.

Final Checks and Testing

After installing the new tap, turn on the water supply and check for any leaks. If you notice any leaks, turn off the water supply and tighten the fittings further.

Once you are satisfied that there are no leaks, replace the cover plate or decorative cap.

Congratulations! You have successfully changed your tap without the need for a professional plumber. Remember to test the tap’s functionality by turning it on and off several times. If you encounter any issues, contact a licensed plumber for assistance.

Dean Owens of Plumbers Warragul highlights that “It is important to note that if you are renovating your kitchen or bathroom, you may need to obtain a compliance certificate for any plumbing work you do.”

This certificate confirms that the work complies with Australian plumbing standards and is required by your insurance company in case of any future claims.