How to change a faucet?
It’s perfectly normal in a sink faucet life cycle for the faucet to start working less well or even stop working altogether. If this happens you may be tempted to call in a professional to fix it. But there’s another option: replace it yourself. It’s usually best to rely on an expert, but in some cases the work is so simple, that isn’t necessary. Read on to learn how to change a faucet.
What you need to change a faucet
Even though changing a faucet is a relatively simple task, it does call for certain tools. Combine them with a bit of elbow grease, and you’ll be all set to go:
- Crescent wrench
- Pail
- Measuring tape
- Teflon adhesive tape
- Sealant and applicator
- Plumber’s putty
Steps in changing a faucet
1. Turn off the water supply
Before you install your new faucet, turn off the water supply to the sink to prevent any water damage. You can usually do this by closing the valves underneath the sink, but if there are no valves there, just turn it off for the entire house.
2. Remove the old faucet
To remove the old faucet, whether it’s defective or not, you must first unscrew the nuts fastening it to the sink. They can generally be accessed from under the sink. After removing the faucet, be sure to remove all the putty sealant around the base.
3. Install the new faucet
If your new faucet has a base, you must first apply putty to it. As it dries, the putty will act as an adhesive between the sink and the faucet and as a seal to prevent water leaking from the base. Then insert the faucet into the predrilled holes and apply pressure to fix it securely in place.
4. Connect the pipes
Once the new faucet is in place, it will need to be connected to the plumbing. Be sure to apply Teflon tape to the faucet tip first. This will stop leaks from happening at the connection point. Then simply screw the 2 ends together and tighten them with the wrench.
5. Turn on the water supply and test
Once the 2 ends are connected together, you can restore the water supply to your sink. Then turn on your new faucet and let the water run for a few minutes. This will remove any debris from the piping and help you check for leaks.
Finding the right person for a plumbing job
Not all plumbing projects are as simple as changing a faucet. When that’s the case, it’s best to rely on the expertise of a professional. Knowing that the work is being done by a skilled expert will give you peace of mind.
