Is it time to upgrade the outdated or leaking faucets in your home? Installing new taps can update the look of your space and improve water efficiency. But should you take on the tap installation yourself or hire a professional plumber?
There are benefits to both options. Doing it yourself can save money on labour costs. However, for complicated plumbing jobs, a licensed pro prevents potential problems.
This guide covers the tap replacement process, factors to consider when deciding between DIY or plumber, and when it’s best to call the experts.
Replacing an old, worn-out faucet with a new tap involves a series of steps. The process starts with shutting off the water supply lines and disconnecting them from the existing tap. Next, you’ll need to fully remove the old faucet fixture from the sink or countertop it’s installed on.
With the old tap removed, the area around the sink will need to be thoroughly cleaned up - scraping off any old plumber’s putty, sealant residue, grime, and debris from the previous installation until the contact area is clean.
The next stage is installing a new plumber’s putty or a gasket seal around the sink opening and preparing the surface for installing the new tap. You can then attach the new faucet’s base plate, flexible hoses, and handle assembly in place and secure the new fixture. Reconnect the water supply lines to the new tap using shut-off valves for easy future servicing. Check all fittings are tightened properly.
Once fully assembled, turn the water supply back on and test the new tap, carefully checking for leaks under or around the sink. Finally, apply a bead of clear silicone sealant around the edges for a water-tight seal between the new faucet and sink surface.
While this covers the overall job, the specific steps can vary depending on the tap type and complexity of the installation. Some replacements are relatively simple, while others require more involved plumbing modifications.
Taking on a tap replacement DIY requires the following:
While DIY is possible for some, there are advantages to hiring a qualified plumber:
Plumbers have expertise in installing various faucet types in kitchens, baths, laundries, etc. They can handle complex tap replacements.
Pros ensure correct plumber’s putty seal application and supply line connections to prevent leaks behind walls or under sinks.
Plumbers have the skills and tools to remove old fixtures and install new taps in cramped spots under sinks or counters.
A pro can advise you on the best replacement tap for your setup and usage needs.
Plumbers can troubleshoot problems with pipe fittings or valve connections and have parts on hand.
Hiring a qualified plumber prevents damage to your sinks, countertops or flooring from leaks and installation errors.
Licensed professionals guarantee code-compliant work you can trust is done right, with warranty, insurance and liability coverage.
The complexity of your current plumbing setup and the type of replacement tap needed are key factors in deciding if DIY is advisable or if you should call a professional plumber.
DIY tap installation may be possible if the project is relatively straightforward. For example, DIY can work if you simply swap out a basic single-handle vanity or kitchen sink faucet that requires no specialty plumbing work.
Other ideal conditions for DIY include if the old tap comes off easily with minimal effort, there are functioning shut-off valves under the sink to access, there is ample room in the cabinet to work in, and the new tap is compatible with existing supply lines needing no pipe modifications.
Having just the basic tools on hand, like wrenches, putty, and a pipe wrench, is also advantageous. Carefully considering criteria such as this can help homeowners determine if tackling tap replacement on their own could be feasible or if hiring an experienced plumber is the wiser choice.
There are several common problems and issues that DIYers encounter when trying to replace taps themselves. If any of the following apply to your situation, hiring a professional plumber for the installation is likely the better and safer option:
Mistakes stemming from scenarios like these can easily lead to costly water damage, flooding, mould issues or unusable sinks if replacement is attempted without professional skills. The risks of DIY tap installation under non-ideal conditions are simply not worth it compared to the reasonable cost of hiring a qualified plumber to do the job correctly.
The types of tap replacement projects that may work for DIYers with basic plumbing experience include straightforward swaps like installing a new vanity sink faucet to replace an old, worn-out one, as long as it is a simple like-for-like single-handle model.
Other achievable DIY tap installs can include replacing the main kitchen sink mixer tap as long as it only involves attaching a basic, affordable single-lever handle replacement. Swapping out leaky old laundry room or utility sink taps with new, inexpensive models is also often feasible.
Some DIYers may even replace just the visible trims and handles on existing bathroom shower taps without altering any behind-the-wall plumbing. The key to DIY success is sticking to simple, straightforward tap swap-outs rather than taking on more advanced installations that are best left to qualified professionals.
You need to consider their skill level carefully and only take on replacement projects within their abilities, calling in a plumber for any complex or risky tap installation work.
Opting to install a new tap yourself rather than hiring a professional plumber will allow you to avoid paying labour costs, which is the main DIY savings advantage. However, you must carefully weigh potential risks, even for simple DIY tap projects. For example, even small leaks that seem minor at first could lead to water damage, mould growth, rotting cabinets or floors, and other expensive property damage if handled poorly.
A mistake during DIY installation can also result in a non-functional or unusable sink that requires a plumber’s expertise to fix or replace at a greater overall cost. Carefully consider all these risks and factor them into your DIY savings calculation. A plumber’s hourly rate brings professional expertise and years of experience for quality work you can trust is done right. Those costs are often worthwhile for complicated projects compared to extensive damages or problems from improper DIY installation.
When providing your own replacement tap for installation, either DIY or by a plumber, be sure to buy directly from reputable manufacturers. Avoid very cheap import taps found in discount stores or online marketplaces, as these often leak or break entirely shortly after installation due to poor-quality materials and manufacturing.
A professional plumber has insider access to order from quality commercial grade tap brands at fair discounted trade prices, often allowing them to source a compliant, durable faucet at or below what a home DIYer can find independently.
Major plumbing work like tap installations are typically subject to permits and inspections per local regulations before, during, and after completion. Be sure to carefully research the requirements in your city or regional municipality when planning a tap replacement. Pull all required permits well in advance.
Licensed plumbers are experts at safely and properly navigating all permit and code requirements for compliant tap installation and avoiding fines or violations for improper work. Attempting DIY tap replacement without proper permits can risk fines, order to remove disallowed work, or even lack of home insurance coverage for failures on unpermitted plumbing.
As this guide outlines, relatively simple tap swaps in inaccessible areas can be DIYed to save money. But anything complex, risky, or needing permits is best left to professional plumbers with the expertise to handle the job safely and correctly.
For guaranteed quality installation without hassles, consider the benefits of hiring a licensed pro worth the reasonable rates. Your property will be protected, the new tap optimised, and any liability will fall to the plumber.
Contact the professional tap installation experts at WP Plumbing in Melbourne for a worry-free faucet upgrade or replacement. Take advantage of competitive rates and affordable after-hours services from trusted local plumbers. Get in touch for a quote on your new bathroom, kitchen, laundry or outdoor tap project today!
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