How to Change Bathroom Shower Taps A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding Your Shower Taps

Before you start wrenching, it’s crucial to understand the anatomy of your shower taps. This will help you choose the right replacement and make the installation process a breeze.

Types of Shower Taps

Shower taps come in various styles, each with its unique features and functionalities. The most common types are:

• Single-lever: These taps are controlled by a single lever that regulates both hot and cold water flow. They are known for their simplicity and ease of use.
• Two-handle: As the name suggests, these taps have two separate handles, one for hot water and one for cold water. They offer more precise control over the water temperature and flow.
• Thermostatic: These taps feature a built-in thermostat that maintains a constant water temperature, even if the pressure fluctuates. They are ideal for families with young children or anyone who prefers a consistent shower experience.

Components of a Shower Tap

Understanding the components of a shower tap is essential for identifying the parts you need to replace. Here’s a breakdown:

• Cartridge: This is the heart of the tap, responsible for controlling water flow and temperature. It’s often the component that needs replacement.
• Valve: The valve regulates the flow of water to the spout and shower head. It’s typically located inside the tap body.
• Handle: This is the part you turn to adjust the water flow and temperature. It’s connected to the cartridge or valve.
• Spout: This is the part where water exits the tap. It’s usually connected to the valve.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about the type of shower tap you have, consult the manufacturer’s manual or contact a plumber for assistance.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Replacement Shower Taps

When selecting replacement shower taps, consider these factors:

• Style: Choose a style that complements your bathroom decor and personal preferences. Options include modern, traditional, contemporary, and minimalist.
• Functionality: Consider your needs and preferences. Do you want a single-lever tap for ease of use or a thermostatic tap for consistent temperature?
• Budget: Shower taps come in a wide range of prices, so set a budget before you start shopping. Consider the quality and features you need.

Preparation and Tools

Before you start wrenching and twisting, it’s important to prepare yourself and gather the right tools. Think of it like a chef preparing for a big meal, you need the right ingredients and equipment to get the job done right!

Here’s what you need to know to get started:

Safety Precautions, How to change bathroom shower taps

Safety is always paramount, especially when working with water and plumbing. You don’t want to end up with a soggy mess or worse, a flooded bathroom.

Here are some essential safety tips:

• Always turn off the water supply to the bathroom before starting any work. This is a must-do step to prevent any accidental flooding.
• Wear protective gear like gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes from any sharp edges or debris.
• If you’re working with older pipes, be careful as they might be brittle and prone to breaking. Use caution when handling them.
• Be aware of any electrical outlets or wiring near the shower area. Avoid any contact with them to prevent electric shock.

Tools Required

Now that you’re all geared up and ready to go, let’s talk about the tools you’ll need. It’s like having a handyman’s toolkit, but for your shower taps.

Here’s a list of the essential tools:

• Adjustable wrench: This is a versatile tool that will be your best friend for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts.
• Pliers: These are useful for gripping and twisting small parts, especially when you need a little extra leverage.
• Screwdriver: You’ll need this to remove any screws holding the shower tap in place.
• Sealant tape: This is crucial for creating a watertight seal around the pipes and fittings. It’s like a little band-aid for your plumbing!
• Bucket: You’ll need this to collect any water that might drain from the pipes during the process.
• Towels: Always have a few towels handy to clean up any spills or drips.

Shutting Off the Water Supply

Okay, now let’s talk about how to shut off the water supply to the bathroom. It’s like turning off the main valve for your shower.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Locate the main water valve for your bathroom. It’s usually located near the water meter or in a utility room.
2. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water supply. You’ll feel resistance as the valve closes.
3. Once the valve is completely closed, run the water in your shower to ensure it’s completely shut off. If you hear any water running, you need to tighten the valve a bit more.

Draining the Water System

After you’ve shut off the water supply, you need to drain any remaining water from the shower system. Think of it like letting the air out of a tire, you’re releasing any pressure.

Here’s how you drain the system:

1. Open the shower tap handles to release any water remaining in the pipes.
2. Place a bucket underneath the showerhead to catch any dripping water.
3. Once the water has stopped dripping, you’re ready to start working on your shower taps.

