Installation Guide
Mixer Tap Installation Guide
Published: February 3, 2025Reading time: 22 minBy: Will Gaze, Tap Installation Specialist
Mixer taps transform kitchens and bathrooms with convenient temperature control and modern functionality. After installing hundreds of mixer taps across Hampshire and Wiltshire over 15 years, I've learned what makes installations successful and long-lasting.
Mixer Tap Installation Benefits
- • Convenience: Single handle temperature and flow control
- • Water Saving: More precise control reduces waste
- • Safety: Temperature limiting and anti-scald features available
- • Style: Modern appearance enhances room aesthetics
- • Functionality: Additional features like pull-out sprays
Mixer Tap Types & Applications
Kitchen Mixer Taps
Kitchen sinks, utility rooms, commercial kitchens
Available Styles
- • Single lever mixers
- • Twin handle mixers
- • Pull-out spray taps
- • Professional style taps
Key Features
- • Temperature control
- • Flow rate control
- • Swivel spouts
- • Ceramic disc valves
Installation Details
Method: Deck mounted or wall mounted options
Pressure: 0.2-10 bar operating range
Cost: £150-450 supplied and fitted
Installation Considerations
Sink hole configurationWater pressure requirementsKitchen style matchingUsage frequency
Basin Mixer Taps
Bathroom basins, cloakroom sinks, ensuite basins
Available Styles
- • Mono basin mixers
- • Mini basin mixers
- • Tall basin mixers
- • Wall mounted mixers
Key Features
- • Pop-up waste control
- • Temperature limiting
- • Water saving aerators
- • Easy clean surfaces
Installation Details
Method: Single hole or 3-hole basin mounting
Pressure: 0.1-10 bar operating range
Cost: £100-350 supplied and fitted
Installation Considerations
Basin size compatibilitySpout reach and heightWaste connection typeAccessibility needs
Bath Mixer Taps
Bathroom baths, shower baths, standalone baths
Available Styles
- • Deck mounted bath mixers
- • Bath shower mixers
- • Freestanding bath taps
- • Wall mounted mixers
Key Features
- • Shower attachment
- • Thermostatic control
- • Flow diverter
- • Anti-scald protection
Installation Details
Method: Bath edge mounting or wall mounting
Pressure: 0.5-10 bar for optimal performance
Cost: £180-550 supplied and fitted
Installation Considerations
Bath type and sizeShower hose requirementsTemperature safetyStyle coordination
Shower Mixer Valves
Shower enclosures, wet rooms, over-bath showers
Available Styles
- • Thermostatic shower mixers
- • Manual shower mixers
- • Digital shower controls
- • Concealed mixers
Key Features
- • Temperature stability
- • Flow control
- • Anti-scald protection
- • Pressure balancing
Installation Details
Method: Wall mounted with concealed pipework
Pressure: 1.0-10 bar for best performance
Cost: £200-650 supplied and fitted
Installation Considerations
Shower type compatibilityTemperature safety requirementsPressure matchingFuture maintenance access
Professional Installation Process
1
Planning & Preparation
30-60 minutes
Key Tasks:
- • Measure existing tap holes and spacing
- • Check water pressure and flow rates
- • Select appropriate tap for application
- • Gather tools and materials needed
- • Plan isolation and drainage procedures
Tools Required:
Measuring tapePressure gaugeBasin wrench setPipe cuttersAdjustable spanners
Professional Note:
Proper planning prevents installation issues and ensures compatibility
2
Isolation & Removal
15-30 minutes
Key Tasks:
- • Turn off water supply at isolation valves
- • Drain residual water from pipes
- • Disconnect supply pipes from old tap
- • Remove old tap and clean basin/sink
- • Inspect and prepare mounting surface
Tools Required:
Basin wrenchPipe gripsCleaning materialsWire woolSilicone scraper
Professional Note:
Complete drainage prevents water damage during installation
3
New Tap Installation
30-60 minutes
Key Tasks:
- • Position new tap and check alignment
- • Secure tap to basin/sink with fixings
- • Connect flexible hoses to supply pipes
- • Apply PTFE tape to threaded connections
- • Hand tighten followed by wrench tightening
Tools Required:
Basin wrenchPTFE tapeFlexible connectorsSpirit levelTorque awareness
Professional Note:
