Do You Need a Plumber to Change Taps?

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If you have the right tools, it is possible for do-it-yourselfers to replace or install a new kitchen sink or bathroom faucet.

For example, changing a simple washerless kitchen faucet often requires little more than a screwdriver and an adjustable wrench.

Replacing older systems with separate hot and cold valves will take some additional time, parts and knowledge about current plumbing codes.

It's important to know that if you're not confident in your own ability, it may be safer and more cost-effective to call local plumbers. Both local and licensed plumbers have access and the know how of using special tools and equipment such as a basin wrench that can make the job easier or save you money and upfront pricing on new parts. A kitchen faucet is usually relatively simple to replace or install. The major changes in design have focused on the appearance of the faucet, not on how the faucet works. If you can remove an existing set screw that holds a handle onto a valve stem, then you can easily change your kitchen tap washer.

Some newer systems use twist fittings instead of set screws. You may need to purchase new valves if your current valves don't have removable handles. Replacing the entire unit is easier than replacing an individual pipe or just two pipes or valves just to prevent a drip in most cases. Put Teflon or plumber's tape on all threaded parts before reassembling them to ensure they won't leak but place a bucket to protect your floor from dripping anyway.

Replacing toilet or bathroom fixtures is generally more involved because hot water systems and cold water supply lines are typically routed through a wall or floor joists. Newer units often include flexible connectors that allow you to snap fixtures into place without soldering or torch work. Changing taps may be the first step to minimising water waste in the home, according to the Australian Government's Your Home website.

How to change your taps yourself

Changing simple taps or even mixer taps is one of the simplest DIY tasks around; some are even marketed as a "60-minute" job. It's important to make sure you buy new dripping tap washers or any relevant tap at the same time, but otherwise, it's straightforward enough to complete without any DIY experience. The only complications are usually related to the type of tap washer you're using. First off, make sure the water supply is turned off at the mains. There should be an access panel under the sink that will allow you to locate and shut down the stopcock by turning its handle anti-clockwise. If you find it difficult to turn, it's best to call a licensed plumber and let them sort it out. Now take off the tap handle by using a screwdriver or Allen key. If you have trouble lifting tap handles off, try adding some WD-40 or similar lubricant to help free things up first. Most tap handles can be removed with relative ease after applying a little elbow grease, but don't force the issue if nothing happens - you may damage your taps. Once loose, carefully pull the tap stem from the spout. This isn't always as easy as it sounds, because there may not be enough room for you to get a solid grip with a pair of pliers. You'll usually need a wrench or spanner for this task. After removing the tap handle, detach the spout from the toilet or bathroom sink by rotating it anti-clockwise. You should be able to do this gently by hand if not with a tool. If there are rubber washers attached to either side of your tap, remove them and keep them for later - they might need replacing. The body of your tap will now be free, but it's held in place by either a large nut or some other closure mechanism. You'll need an adjustable spanner, socket set or wrench to undo these (start with the biggest size first). Once that's done, pull off any remaining rubber washers (if present) and drop them into your sink basin before lifting out each half of your tap. Now you'll be able to replace the washers, reassemble everything and give it a test run. If all is well, just screw on the new tap handle. If your taps are still leaking after trying this DIY solution, you may need to call in professional help.

How easy is it to change taps?

It's not difficult to change your taps, but you may need tools like wrenches or spanners because the parts are usually held together with bolts. Such tools are easily available at a hardware store but they are also what plumbers carry. It's possible to strip these bolts by using the wrong tool, so make sure you use a wrench that fits properly. Stripping bolts can be a costly exercise for a plumber to fix. You will also need to fit new washers once you've removed the taps and will also need to buy new tap washers. You can usually do this yourself if your old ones are worn out.

What plumbing jobs can you DIY?

You can change your taps yourself, but you may want to call a licensed plumber if they are really hard to remove. You should be able to do other basic plumbing jobs like repairing leaking, tap repairs or stuck stormwater pipes, replacing a tap and regulating water pressure or any other types of repairs if necessary. There are some jobs you shouldn't try yourself, though. Unless you know what you're doing, don't attempt to install pipes or a whole new system of pipes on your own. And be sure to turn the water supply off at the mains before starting any of this work on pipes.

What tools do I need?

You will need sockets, spanners or wrenches for some jobs, especially when it comes to changing taps or pipes. They aren't usually essential though - you might get away without them because you can sometimes undo bolts by hand. You'll also need replacement or repair parts for any broken fixtures, leaking pipes so make sure you have these on hand to replace before starting work. If there are problems with the actual pipework under the sink, or installing various traps, this is best dealt with by a professional unless you have experience with plumbing.

When to call a licensed plumber?

There are some jobs that are best left to the professionals, like installing new pipework or purging your system. They're also better suited for dealing with gas issues. Calling them out is always recommended if you've got problems with water pressure or water heating because they'll be able to accurately diagnose the problem. It's not necessary to call a licensed plumber every time you experience water flowing from a pipe or a leak though - there are often simple DIY solutions that work well enough to make some personal plumbing work happen successfully at some point, even if they take more time than calling an expert out.

But toilets, drains and kitchen sinks or any type of leak are best left to experts to deal with and fix leaks and do the plumbing work to keep the water bills and the water meter in your house down. There are various codes and standards professionals follow and the Queensland Government has an extensive outline for plumbing work but you will need to check your appropriate state body.