Here's how I fitted a Vapsint monobloc mixer pull out tap to Speedfit plumbing in our DIY utility kitchen build. It's easier than you think!
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Over a year ago, I installed my own utility kitchen in our conservatory. I set it as a challenge to teach myself and not hire someone for the job.
Part of that job was to fit something we've always wanted: a pull out tap. And let me tell you, it's been extremely liberating. Knowing I can do it too and that I have a great skill for life, inching my way towards independence if ever need be.
I'd never once fitted a tap before, so let me talk you through how I did it.
Fitting Our Vapsint Pull Our Tap
Firstly, it can be pretty daunting knowing what kind of plumbing parts and tools you need. I was quite confused initially because Amazon recommended some tools I didn't need too.
But that's because their algorithm didn't realise I was fitting our pull out tap to Speedfit plumbing. If you're not familiar with Speedfit plumbing (aka push-fit or plastic plumbing), then you can read my how-to here.
Fitting a Speedfit Monobloc Tap Connector to a Pull Out Tap
The key thing to follow here with your pull out tap, is check the size. If you can't work it out, then you could do what I did. And that's go to Screwfix and get them to check for you.
The Vapsint tap looked a different size to what I thought I needed, despite measuring. To save you the trouble, I bought these, pictured above for speedfit plumbing.
You'll find the tap hoses that come with the pull out tap won't work.
If Speedfit Hose Tails Won't Connect Properly
Unfortunately, I've since worked on another tap that didn't have enough room for the hose tails. If this happens to you, here's how I used the existing flexi tails and connect to brass isolating valves, THEN connect to Speedfit.
How to Fit the Vapsint Pull Out Tap
If you can't find the instructions for the Vapsint pull out tap, then you can find them above.
This is what I'll talk you through while connecting to the Speedfit hoses.
Now I know this isn't possible for most as I hadn't fitted my kitchen worktop yet, but I rested it on my sawhorses. This gave me a great advantage of accessibility.
So, while the sink is in place, this is how to pull out tap will look.
I then needed to unscrew the black bottom base and place it in the tap hole below. You can also see the rubber ring seals, which I removed one to place under the worktop area.
Please see how to drill a hole in a stainless steel sink for a tap if you don't have one yet.
Then slot on your rubber seal ring from underneath the worktop.
Now screw the black cylinder back from under the worktop.
Connecting the Speedfit Hoses to a Pull Out Tap
Don't be thrown by the fact the Speedfit hoses aren't the same size at the top. That's speaking from experience. The only reason they are if so they don't clash while you're fitting them.
So to connect to your pull out tap, slot each one and grip and twist the metal section only. Don't be tempted to twist the flexi-hoses at all in case you damage them.
And remember, make sure they're tight, but don't over tighten them. I made them hand tight, then gave an extra quarter turn.
Label Which is Hot and Cold
To prevent a headache later, then I suggest labelling which speedfit hose is hot and cold. You'll know which one underneath the pull out tap itself.
Then you can connect it to the right plumbing later, too.
And now to connect the tap chain to the pull out tap as above before adding the weight below.
How Does a Pull Out Tap Retract?
How a pull out tap works is it usually has a weight.
So above, you can see the Vapsint one. It's a large heavy rubber weight that unclips.
Then clips around the long chain. But, you may need to practice where it's best to place it. Although this one has a sticker to guide.
If You've Fit Your Tap to a Reversible Sink
Here's a quick little photo guide if you have fitted your pull out tap to a reversible sink. Note, these are much easier to fit your tap as you won't have needed to cut a hole.
While I am still learning DIY as I go (aren't we all?), I like to buy products to make my life easier. And buying a sink that had a pre-cut tap hole was one of them.
However, reversible also means you're likely to need covering the other one you didn't use. I unscrewed mine and sandwiched it around the tap hole like so.
Connecting the Speedfit Hoses to the Rest of the Plumbing
Now let's assume your sink is all plumbed up to the waste, unlike mine.
You'll then need to connect the pull out tap to the rest of the plumbing. This is preferably with an isolation valve per hot and cold. This is for easy access and incase you need to switch off in an emergency.
To learn how, then I suggest you read this tutorial here.
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More Fitting a Kitchen Projects
You can find my complete list of fitting a kitchen projects here.
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