Taps

[Quizmonster]

As I'm the world's worst handyman, would some kind plumber tell me whether taps, as in bath, sink etc, are universal...ie can they be fitted to ANY such thing?
I wouldn't dream of trying to fit new ones myself, so I need to know whether I can buy the new taps FIRST and then simply get a plumber to come and fit them. I ask because I have visions of the tradesman turning up and telling me, "Oh, you can't fit these on THAT bath, mate!" or some such bad news.
My thanks in advance.

[jno]

I'm no plumber either, but most baths etc seem to be made to common specifications and water pipes are the same size, for the usual reasons of mass production. It's possible that like me you have a granite bath hand-crafted by the pygmies of the Taklamakan desert to imperial Spanish specifications... but otherwise I'd have thought you'd be okay to buy the taps first.

[sara3]

well you have to get taps that match the number of tap holes on your bath and basin!

[netibiza]

Yes, I think all British fittings are the same, but European fittings are of a different size.

[jno]

actually, I say that, but some of the fancier modern taps do have water pressure requirements. We've got an extremely elegant one in our kitchen that barely dribbles. So that's worth checking if you're planning on installing objets d'art.

[4getmenot]

ask in a bathroom shop or section in a store x

[bednobs]

this truley is a momentous day - a question that QM doesn't know the answer to :)

[The Builder]

Good point Bednobs :o)
Quizman ......... could you describe what type of taps you have already .......... just in case, as was mentioned, you might have something non-standard?

[Quizmonster]

Bednobs, you could fill HANGARS with "questions QM doesn't know the answer to"! But my thanks for noticing that I DO know the answers to several.
The Builder, all my taps look pretty standard and relatively modern to me and - although they are certainly not the original taps - the house is over a century old. I was just concerned that the age of the property might be significant. From other answers above, it would seem I have nothing much to worry about as regards buying them first.
Sara, I may well be the world's worst handyman, but not even I would have got one or three taps to fit two holes!
Thanks to all of you.

[Quizmonster]

Yes, Butch, I had three 'sets' in mind...bath, washbasin and kitchen sink. Assuming I say that to the supplier, I now trust I should have no problem. Cheers

[sara3]

blimey, Molly had a go at me over the weekend, and now Quizmonster.

I shall keep my valuable advice to myself in future!

[scoob101]

Bath taps are 3/4 inch BSPT, basin and sink taps are 1/2 inch BSPT, obviously if you have monoblock taps that doesnt apply as they will come with pre fitted pipe tails. Just ask in any plumbers merchant for the tap you want and you wont have any problems.

[Clanad]

Well, Q... let me first suggest that, your house being that old, that if the "taps" (prefer 'faucets' here in the Colonies) are equally as ancient, you may wish to do a visual check underneatthe cupboards or other sink-supporting fixture, to determine if standard shut-off valves have been installed.
We had an older ranch bunk house here on the place the had 1/2 inch water lines coming through the floorboards, but they were galvanized pipe and threaded for the stopcock rather than the usual (an code required) copper lines with the valves sweated on. This knowledge can help you avoid a massive 'sticker shock' at the end of your comtemplated install.

I'd also offer that if the lines into the area are standard, the newer faucets (excuse me, 'taps') are very easy to install since the usually hard to reach connections have been made nearly idiot proof with snap together fittings... ( nothing is totally idiot proof since genetics always produces new and more complex idiots)...
At any rate, best of luck with the project!

[Quizmonster]

I wasn't "having a go at you", Sara, it was just my - feeble, perhaps - attempt at a bit of humour. I'm sorry it failed.

C, I recall once, in a past life, turning up rather late for a drink in the Mess one evening with the explanation that I had been fitting a shelf in the kitchen. One of the other regulars replied, "Good Lord, one doesn't do that sort of thing for oneself, old boy! One gets a little man in from the village."
Excellent advice and I have held to it rigorously ever since. Hence, there is no 'project' as such as far as I myself am concerned!

[jno]

QuizMonster, you are no doubt familiar with Belloc...

Lord Finchley tried to mend the Electric Light
Himself. It struck him dead: And serve him right!
It is the business of the wealthy man
To give employment to the artisan.

[tezestwing]

so does silicon seal left over night but QM if the items are so old the pipe work may have to be re done to suit different stem lengths introduced not so long ago so dont be to hard on the poor old plumbers quote lol HTH Tez

[chas2008]

As long as its easy access fitting them yourself really isnt that difficult flexi couplings are so simple to use.but be carefull when removing the old taps especially in ceramic basins, very easily cracked..

[Quizmonster]

Thanks to you all. I think I'll do as advised by Belloc in the poem quoted by J, not that I am a lord or particularly wealthy. That is, phone a plumber, tell him what I want and let him get on with it!