If you're looking for a way to improve the aesthetics and functionality of your home, but don't want to undergo hassles and incur large costs, a faucet replacement is the thing for you. Just replace an old faucet with a new one and be amazed with how big a difference you can make. Other than that, no more irritating noise that a dripping and leaky faucet generates. The first step that you would have to take in faucet replacement is to consider what the right faucet is.
Of course, nowadays, faucets come in all types, styles, sizes, and combinations. But other than that, what you should really be worrying about is whether the new faucet will fit the old sink. Also bear in mind that there are different methods used for different supply connections.
Find out what supply connection your faucet uses - whether it has a flexible copper supply inlet located in the center of unit, or located under hot and cold handles. Before anything else, shut off the main water supply. You can do this by shutting off the control valve found under the sink. It is also recommended that you prepare all the necessary materials beforehand, and don't forget to prepare some penetrating oil in case the mounting nuts are hard to remove, and are stuck. It is also best if you have someone around to help you in handing out the tools as you work.
Also, don't forget to plug the drain with rags so that small parts like screws and bolts cannot go down the drain. - Remove the old fixture Remove the nuts that secure the hose to the faucet body if your faucet has a sprayer. Also remove nuts that secure spray head to sink.
Detach supply lines and keep them out of the way. Use your wrench to remove the mounting nuts that hold the faucet body to the sink. You can use penetrating oil if it's stuck. Lift the faucet. Scrape mineral build up and putty from the top of the sink.
- Attach new faucet to the sink Install or apply a gasket or use a rope of plumber's putty or adhesive to the sink or to the faucet. Set the new faucet in place, and make sure that it is parallel to the backsplash. Get under the sink, and have someone hold the faucet for you while you work. Screw on a washer and mounting nut on to each inlet, and tighten it using a basin wrench.
- Connect supply lines Apply pipe joint compound onto inlet threads or you can choose to wrap them with Teflon tape. Twist the supply line nut onto the inlet, tighten it using a hand at first, and then with a wrench. Join the other end of the supply line to the control or shutoff valve in the same method. If your faucet uses flexible copper inlets for its water supply, make sure that the copper tubes are not twisted in any way.
If they are, the faucet could become ruined. - Connect and adjust the pop-up drain assembly Insert a ball rod into opening found in the drain body and secure it using a nut provided. Slip the rod through the clevis strap and again secure it, this time using spring clips. Lower the rod and let it pass through the hole near the rear of the faucet sprout and upper end of clevis strap. Tighten thumbscrew, adjust rods, and set everything in place.
And those are the steps to faucet replacement. It may look hard, but once you're at it, everything will become much easier. So, give it a try!.
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