Capping off kitchen taps yourself

[kirschbaum]

Hey all.

I'm having a new kitchen installed soon, and I'll be removing the old cabinets and sinks myself. The new sink will be going in exactly where the old one was.

I've been told by a couple of people that capping off the inlet pipes before removing the sink and tapware is pretty easy with the right tools and materials. So, I'm considering doing this myself, then getting a qualified plumber in to reconnect the new sink and tapware.

So, a couple of questions:
1. Has anyone done this themselves (other than qualified plumbers)? Any comments or advice?
2. From a legal and building standard side of things, do you NEED to use a plumber for the capping off task? In fact is it a requirement to have a qualified plumber attach the new tapware and sink?

Thanks,
kirschbaum

[graemeh]

It's dead easy.

Go to your local plumbing supply shop and get the bits to do it.

You've got a couple of options I know of
1) You can use a cheap plastic plug that you use thread tape on. I don't recommend this if you don't know what you are doing
2) Get a more expensive plastic plug that has an "O" ring on it. This is probably easiest for you.

Just make sure you turn the water off at the mains before you do it and know what size hole you are trying to plug before you buy the plugs.

[Barter Trader]

Turn the water off at the mains ie. water meter outside. Undo the faucette ( is that the right spelling?)remove the sink and simply screw the faucette back onto the the line. Doesn't need any extra equipment. I have done many times. Then all the plumber has to do is turn the water off, remove the faucette put the cabinet in reconnect. Ask him to put a shut off valve from the wall to the tape underneath, if he is reconnecting with hose, this helps if you don't want the kids to drink the water. hehe

[drelly]

I always have a set of brass caps in my toolbox. Very handy!

[Barter Trader]

I always have a set of brass caps in my toolbox. Very handy!

I had to read that twice I thought you said
"I always have a set of Bras in my toolbox"

[Wayne]

I had to read that twice I thought you said
"I always have a set of Bras in my toolbox"

Where was your mind at?

[Sebastian]

Hi kirschbaum,

Yes it's easy I've done it several times. Have a go - you'll learn something and save yourself some dollars.

In addition to Barter Trader's suggestions, you also what to turn off the water at your hot water tank if you have one. Always test both the cold and hot taps before you start messing around with the faucets!

Cheers,

Sebastian

[Barter Trader]

Where was your mind at?

I don't think an answer is required there. In the gutter?

[Barter Trader]

Hi kirschbaum,

Yes it's easy I've done it several times. Have a go - you'll learn something and save yourself some dollars.

In addition to Barter Trader's suggestions, you also what to turn off the water at your hot water tank if you have one. Always test both the cold and hot taps before you start messing around with the faucets!

Cheers,

Sebastian

I agree with Sebastian.

[kirschbaum]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Sounds like it's well within my abilities. What could possibly go wrong?......

[graemeh]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Sounds like it's well within my abilities. What could possibly go wrong?......

Well.......

When you turn off the main supply and the hot water cylinder you could find that water is still coming out of the tap when you test it.

If his happens find the lowest taps in the house and turn them on.

Also, if you go for the "remove and replace existing taps" then make sure you use a good thread tape before refitting the taps.

You will, however, find it easier if you use plastic or brass plugs instead of replacing the tap. These don't get in the way like taps do when you are trying to remove wall linings.