How to Change a Faucet
One great and quick way to upgrade your bathroom
or kitchen is to change those old faucets for brand new ones. Be
sure to get the same type (not the same as shape) that you already
have so that they will fit into the original holes. There are three
main types of faucet: -
Single handle faucet controls both hot and cold settings with one
lever.
Widespread faucet is the sort most often found in bathrooms. It has
three separate units. One for hot, one for cold, and the spout in
the middle.
Two handled centerset. Similar to above, but the three units are all
set into the same base, effectively making them one unit instead of
three.
Tools needed are basin wrench, crescent wrench, screwdriver and
waterpump pliers. Get some plumbers tape and plumbers putty along
with your replacement faucet set. If you are not sure what you need,
take a photo of faucet and underneath plumbing with your digital
camera and show it to the hardware staff.
What to do:
• Turn off the water. There should be valves directly under the
faucet. If you live in a condo or apartment, you may not have them.
If not, you’ll have to turn them off at the mains. Sure, everyone
will be off but hey; you don’t want a flood, do you? If you don’t
have valves, install them.
• Remove the faucet. The nuts will be above for a widespread faucet,
below for the others. If the nuts are rusted, spray with WD40 the
day before. Use the basin wrench to undo them. If they are above,
you’ll need to remove the escutcheons and handles to get to the
nuts. Use the pliers and crescent wrench.
• Pull out the faucet and clean the build-up of gunk that has
collected.
• Replace with new faucet set, taking note of the directions on the
pack.
• Turn the water back on.
Replacing a center-set, top mounted faucet: Roll out a long, thin
tube roll of plumbers putty and put around the base of the faucet.
Some come with one in place. Check the instructions. Put the faucet
in place without displacing too much of the seal. Fit the tailpiece
into the hole in the sink. Install washers and mounting nuts under
the basin, tighten by hand. Make sue the faucet is parallel with the
back of the sink, then use the basin wrench to tighten the nuts
properly. Some of the seal will squeeze out – just wipe it off.
Replacing a widespread, bottom mounted faucet: Line faucet with
plumber’s putty and place in central hole. Before you set the spout
in place, press the putty against the base of it. Under the sink
tighten washers and nuts by hand, but not too tight. Putty the
escutcheons’ base then screw them in place. Install the faucet
handles over the escutcheons, making sure you have the hot and cold
on the correct sides.
Turn the water back on and check for leaks using a paper towel. Wipe
off excess putty.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters,
portable air
conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop on line at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
Innovative Air Products located in historical Exeter, NH. We are a 2nd
generation manufacturers’ rep firm dedicated to providing residential &
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