Air Conditioning, Installation, Home Improvement
Air Conditioning Installation
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06/07/25, 11:22
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Air Conditioning Installation
Overview
• Replace existing bath pillar taps with new like-for-like taps or upgrade to a single bath mixer tap.
• Skill level: 3 / 5 (confident DIYer).
• Typical duration: 1–2 hours hands-on.
Safety First
Isolate hot- and cold-water supplies at service valves or main stop-cock.
Open taps to depressurise; keep a bucket ready for residual water.
Wear cut-resistant gloves—sharp copper edges and spanners can cut skin.
Eye protection in case trapped water sprays when pipes are undone.
Use non-slip mat or knee pads when working in the bath.
Tools & Materials
Item | Purpose |
Adjustable spanner & basin wrench | Loosen/tighten back-nuts in confined space |
Pipe grips | Hold pipes while undoing compression nuts |
Screwdrivers (flat & cross-head) | Remove handles or shrouds if needed |
PTFE tape | Seal threaded joints on mixer tails |
Fibre/rubber tap washers / O-rings | Replace worn seals |
Plumber’s putty or sanitary silicone | Waterproof between tap base and bath surface |
Bucket & absorbent cloths | Catch drips and wipe down |
Torch or head-lamp | Illuminate void behind bath panel |
New taps + flexi tails or rigid tails | The replacement fittings |
Isolation valves (optional) | Future maintenance without draining system |
Step-by-Step
1. Isolate and Drain
Why: Prevents leaks while you work.
Pro-tip: Put the bath plug in so small screws can’t vanish down the waste.
2. Remove Bath Panel & Clear Space
Why: Gives access to pipework and back-nuts.
Pro-tip: Photograph pipe layout before dismantling for easy reassembly.
3. Disconnect Supply Pipes
Support the fixed fitting with grips while turning the compression nut.
Why: Frees the old tap from the plumbing.
4. Undo Tap Back-Nuts
Spray penetrating oil on stubborn nuts ten minutes beforehand.
Why: Releases tap from bath deck.
5. Clean Mounting Holes
Scrape away old silicone; dry the area thoroughly.
Why: Ensures a watertight seal for the new tap.
6. Fit New Tap or Mixer
Seat gasket or fresh putty, position tap, hand-tighten back-nuts, check alignment, then nip up with wrench.
Why: Secures tap square and stable.
7. Reconnect Pipework
Apply PTFE to male threads; avoid twisting flexible tails.
Why: Restores water flow without leaks.
8. Flush and Test
Open valves slowly, run water, inspect every joint with a dry tissue.
Why: Clears debris and checks for drips.
9. Refit Bath Panel & Tidy
Wipe surfaces, remove tools and dispose of old washers responsibly.
Why: Finishes job and hides pipework.
Completion Checks
No drips at joints or under bath after five minutes pressurised.
Tap bodies sit flush and do not swivel.
Smooth handle operation; mixer delivers hot on the left, cold on the right.
Bath panel reattached securely with no gaps.
When to call a pro instead
If isolation valves are missing or seized, pipes are lead or micro-bore, access is only through tiled boxing, or you intend to relocate taps/re-route pipework (requiring soldering and pressure testing), a qualified plumber will prevent costly leaks and ensure compliance with Water Regulations.
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