Thursday, February 11, 2010

Do-It-Yourself Faucet Replacement Guide


Faucets are used very frequently, which is why they are prone to getting damaged every once in a while and need to be replaced. When this happens, most people automatically call a professional repair service. However, replacing a faucet is quite simple and you can save a lot of money by doing the replacement yourself.

Choosing a New Faucet

It is always a good idea to have everything you need on hand before you even attempt to remove your old faucet. First, head to the store and choose a faucet you want to install. Choosing a new faucet may actually take longer than you think, mainly because of the number of designs available. There are many different sizes and styles to consider, and your choice will usually depend on where you are going to use the faucet. For instance, there are certain types of faucets designed for kitchen sinks while there are faucets meant for bathtubs. Obviously, you want to choose the appropriate faucet.

Choosing the Right Faucet Size

Obviously, not all faucets you find in stores will fit perfectly in your kitchen sink or your bathroom vanity. To ensure you choose a faucet that is the right size, take out your measuring tape and take note of certain measurements. If you have a single-handled faucet, measure the length from where you are going to put the faucet to the hook-up lines below. If you are replacing a double-handled faucet, measure the length from the middle of the handles to the center. Make sure all your measurements are accurate so you can save yourself the trouble of going back and forth to the store.

Preparing the Necessary Tools

Needless to say, you will need to use some tools in order to install your new faucet properly. Most of these tools you probably already have, unless you are a first-time do-it-yourself homeowner, in which case you might have to purchase the tools as well. All you really need are a few wrenches and pliers. You need adjustable wrenches for holding the valve and disconnecting the main water supply line, and you need the pliers for loosening nuts that hold the faucet in place.

Replacing the Faucet

The first and possibly the most important step in replacing a faucet is to turn off the main water supply that leads to the faucet. If you forget this, you may very well end up with a small flood in your kitchen or bathroom. Next, disconnect the tubes that connect the faucet to the supply line. Finally, unfasten the nuts that hold the faucet in its place and carefully dislodge it from its position. Remove any dirt and debris that may be left in the area and get ready to install your new faucet. It is recommended that you get an assistant to hold the faucet in place as you refasten the nuts under the sink.

Once the faucet is centered and mounted securely, take the supply lines and connect them to the main water supply. Turn on the water supply and check for malfunctions. If there are leaks or other malfunctions, uninstall the faucet and do it all over again, taking care to fasten all nuts tightly and securely. You can also apply plumber's putty onto the joints and gaps between the sink and the faucet. Thread tape is also very handy for stopping leaks in the connection between the supply lines.

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