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Replacing Faucets
Sometimes we all get leaky faucets that cause annoying sounds.
The leaks are relatively easy to fix in some instances, since a
screw can merely be tighten to repair the leak.
Other times the leaky faucets may need repairing. To replace the
faucet it is better to purchase a new faucet kit. The kits are
easier to install than buying pieces one at a time. Faucet Kits
are available in a wide range of prices and styles. They range
from very inexpensive, mostly plastic models to high quality
brass units. You're better off buying a better quality,
brand-name faucet. You'll get better service. Some of the better
brand washerless faucets have lifetime warranties.
Faucets come in one of two basic types—top mount and bottom
mount (widespread faucet). Most faucets which are installed by
homeowners fall into the top mount category.
Replacing a faucet requires some work and patience. Fortunately,
new faucet units are made for do-it-yourself installation with
easy-to-follow instructions. A new faucet can improve the
appearance of your fixtures and will also eliminate all the
leaks, drips, and other problems you may have had with your old
faucet.
Make sure whatever faucet unit you choose will completely cover
the old faucet's mounting holes. If you have an unusual sink in
your home, look for an adjustable faucet unit that is designed
to fit many types of sinks. Once you select the faucet model you
want, follow these steps to install it properly.
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Tools
& materials |
Adjustable and/or basic wrench
Pliers
Plumbers' putty
Faucet Kit and other parts like waterlines if replacing |
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Process
Step 1: Shut off the water. You can turn off the main
water valve, or turn off the two valves immediately under the
faucet you are replacing. Then, open the faucet and allow it to
drain and release any pressure.
Step 2: Disconnect the water supply lines. If you choose
not to replace the lines, disconnect them from the faucet only.
If you choose to replace them, disconnect the lines from the
shutoff valve. Actually, you might as well change them now since
you are going to the trouble of replacing the faucet. It could
save you an extra trip under the sink later.
Step 3: Remove the faucet from the sink. Basically,
faucets are mounted in one of two ways—Bottom mount faucets are
removed from above. For these, the handles and escutcheons must
be removed to get to the nuts which secure the faucet in place.
Top mount faucets are held in place by nuts located underneath
the sink, and must be removed from below. The nuts may be
loosened using waterpump pliers or a special basin wrench. The
basin wrench is necessary when the area in which the nut is
located is too tight to allow the use of pliers.
Step 4: Once the old faucet is removed, you are ready to
install the new one. Install new faucet assembly into mounting
holes in sink. With new faucet assembly in position, Before
installing faucet, apply plumbers' putty around its base. If
gaskets are supplied with faucet for this purpose, putty is not
necessary. Place washers and nuts on assembly's mounting studs
under sink and hand-tighten them, making sure assembly is in
proper position and any gaskets are correctly aligned. Then
further tighten nuts with basin wrench.
Step 5: Align and connect original or new water supply
lines with flexible supply tubes coming from new faucet. Make
sure hot water and cold water lines are connected to proper
supply tubes on faucet assembly. When you attach lines, be sure
to use two wrenches. One holds fitting while the other turns nut
on water supply line.
Step 6: Make sure the nuts are securely tightened on the
new faucet before reconnecting the water lines. When you
reconnect the water lines and turn on the water, check for leaks
before using the sink. Turn on hot and cold water supplies to
fixture. Run both hot and cold water full force to clear supply
lines and to check fixture for leaks. If there's any evidence of
leakage, go back over procedure to check for loose or improper
connections.
Replacing a shower or tub faucet is not usually a quick fix
because the connections are made behind a wall. However, there
may be an access panel so you can get at the pipes without
ripping the wall apart. If you have to cut into the wall and
want to tackle this project, be sure to add an access panel for
future pipe and faucet repairs.
Once you get to the tub faucet connections behind the wall, the
job is no harder than working on your kitchen sink. Shut off the
water supply, remove the faucet handle on the tub side, then
disconnect the old faucet unit from the back. If there's an old
showerhead pipe, unscrew it from its pipe inside the wall; do
the same thing with the tub spout. Now you're ready to install
all the new parts. Follow the directions that are included with
the new assembly.
Whether it's a worn O-ring or noisy pipe, your home's faucet
system will need periodic repairs. But if you follow the steps
we've outlined in this article, you'll be able to get these jobs
done with minimal trouble.
If it is an old sink and the nuts are rusted or corroded in
place, apply penetrating oil and allow it to work into the
threads before trying to remove the nuts.
Once the faucet has been removed, a buildup may be present on
the sink in the area where the faucet plate or escutcheons were
attached. Clean it off to make ready for the new faucet. A 50-50
solution of vinegar and water will help dissolve the buildup
Scrape it away with a razor blade and/or scouring pad.
If you are installing a kitchen sink faucet, you may also need to
attach a kitchen sprayer.
Step 1: Apply a bead of plumber's putty to the base of the
sprayer holder. Insert the holder into the hole and tighten it
in place with the mounting nut. Wipe away any excess plumber's
putty from around the base of the holder.
Step 2: Insert the supply tube of the sprayer through the holder
from the top. The sprayer will sit in place in the holder.
Step 3: Under the sink, screw the sprayer supply hose to the
hose nipple on the bottom of the faucet. Tighten the nut with a
wrench or water pump pliers.
You may be installing a lavatory faucet with a pop-up drain
assembly. This is a simple procedure, but since this drain can
be either plastic or metal, and because the individual
components of these assemblies may vary by model, follow the
step-by-step illustrated instructions included with your faucet.
Good idea: After your faucet is installed, remove the aerator
and flush your lines to remove any debris that may have
accumulated. Replace the aerator and enjoy your new faucet. |
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