Correct tightening prevents leaks without damaging components
4
Testing & Commissioning
15-30 minutes
Key Tasks:
- • Turn on water supply gradually
- • Check all connections for leaks
- • Test hot and cold water operation
- • Verify temperature mixing function
- • Clean tap and surrounding area
Tools Required:
Leak detection sprayTemperature thermometerCleaning clothsTouch-up materials
Professional Note:
Thorough testing ensures reliable long-term operation
Common Installation Issues & Solutions
Incompatible Tap Holes
New tap doesn't match existing basin/sink hole configuration
Common Causes:
- • Wrong tap selection
- • Basin modification needed
- • Mounting style mismatch
Professional Solutions:
- • Use deck plates to cover unused holes
- • Professional basin hole cutting service
- • Select alternative tap with correct mounting
- • Wall-mounted tap as alternative solution
Prevention:
Measure existing holes accurately before tap selection
Typical Cost:
£25-150 additional depending on solution
Insufficient Water Pressure
New mixer tap has poor flow or temperature control
Common Causes:
- • Low system pressure
- • Tap minimum pressure requirements
- • Supply pipe restrictions
Professional Solutions:
- • Install pressure booster pump
- • Select low-pressure tap alternatives
- • Improve supply pipe sizing
- • Check for blockages or restrictions
Prevention:
Check system pressure before tap selection
Typical Cost:
£100-600 depending on pressure solution needed
Temperature Control Problems
Difficulty achieving desired water temperature mixing
Common Causes:
- • Unbalanced supply pressures
- • Incorrect tap type
- • System design issues
Professional Solutions:
- • Install pressure balancing valves
- • Upgrade to thermostatic mixer tap
- • Balance hot and cold supplies
- • Check hot water system operation
Prevention:
Assess system characteristics before mixer selection
Typical Cost:
£150-400 for pressure balancing solutions
Leak Development
Water leaking from tap connections or internal seals
Common Causes:
- • Over-tightening connections
- • Poor quality seals
- • Movement stress
- • Wear over time
Professional Solutions:
- • Re-seal connections with quality sealants
- • Replace flexible connectors
- • Support pipework to prevent movement
- • Internal cartridge or seal replacement
Prevention:
Quality installation with appropriate tightening torque
Typical Cost:
£50-200 depending on leak source and access
Installation Success Stories
Sarah ThompsonAndover Kitchen
Project: Kitchen renovation with new mixer tap
Tap: Professional style pull-out mixer tap
Outcome: Improved functionality and modern appearance
Time: 2 hours installation including old tap removal
"Will installed our new kitchen tap perfectly. The pull-out spray function is fantastic for washing up, and the temperature control is so much better than our old separate taps. Quality installation with no mess."
Investment: £280 tap supplied and fitted
David MitchellWinchester Bathroom
Project: Bathroom modernisation with thermostatic shower
Tap: Thermostatic shower mixer with temperature display
Outcome: Safe, consistent shower temperature
Time: 3 hours including tile work for concealed installation
"The new thermostatic shower mixer maintains perfect temperature even when taps are used elsewhere. Will explained how it works and the safety benefits for our family. Professional job throughout."
Investment: £420 thermostatic mixer installed
Helen RichardsonMarlborough Ensuite
Project: Compact ensuite with space-saving tap
Tap: Mini basin mixer with pop-up waste
Outcome: Perfect proportions for compact space
Time: 90 minutes neat installation
"Our small ensuite needed a compact tap solution. Will found the perfect mini mixer that gives good flow without overwhelming the small basin. The pop-up waste control is really convenient."
Investment: £195 complete installation
Professional Mixer Tap Installation
Expert installation of all mixer tap types. Quality components, professional fitting, comprehensive warranty across Hampshire and Wiltshire.
500+
Taps Installed
15yrs
Installation Experience
2yr
Installation Warranty
£100
From Installation
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