Installing a kitchen sink mixer tap can freshen up your kitchen, improve convenience, and reduce leaks. Even if you have no plumbing experience, following the right steps carefully will let you complete the install in a few hours. This guide covers preparation, tools, step-by-step installation, testing, troubleshooting, and tips to prolong the tap’s lifetime.
If you are shopping for a reliable mixer tap, you might want to consider LODECE Kitchen Taps, as their site shows a wide range of mixer, basin, and concealed taps built with quality manufacturing. (They are a faucet manufacturer you can reference for style ideas.)
Before you begin, assemble the following:
New mixer tap (with hot/cold hoses if not included)
Supply hoses (if not included or you prefer better quality)
Rubber sealing washers / O-rings
Plumber’s tape (PTFE tape, also called thread seal tape)
Basin wrench (or flexible wrench)
Adjustable wrench
Screwdriver (flathead / Phillips)
Bucket or container (to catch water)
Towels or rags
Cleaning brush or cloth
Pipe joint compound (optional)
Flashlight or torch (for tight spaces)
Make sure the tap kit includes any mounting hardware: mounting nut or bracket, washers, etc.
Turn off the water supply Under the sink, close both the hot and cold water shutoff valves. If your home does not have those, you may need to shut off the main water supply.
Open the faucet Turn on the old faucet (if present) to relieve pressure and drain residual water.
Clear the area Empty the cabinet under the sink. Place a bucket to catch drips. Use rags to protect surfaces and provide grip.
Inspect the sink hole(s) Check the diameter and number of holes (single hole, three holes, etc.) and ensure the new mixer will fit. Clean the edges and underside.
Check the new tap Identify which hose is hot and which is cold, the mounting parts, and how the tap seats on the sink.
If you’re replacing an old tap, do the following:
Disconnect the supply hoses from the tap and the shutoff valves.
Use a basin wrench or adjustable wrench to loosen the mounting nut(s) underneath the sink.
If stuck, apply penetrating lubricant and gently tap the nut (carefully).
Lift out the old faucet body from above.
Clean the surface and remove any old sealant or residue.
Make sure no debris is blocking the hole or interfering with the sealing surface.
Here is a general sequence to follow:
| Step | Action | Tips / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Place the seal or gasket | Many taps come with a rubber or foam gasket to sit between the tap base and sink. If none, you may use plumbers putty or silicone. |
| 2 | Insert the tap body | Feed the mixer tap down through the sink hole, making sure hot/cold hoses are not twisted. |
| 3 | Secure from below | Attach washers and then the mounting nut or bracket. Tighten by hand first, then use a basin wrench carefully. Do not overtighten or distort the sink. |
| 4 | Attach supply hoses | Use the hoses provided or your own. Wrap the threads with plumber’s tape (clockwise when looking at the end). Screw them in, typically to the corresponding hot/cold valves and to the tap inlets. |
| 5 | Align the handle/spout | From above, adjust the orientation of the spout and handle so they align properly before final tightening. |
| 6 | Final tightening | Return under sink and make sure all nuts and connections are firm (but not excessive). |
| 7 | Check for interference | Move faucet handle and spout fully. Ensure nothing collides with backsplash, wall, or sink. |
Slowly turn on water supply Open hot and cold valves gradually.
Check for leaks Inspect every joint, supply hose, and under the sink.
Flush the tap Turn on the mixer and let water run for 30–60 seconds to clear debris or trapped air.
Check temperature mix Test both hot and cold, adjusting as needed (some taps have stops or limiters you can adjust).
Reinspect after some time After a few hours or a full day of use, recheck all connections to ensure nothing loosened.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Leak at the base of the tap | Gasket misaligned or damaged | Loosen, reposition or replace gasket, then retighten |
| Drip from spout after shutting off | Cartridge or washer issue | Remove handle, clean or replace cartridge |
| No or low water flow | Debris in hoses or aerator | Turn off supply, remove hoses or aerator, flush debris |
| Hot & cold reversed | Hoses connected incorrectly | Swap hot and cold supply hoses to correct sides |
| Tight space difficult to work | Limited clearance | Use flexible hoses or right-angle connectors or a swivel extension |
Use flexible stainless steel braided hoses — they last longer and resist kinking.
Always wrap threads with plumber’s tape for a better seal.
When tightening, use two wrenches: one for holding and one for turning.
Leave a small drip test period before closing things up completely.
Use good quality components; cheap parts often fail.
Label or photograph your setup before removal to ease reinstall.
A well-manufactured mixer tap makes all the difference in durability, performance, and aesthetics. LODECE is a manufacturer of tapware including kitchen taps, basin mixer taps, and Concealed Mixers. Their product range offers multiple finishes and design styles to match varied kitchen decor. Choosing a trusted brand helps avoid leaks, wear and tear, and ensures better after-sales support.
Installing a kitchen sink mixer tap is very doable with the right tools, preparation, and patience. The key steps are: safely shutting off water, removing the old unit cleanly, positioning the new mixer correctly, sealing and tightening all joints, then carefully testing for leaks. With a good brand and quality parts — for example, considering LODECE’s offerings — your new tap can last for many years with trouble-free operation.
