Water & taps · Practical guide
Pull-out kitchen tap: what to check below the sink
A new tap may fit the sink hole while its pull-out hose still has nowhere to travel below the worktop.
Look inside the sink cabinet
Open the doors and note the waste trap, filter, shelves and stored products. The pull-out hose needs the movement specified by the manufacturer without catching on other items. If a water filter is installed, photograph the whole arrangement rather than just the tap.
Check the product fit
Compare the sink opening, worktop thickness, fixing kit and hose lengths with the new tap instructions. Make sure the shut-off valves are accessible and functional. If you already have a leak, turn off the water when safe to do so and seek appropriate help. Do not guess which adapters to buy without checking the connections.
Agree on the scope of replacement
Corrosion or limited access can make removal of the old tap slower than a standard fitting. New supply hoses, a faulty shut-off valve, filter parts or damaged cabinet panels are separate issues. Confirm any extra parts and work before installation begins.
What to send the handyman
- A photo of the sink from above and a clear wide photo of the empty cabinet below.
- New tap make and model, all supplied parts and the installation instructions.
- Photos of shut-off valves, filter and current connections, plus city and preferred time.
Photos, measurements, product model and city help clarify the work before a visit.
Common questions
Can the old flexible hoses stay?
That depends on their condition, dimensions and the new product requirements. The connections must be checked rather than assumed compatible.
What if the shut-off valve does not work?
Mention it before the visit. Water work should not start without a safe way to isolate the supply; replacing the valve is a separate agreed task.