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Faucet Replacement in 4 Easy Steps

By: Kaye Fretz

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.

Be informed that there are two possible ways for different supply connections. That is why you should determine what supply connection your faucet has - flexible copper supply inlet found in the center of unit, or one that is located under the hot and cold handles.

Before you start tinkering with the faucet, you have to do certain things. One of which is to shut off the main water supply. It is also best if you prepare the necessary tools and materials beforehand, including a penetrating oil in case mounting nuts are hard to pry loose. It is also recommended if you have someone to help you around with handing of tools while you do your work. And, don't forget to plug the drain with rags to avoid small parts from going down the drain.

- Remove the old fixture

If your faucet contains a sprayer, first remove the nuts that secure the hose to the faucet body and also the spray head to the sink. Unhook the supply lines and set them aside. Using your wrench, loosen and remove the mounting nuts that hold the faucet body to the sink. If it is hard to pry loose, you can use penetrating oil.

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

Wrap inlet threads with Teflon tape or apply pipe joint compound on it. Twist supply line nut on the inlet and tighten it (by hand, then by wrench). Connect the other end of supply line to the shutoff valve in the same process.

If your faucet is using flexible copper inlets, you can do the same, but just keep in mind that no copper tubes should be twisted. Otherwise, the whole faucet might be destroyed.

- Connect and adjust the pop-up drain assembly

If installing a bathroom faucet, insert a ball rod into the opening located in the drain body. Secure it using the nut provided. Slip the rod through the clevis strap. Afterwards, secure it using spring clips. Lower the rod through the hole near the rear of the faucet spout, up until the holes at the upper end of clevis strap. Tighten the thumbscrew and adjust the rods.

And there you have it - easy to understand steps on faucet replacement. Now, you wouldn't ever need to call a plumber again. Keep the steps at heart and replacing faucets will become much easier.

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