Basin Mixer Tap Installation in Warsaw — Leak-Free Connection

New mixer tap bought, still in the box — just needs fitting. Sounds simple: two hoses and a nut. But under-tighten one connection or skip a washer and within hours there is a puddle under the basin. In flats across Praga Poludnie and new developments in Wilanow we see the same story: tap mounted crooked, hoses kinked, water seeping from the base. We install mixer taps so nothing drips afterwards.

Important: any work involving water supply demands care. A poorly tightened joint can flood your flat and the one below. If you are not confident, call a professional.

How much does installation cost

The price depends on the tap type, the condition of the supply lines and pipe accessibility. A single-lever tap on standard hoses is one price; a wall-mounted unit requiring eccentric adapters is another. Current rates for all bathroom work are in the table below. Fixings and consumables (PTFE tape, washers) are included. The tap itself and supply hoses are purchased by the client.

How the installation works

1. We shut off the water supply — both hot and cold. We confirm the isolation valves hold and pressure is released.
2. Remove the old tap: disconnect the flexible hoses, loosen the fixing nut beneath the basin, lift the tap out.
3. Clean the mounting hole — remove limescale and old sealant. If the hole is damaged, we assess whether a reinforcing plate is needed.
4. Assemble the new tap: screw in the flexible connectors, fit the gasket and decorative washer.
5. Set the tap into the hole and tighten the fixing nut from below. Over-tightening is dangerous — ceramic basins crack easily.
6. Connect the hoses to the angle valves. Hot on the left, cold on the right. Joints are sealed with PTFE tape or hemp.
7. Turn the water back on and check every connection under pressure. Wipe dry and wait five minutes — if everything stays dry, the job is done.

Common mistakes

• Over-tightening the fixing nut — the basin cracks, which means replacing the entire unit.
• Reusing old supply hoses when fitting a new tap — rubber degrades over time and starts leaking within months.
• Swapping hot and cold connections — the lever works in reverse, scalding water comes out on the cold side.
• Forgetting the gasket under the tap base — water seeps through the mounting hole into the cabinet below.
• Kinking the flexible hoses during installation — the inner rubber core tears and the hose fails within weeks.
• Not checking the angle valves — the tap is new but the valve underneath is seized and will not close in an emergency.
• Using silicone instead of a proper washer — a temporary fix that is difficult to disassemble later.

What to prepare before the visit

• Buy the tap — check the box includes all washers and mounting hardware.
• Buy flexible supply hoses of the right length (typically 30–50 cm) if not included or if the existing ones are old.
• Make sure the angle valves under the basin actually close — try shutting and reopening them.
• Clear the space under the basin — remove everything from the vanity unit.
• Check the mounting hole diameter — standard is 35 mm, but 28 and 32 mm also exist.
• If the old tap is seized — do not force it; leave corroded nuts to the professional.
• Have towels and a bucket ready — some water always spills when hoses are disconnected.

A real case from Warsaw

We were called to a flat in Praga Poludnie. The owner had bought a premium German mixer tap and fitted it himself. He tightened the hoses — looked fine. Two days later the downstairs neighbour called: water was dripping from the ceiling. It turned out one connection had been tightened without PTFE tape and the gasket under the base had shifted. A slow drip — invisible at first, but over forty-eight hours a significant amount of water had leaked through. We arrived, removed the tap, reassembled everything with proper sealing. We also replaced the supply hoses — they had been twisted during the DIY attempt. Pressure-tested every joint — completely dry. The visit took about forty minutes. Had a professional installed it from the start, there would have been no leak and no dispute with the neighbours.

Frequently asked questions

Can I fit a mixer tap myself?
Technically yes, if you have basic tools and some experience. But the risk of a leak is real: one under-tightened joint and water runs to the flat below. We recommend calling a professional, especially if it is your first time.

Do I need to replace the hoses when changing the tap?
Yes, if they are more than three to five years old. The rubber core ages and the braiding corrodes. A new tap on old hoses is an accident waiting to happen.

How long does the installation take?
Replacing a basin tap with working valves takes thirty to forty minutes. If the valves or in-wall supply lines also need replacing, allow up to ninety minutes.

What if the angle valves do not shut off the water?
We replace them. It is a separate job, but we can do everything in one visit. We fit ball valves — more reliable than the older gate-type ones.

Single-lever or two-handle — which is better?
For a basin, single-lever is more practical: you adjust temperature and flow with one hand. Two-handle taps are mainly chosen for retro-style bathrooms.

Is sealant needed during installation?
Not under the tap base — the factory gasket does that job. On threaded connections we use PTFE tape or hemp with paste. Silicone is only applied as a decorative bead around the basin edge if there is a visible gap.

Book the installation

We install and replace basin mixer taps across Warsaw. We arrive with tools and all consumables: PTFE tape, washers, fixings — everything we need. Every connection is pressure-tested before we leave. Get in touch and we will arrange a time that works for you.