What are pillar taps?
Pillar taps are separate hot and cold taps, one in each hole. They are common on older basins and baths. Each tap has a threaded tail (½ inch for basins, ¾ inch for baths) that goes through the basin and is held by a back nut.
Removing old taps
- Isolate hot and cold and open the taps to drain.
- Undo the tap connector nut on the tail. Old ones can be stuck — hold the tap above so it does not turn.
- Undo the back nut with a basin wrench.
- Lift the tap out and clean the basin.
Where are the seals?
- Under the tap body on top of the basin: a rubber or plastic base washer.
- Under the basin: a top hat washer can be used to fill the hole so the nut sits square.
- Inside the tap connector: a fibre washer seals connector to tap tail. Always use a new one.
Pro tip: The tap connector seals with its fibre washer, not the thread. Remember: Solid tail, Seal (fibre washer), Solid connector.
Fitting new taps
- Fit the base washer and push the tap into the hole.
- Fit the top hat (if needed) and back nut. Tighten while someone holds the tap straight.
- Connect flexi tails or tap connectors with new fibre washers.
- Hot on the left, cold on the right (standard in the UK).
- Test slowly and check every joint.
Swapping to a mixer?
If you want a single mixer on a two-hole basin you need a two-hole mixer (deck mixer) or a new basin. Bath pillar taps are often replaced by a bath shower mixer that fits the same two holes.
