Connecting taps and valves to the various water sources is a big question for DIY Doctor regulars. Choosing between the various types of tap connectors can cause problems and this project will help you identify the connectors and where they are best used. Different Types of Tap Connector This is a push fit, flexible tap connector with a built in isolation valve. Absolutely excellent for units where access is difficult. I’m pretty sure everyone is familiar with copper pipe. Even if you are not a plumber or have no interest in plumbing your sure to have come across it in a kitchen or bathroom at some point. I – Fibre Washer This is a compression fitting tap connector. The nut is tightened to the thread on the tap and there is a nut on the other end which contains an Olive.

The Olive is fed over the end of the copper pipe and the nut tightened down onto it. See our project on compression joints to see how this works. The fibre washer (I) can be seen sitting at the top of this connector. G – Chrome Pipe This is how a tap is fixed to the unit it serves. The thread, either 22mm or 15mm, goes through a hole in the basin, bath or sink and the body of the tap is tightened up to the unit by means of the nut underneath.

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Sometimes it is made easier to get to the nut by allowing it to tighten a little further down the thread. This is done by placing a special washer on the thread, before the nut goes on. This washer is called a top hat washer.

This is a Speed Fit tap connector where the brass nut tightens onto the thread of the tap and the pipe is pushed directly up into it. See the project link above to Speed Fit plumbing. E – Yorkshire Tap Connector Fitting This is a Yorkshire fitting tap connector. The nut is tightened to the tap thread and the copper pipe is fed into the end of the fitting. This is then soldered into place. See our project on soldered pipe joints. F – Compression Joint Tap Connector PrimeMatik - Chrome telescopic shower column with single-lever mixer tap, overhead shower head, hand shower head and flexible hose A length of chrome pipe. This pipe can be used instead of copper in areas where it is likely to be seen. A feature can then be made of the pipe rather than trying to hide it. For DIY purposes only compression joints should be used to join chrome pipe. H – Copper Pipe