Replacing the Shower Taps: How To Change Bathroom Shower Taps

Now that you’ve gathered your tools and understand your shower tap type, it’s time to get your hands dirty and actually replace those old taps! This part is where the real action happens, so let’s break it down step-by-step.

Removing the Old Shower Tap

Before you can install the new shower tap, you need to remove the old one. This process will vary slightly depending on the type of tap you have.

• Cartridge Taps: For cartridge taps, you’ll need to unscrew the handle and remove the cartridge. This is usually done by turning a screw or using a special tool that comes with the tap. Once the cartridge is removed, you can then unscrew the tap body from the wall.
• Ball Taps: Ball taps have a ball-shaped valve that controls the water flow. To remove a ball tap, you’ll need to unscrew the handle and then the ball valve. Once the ball valve is removed, you can unscrew the tap body from the wall.
• Ceramic Disc Taps: Ceramic disc taps have two ceramic discs that control the water flow. To remove a ceramic disc tap, you’ll need to unscrew the handle and then remove the ceramic discs. Once the ceramic discs are removed, you can unscrew the tap body from the wall.

Installing the New Shower Tap

Once you’ve removed the old shower tap, you can start installing the new one. This process will also vary slightly depending on the type of tap you have.

• Cartridge Taps: For cartridge taps, you’ll need to align the tap body with the wall and then screw it in place. Make sure the tap is level and that the holes for the handle and spout are aligned. Once the tap body is secure, you can install the cartridge and then the handle.
• Ball Taps: Ball taps are installed in a similar way to cartridge taps. Align the tap body with the wall and then screw it in place. Make sure the tap is level and that the holes for the handle and spout are aligned. Once the tap body is secure, you can install the ball valve and then the handle.
• Ceramic Disc Taps: Ceramic disc taps are also installed in a similar way to cartridge taps. Align the tap body with the wall and then screw it in place. Make sure the tap is level and that the holes for the handle and spout are aligned. Once the tap body is secure, you can install the ceramic discs and then the handle.

Testing the New Shower Tap

After you’ve installed the new shower tap, it’s important to test it to make sure it’s working properly. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks. If there are any leaks, tighten the connections or replace any faulty parts.

• Check for leaks: After turning on the water, carefully inspect all connections for any signs of leaks. If you notice any dripping or seepage, immediately tighten the connections using your adjustable wrench.
• Test the functionality: Once you’re sure there are no leaks, test the shower tap’s functionality. Turn the handle to adjust the water temperature and flow. Ensure the tap smoothly switches between hot and cold water, and that the water pressure is satisfactory.

Maintaining the New Shower Tap

To ensure your new shower tap lasts a long time, follow these simple maintenance tips:

• Regular cleaning: Wipe down the shower tap with a damp cloth after each use to remove any soap scum or mineral deposits. This will help prevent the tap from becoming clogged or corroded.
• Descaling: If you live in an area with hard water, you’ll need to descale your shower tap regularly. Descaling removes mineral deposits that can build up inside the tap and restrict water flow. You can use a commercial descaler or a mixture of vinegar and water to descale your tap.
• Avoid over-tightening: When tightening the connections on your shower tap, be careful not to over-tighten them. Over-tightening can damage the tap and cause leaks.
• Use a plumber: If you’re not comfortable with any of these steps, or if you experience any persistent issues, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber. They have the expertise and tools to handle any shower tap problems.

How to change bathroom shower taps – Changing bathroom shower taps can be a simple DIY project, especially if you have the right tools and a bit of patience. Before you start, though, you might want to step on the scale to see how much weight you’re comfortable lifting! If you’re looking for a good option, check out this guide to the best bathroom scale 2016.

Once you’re ready to tackle the taps, remember to shut off the water supply and take your time to avoid any leaks or damage.

Changing bathroom shower taps is a relatively simple DIY project, but it’s important to ensure the water supply is turned off before you start. While you’re at it, you might want to check for any signs of mold, especially on the ceiling, as this can be a common issue in humid environments.

If you do find mold, you can find a comprehensive guide on the best way to kill mold on bathroom ceiling. Once you’ve addressed any mold issues, you can confidently proceed with replacing your shower taps.