What thread in a washbasin tap?

When planning a bathroom renovation, it is best to entrust the connection of sanitary devices to an installer with the appropriate experience. However, if you feel up to it, you can try to install the tap yourself. As it turns out, you don't need too many specialist tools for this. You only need to acquire basic plumbing tools and a step-by-step guide on installing the tap. We suggest how to install the fittings and how to choose the right thread!

Before you install the tap

Many people decide to connect the washbasin tap themselves. Although it's not too complicated a task, it's worth checking the installation method step by step. This way, you prepare all the necessary accessories and avoid mistakes that could cause trouble using the tap in the future.

What to pay attention to when choosing a tap?

Currently, there are many types of washbasin taps on the market. This makes it much easier to choose the right option for each bathroom. Besides aesthetic values, the type of fittings is important. Among the many options, you will find taps:

• single-hole,
• two-hole,
• standing on ceramics,
• free-standing on the countertop,
• recessed mounted to the wall.

Single-hole models, which are attached to one connection end, are definitely the most popular for washbasins. The use of a two-hole tap is a less commonly used solution. The way the water is controlled doesn't significantly affect the installation of the tap, as both types are installed in the same way. Regardless of the chosen option, it's worth remembering that if you are replacing just the tap, it should match the previous connection variant.

The right tools are essential

If you want to install the tap, it is very important to have the right tools. As it turns out, basic plumbing tools like:

• a tube spanner,
• pliers,
• adjustable wrenches,
• screwdrivers.

are usually sufficient. An exception is the installation of decorative taps with screwable chrome parts. Then, it's best to use a wrench with protective caps to avoid damaging the fittings' surface. A hacksaw or scissors, with which you can shorten the rod controlling the closure if necessary, may be useful for installing a tap combined with a waste plug. In some situations, you should also have a spirit level, pipe cutter, or calibrator handy.

What installation accessories are necessary?

Although the most important of all accessories for the washbasin is the tap, you should also remember about other installation parts. You can often buy the fittings as a set with various equipment. Typically, all necessary connection elements are included. In this situation, you only need to purchase the appropriate siphon. If the pipe outlets do not contain shut-off valves, you will need to select them. You should then pay special attention to the diameter of the threads to connect the hoses. If you provide the right accessories, the installation of the tap should proceed smoothly.

Step-by-step tap installation

Tap installation largely depends on the chosen type of these accessories. For single-hole models, water supply hoses are attached to special sockets in the base. Remember not to force the studs into the body to avoid damaging this element.

1. Before starting to screw the hoses, it is best to lubricate the surface of the sealing orings and the thread of the end with a specialist silicone-teflon grease intended for fittings.
2. Then you can mount the hoses at the base, ensuring that the gasket diameter in the housing is slightly larger than the hole in the sanitary fixture.
3. The next step in installing the washbasin tap is to insert the hoses into the installation hole in the washbasin. You need to put a rubber, and then a metal washer on the studs protruding from the bottom and tighten the retaining nuts. During installation, it is important to position the tap above the hole before inserting the connection hoses into it. If the hole is too large, you can use a special masking washer.
4. The last step is to connect the hoses with the nuts to the ends of the angle valves supplying hot and cold water. And basically, that's it; the tap installation is complete!

Choose a suitable aerator for your needs!

The choice of aerator is undoubtedly an important issue when installing the tap. These accessories are currently available in many variants for different spout types. In this case, you should not only consider the price but also the quality of workmanship. This ensures long-lasting and reliable use of these elements. This is because the cheapest aerator models are usually suitable for one-time use only, as it is impossible to remove accumulated scale from them. Therefore, it's best to opt for proposals from reliable manufacturers.

When purchasing an aerator, the type of thread is very important. Currently, models with an external thread are the most popular. It allows the attachment of this element to the inside of the tap. An interesting alternative could be an external thread attached to the spout from the outside. Additionally, you should also consider the material of these accessories. You can currently choose from silicone, metal, or plastic proposals. Each variant has its pros and cons, so it's best to select the right one for your individual needs.