It's super easy to install bath taps with a shower attachment onto a standard bath. In fact, it's all in a morning's work. All you need is a deck mounted mixer tap and a wall mount for your shower head. Then, you can wash your hair without bathing, hose down muddy dogs (or children) and rinse the bath after use.

So, without further ado, let's dive in.

You will need:

  • Mixer taps with appropriate fixings
  • Adjustable spanner
  • Masking tape
  • Pencil
  • Electric drill
  • Drill bit suitable for your wall type
  • Wall plugs
  • Screwdriver

Additional tools for baths without pre-drilled tap holes:

  • Spur-point drill bit for the pilot hole
  • Hole saw drill bit
  • Tape measure

We also recommend:

    • Eye protection
    • Ear protection
    • Handheld stud finder

Step 1 – Drill the tap holes

If your bath comes with pre-drilled tap holes, please skip straight to step two.

To install deck mounted bath taps, you'll need to drill some holes. Decide how and where they'll be positioned, then apply masking tape to the lip of the bath. This way, you can mark any measurements directly onto the tub.

Next, measure the length of your tap area and mark the halfway point on your tape. This point will be a central guide for both taps – for reference, most standard mixers sit 180mm apart and have a 28-30mm diameter.

Once you're happy with your measurements, drill one pilot hole at each centre point. Then, using the correct sized hole saw, cut holes for the bath mixer tails.

Step 2 – Fit the deck mounted mixer tap

Fit the base plates onto your deck mounted tap. Then, double-check the seals have been added to ensure a watertight finish.

Next, thread the mixer tails through the holes in your bath. From the underside, slide the rubber washers onto the mixer tails. Then, attach the back nuts.

Top tip: We recommend screwing the nuts by hand to ensure your taps are in the correct position. Then, when they're perfectly aligned, tighten firmly with an adjustable spanner.

Step 3 – Position the shower holder

Once your mixer tap is in position, it's time to fit the wall mount for your showerhead.

Hold the shower hose against your wall to find a realistic mounting height. Avoid placing unnecessary tension on the mount by arranging too high. Then, apply some masking tape to your wall, mark the drill holes with a pencil, and drill.

Top tip: We recommend using a stud finder to locate any wires or pipework in the walls. And wearing safety goggles and ear protectors while drilling.

Step 4 – Install the shower head

Push the wall plugs into your fresh holes. Then, depending on your wall mount, you will either screw it onto the wall. Or, if the holder incorporates a mounting plate, screw the plate in place and push the holder on top.

Finally, triple-check your shower hose has rubber seals at both ends to avoid a leak. Then, connect the wide tapered cone end of the hose to your showerhead. And the nut end of the hose to the mixer outlet.

And voila, you're ready to go.

Parting advice

And there you have it; you now know how to fit a bath shower mixer tap. And what's more? You can save some cash by installing it yourself.

Still serching for your dream fixture? Then check out our full range of modern and traditional bath shower mixer taps. We also have matching showerheads and coordinating accessories. Plus, plenty of inspiration on our Pinterest page.

If you found our guide helpful, we'd love to see your handy work over on Instagram or Facebook. Just tag your photo with @betterbathrooms.