Fixing mono-block (single hole) mixer taps

Mono-block mixer taps (single hole) require a 35mm mounting hole and use 10mm screw connections for the water feeds.

Normally the taps are supplied with 2 short (about 20cm/8 inch) copper adapter pipes with 10mm screw connectors at one end and with 15mm pipe at the other end for connecting to the plumbing system.

A typical installation is shown to the right.

Start by mounting the tap to the surface, typically this uses a 'horse shoe' fixing plate secured by a nut and washer onto a fixing stud screwed into the tap body. The shape of the fixing plate is shown in the illustration below.

Before finally tightening the nut, ensure that the tap body is lined up with the sink etc.

Once the tap body is secured, the water feed pipes need to be fitted - but before doing this, work out the pipe runs required.

It is a good idea to use compression fittings for the adapter pipes (rather than solder type) as the actual adapter pipes will need to be rotated if their need to be tightened or removed from the tap body in future.

Where either the hot or cold water supply is via a storage tank, it is worth considering fitting shutoff valves in each supply pipe under the unit before the final pipe run from the compression joints to the taps - this will allow the tap to be repaired or replaced in future without having to drain the tank(s).

View under showing the 'horse shoe' mounting plate

Most taps can have hot or cold supplies connected to either input, there is no standard for whether the hot tap is on the left or right, however:

• It seems that in Southern UK, the hot tap is 'by tradition' on the left, while in Northern UK it is on the right.
• It is a good idea to be consistent within a property.

Once you have decided upon the connections for the pipes, the adapters need to be screwed into the body of the tap using the 'O' rings supplied. Tighten each adapter pipe into the body of the tap using an appropriate sized spanner before connecting the lower ends to the rest of the plumbing. Do not over tighten, the 'O' rings will compress to provide a seal, overtightening can damage the 'O' rings and cause leaks.

If appropriate, swap over the 'hot' and 'cold' indicators on the tap handles to reflect the actually supply connects made.