Fitting new monobloc kitchen tap - tailpipes advice needed

[chick]

Hi Just bought a new tap for kitchen sink, monobloc mixer tap supplied with rigid copper tailpipes. Currently have flexi-pipes in place which are a fair bit longer than the rigid pipes supplied with the tap. My question is, I can still use the flexi tailpipes currently in place instead of the rigid copper pipes. I also plan to use a tap brace/bracket underneath to support tap as it is heavy. Cheers, chick

 

[WaterTight]

Whatever fixing kit comes with tap should normally be sufficient but if your sink is thin aluminium and the tap is a beast it will wobble a bit yeah. This shouldn't cause it to come loose but might be annoying. I'd fit it first and secure and see. You could in theory re-usethe flexi connectors (as long as they are the right size i.e. 10 or 12mm) but you'd be wise to a) change the rubber o-rings that make the seal (your original tap may have come with spares) and check they are in good nick. A plumber won't charge you much to re-pipe/extend properly using rigid tails and this would be the best method if possible.

 

[chick]

Thank you for your quidk reply WaterTight, that helps loads!

 

[stevetheplumber]

if its a heavy tap id pipe it with the semi flexis it came with and extend existing pipework
watertight ive yet to see an aluminium sink unit all i see are stainless steel and a few enamelled ones

 

[WaterTight]

oops. yeah that's what i meant. well they're both it's silver aint they?

 

[Guest123]

Rigid copper tails connected to rigid copper pipe will make your heavy tap, ......more rigid.

 

[WaterTight]

you don't recommend the flexi's system?

 

[Guest123]

you don't recommend the flexi's system?

As much use as a chocolate teapot in the desert.

 

[chick]

Rigid copper tails connected to rigid copper pipe will make your heavy tap, ......more rigid.

Would the support brace/bracket not be required if copper tails are fitted? I was only thinking of using one because the tap I have at the mo wobbles with flexi tails and I can only put it down to the flexible tails because it was fitted OK etc...

 

[Best]

Would the support brace/bracket not be required if copper tails are fitted? I was only thinking of using one because the tap I have at the mo wobbles with flexi tails and I can only put it down to the flexible tails because it was fitted OK etc...

If the sink is weak (most are) or if it's heavy large tap, then it's a no brainer - fit a support bracket. The rigid copper pipes will help support it but are not going to make it totally rigid & could even start weeps if tap moves.
To do a good job, just have the rigid copper tails lengthened - brass connectors would do if you wished. I think the best job is brass elbows either from the tails or if you make them longer, & then turn towards the back of sink. This means the tails only need spread apart at the bottom about 3" & no straightening required. Not always possible on every change over.

 

[Guest123]

Good call Best.

 

[andymac]

Hello,
Copper tails, flexi pipes, mono mixers, tin can sinks. It's all a bit of a dogs dinner! A good dodge is to dis assemble the spout from the block and grease it.
Best Wishes
Andy

 

[PlumbBobBob]

and another old thread resurrected lol

 

[andymac]

Hello Steveb,
How you doing?
Best Wishes
Andy