A dripping tap or an old basin mixer – every home has them eventually. Replacing a faucet is one of those jobs a handy DIYer can do themselves. But there are situations where it pays to call a professional.

When You Can Replace It Yourself

If all of the following apply, you can replace the faucet without trouble:

  • You have access to the water shut-off valve (under the basin, at the bath, or the main stopcock)
  • The new faucet has the same hole spacing as the old one
  • The old faucet isn’t seized or otherwise stuck

You’ll need: an adjustable wrench or basin wrench, seals (usually included with the faucet), a fitting kit and PTFE tape.

Step-by-Step Replacement

1. Turn Off the Water

The most important step – and the most often forgotten. Shut off both the cold and hot water supply. Then open the tap and let the residual water drain from the pipe.

2. Remove the Old Faucet

  • Loosen the supply hose connections (under the basin or bath)
  • Loosen the back nut that holds the faucet to the basin (usually through the hole in the sink)
  • Remove the old faucet

Note: in older installations the connections may be seized. Apply WD-40 and leave it to soak for 15–30 minutes.

3. Prepare the New Faucet

Check the seals and the included parts. Wrap PTFE tape around the supply thread (3–5 turns in the direction of the thread).

4. Fit the New Faucet

  • Insert the faucet into the hole in the basin
  • Tighten the back nut (firmly, but don’t overdo it – ceramic and resin sinks can crack)
  • Connect the water supply hoses
  • Gradually open the water supply and check for leaks

5. Test

Let the water run for at least 2 minutes and check all connections. If there’s a drip – tighten. Still dripping? The seal is probably missing or the PTFE tape wasn’t applied correctly.

When to Call a Plumber

There are situations where faucet replacement goes beyond DIY territory:

  • Seized or stuck connections – forcing them incorrectly can crack the pipe
  • Damaged pipework – if you spot rust or a hairline crack
  • New faucet has different hole spacing – requires rerouting the pipework
  • Installation is 20+ years old – older copper or lead pipes are brittle
  • Water leak behind the wall – always a job for a professional

How to Avoid Problems in Future

  • A quality faucet will last 10–15 years. Don’t buy the cheapest option – mid-range is worth it
  • Check the seals once a year and tighten the back nut
  • If the faucet starts to drip, don’t leave it – a minor repair is cheaper than replacing the whole faucet

How Much Does It Cost?

A new faucet ranges from around CZK 500 (basic) to CZK 3,000+ (designer or thermostatic). Installation by me usually works out to 1–2 hours of labour. Call or message me for an online estimate.

Got a dripping tap or want to replace an old faucet? Message or call – I’ll come quickly and at a fair price.