Omari Gates
Changing a garden tap in Australia can seem daunting, but it's a simple task that can save you time and money. Before you begin, locate and turn off the main water supply to avoid spillages. If you can't find a shut-off valve, you may need to contact your supplier to shut off the water supply at the street. Once the water is off, turn on the garden tap to let any remaining water run out. Next, remove the old tap, which may require some elbow grease, lubricant, or heat from a blowtorch to loosen. Once removed, scrub the inside of the pipe clean and screw your new tap on by hand, taking care to avoid cross-threading. You can then turn the water back on and check for leaks. If there are none, your new tap is installed!
How to change a garden tap in Australia:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Locate and turn off the main water supply to avoid water spillage while you work. |
| Step 2 | Turn the garden tap on to let any remaining water run out. |
| Step 3 | Remove the old tap. This may be difficult, especially if the tap has been in place for a long time. Try using a lubricant or carefully applying heat with a blowtorch to loosen the connection. |
| Step 4 | Scrub the inside of the pipe with a hard-bristled toothbrush to clear away any debris. |
| Step 5 | Screw the new tap into the existing backplate. Ensure you avoid cross-threading. |
| Step 6 | Prepare the thread by wrapping it with PTFE thread tape. Ensure the tape is applied in the direction of tightening (usually clockwise). |
| Step 7 | Tighten the tap with an adjustable spanner, holding the backplate with another spanner to prevent twisting. |
| Step 8 | Turn the water back on and check for leaks. If there are leaks, tighten the joint or turn off the water and make repairs. |
| Step 9 | Add an insulated tap cover to prevent freezing during winter. |
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What You'll Learn
Turn off the water supply
Turning off the water supply is the first step in changing a garden tap. This is crucial to avoid water spillage while you work.
First, locate your stopcock. This is usually found under the kitchen sink. If you do not have a stopcock, there should be a means of shutting off the water supply somewhere else in the house, such as in the bathroom. If you cannot find a shut-off valve inside your house, you will need to shut off the water supply at the street outside. This will require a 'street' or 'kerb' key.
Once you have located the shut-off valve, turn off the water supply. Then, turn on your garden tap to let any remaining water run out. This will prevent water spillage when you remove the old tap.
If your tap has a separate isolation valve, you may need a flat-head screwdriver to isolate the water.
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Remove the old tap
Before you start removing the old tap, it is crucial to locate and turn off the main water supply to avoid water spillage while you work. You can test that you have done this correctly by opening the tap to check if water has stopped running. If you are unable to locate a shut-off valve, you may need to contact your water supplier and ask them to shut off the water supply at the street.
Once the water supply is turned off, turn on the tap to let any remaining water run out. Removing the old tap can sometimes be challenging, especially if the tap has been in place for a long time. If the tap is too stiff, you can apply some lubricant to the area where the tap connects to the pipe, or carefully use a blowtorch to apply heat, which will cause the pipe to expand and loosen.
Even after lubricating or heating, you might need to use two adjustable spanners, one to hold the pipe in place while the other unscrews the tap. Most garden taps will unscrew counterclockwise. You can also use a flat-head screwdriver to isolate the water if your tap has a separate isolation valve.
After removing the old tap, scrub the inside of the pipe with a hard-bristled toothbrush to clear away any debris. You can also use a wire brush to remove any old tape, but make sure to use a brass wire brush to avoid damaging the threads.
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Clean the pipe
Once the old tap is removed, it is important to clean the inside of the pipe. Use a hard-bristled toothbrush to scrub the pipe's interior and clear away any debris. This step is crucial to ensure that your new tap fits properly and to prevent any blockage or contamination of the water supply.
After scrubbing, inspect the pipe for any old tape or sealant residue. Remove any remaining tape or sealant from the pipe threads. This step is important as it ensures a smooth and secure connection for your new tap. Use a clean cloth or a gentle solvent to wipe away any residue, being careful not to damage the pipe threads.
If you are dealing with a copper pipe, as is common in many Australian homes, you may need to take extra care during the cleaning process. You can use a blowtorch to heat the connection area, causing it to expand and loosen the old tap. However, be cautious when working with an open flame, and always wear personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles. Remember to let the pipe cool down before proceeding to the next steps.
It is also important to keep the pipe connection points clean. This can be achieved by using products like Smartex push-fit connectors, which create a secure connection without the need for tightening. Maintaining clean connection points helps prevent leaks and ensures a proper seal when joining the new tap to the pipe.
Finally, before installing the new tap, ensure the pipe ends are clean and smooth. You can use a kinetic tube cutter to cut the pipe ends neatly and remove any burrs or rough edges. This step will make it easier to attach the new tap and ensure a tight and secure connection, reducing the risk of leaks.
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Screw in the new tap
Now that you have removed the old tap and cleaned the inside of the pipe, it is time to screw in the new tap. This is a delicate process, so it is important to follow the steps carefully.
Firstly, prepare the thread of the new tap by wrapping it in PTFE thread tape. This tape should be applied in the direction of tightening, which is usually clockwise. This will help to create a tight seal and prevent leaks. Make sure you buy the right gender tap, as some taps are only available in either male or female. Also, ensure that you have the correct thread size to avoid any cross-threading.
Next, screw the new tap into the existing backplate. Start by inserting the tap and turning it clockwise. You can do most of this step by hand, but you may need an adjustable spanner to tighten it completely. Be careful not to over-tighten, as this could damage the tap.
Once you are happy with the connection, turn the water supply back on and check the tap for any leaks. If you notice any leaks, you can try tightening the joint further. If this does not work, turn off the water supply again, unscrew the tap, and replace the PTFE tape. If the problem persists, there may be an issue with the tap, such as a faulty washer.
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Check for leaks
Once you have finished installing your new tap, it is important to check for leaks. Before turning the water supply back on, ensure that the tap is securely in place. You can do this by tightening the tap with an adjustable spanner.
After turning the water supply back on, check the tap for any leaks. If you find a leak, turn off the water supply and try tightening the joint. If this does not work, turn off the water supply, unscrew the tap, and remove and replace the PTFE tape. If the problem persists, there may be an issue with the washer or another fault with the tap.
If the leak is coming from the packing gland nut below the handle, you can tighten it with an adjustable spanner. Alternatively, you may need to replace the washer on the tap. This is often a cheaper option than replacing the tap entirely.
If you are unable to fix the leak, you may need to call a plumber.
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Frequently asked questions
First, locate and turn off the main water supply to the tap. This is crucial to avoid water spillage while you work.
Turn on the tap to let any remaining water run out. Removing the old tap can be difficult, especially if it has been in place for a long time. Spray lubricant where the tap connects to the pipe or carefully apply heat with a blowtorch to loosen it.
Scrub the inside of the pipe with a hard-bristled toothbrush to clear away any debris. Then, screw your new tap onto the pipe by hand, ensuring you avoid any cross-threading.
Turn the water supply back on and check the tap for any leaks. If there are leaks, tighten the joint or turn off the water and make repairs.
If there is no shut-off valve, you may need to contact your water supplier to shut off the water supply at the street. Take this opportunity to install a valve inside your home.
