Read on to find detailed steps on how to change faucets easily at home.
There are many things that you can fix around the house and there are some that you should absolutely not meddle in because they are simply too challenging to be carried out by anybody but a professional.
Changing faucets might seem like a daunting task but this is one of those plumbing activities that can be carried out easily at home. Modern plumbing allows amateurs to change the taps easily, preventing you from spending a hefty sum of money on employing a professional plumber for the job.
We have compiled steps that you can follow to change faucets all around your home easily.
First thing first – let’s take a look at all the tools that you will need to replace a faucet.
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- Wrenches: You will need a simple wrench along with a Stillson and a jaw wrench. For the most diverse use, get a wrench with an adjustable diameter. A jaw wrench has arms similar to those of pliers
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- Screwdrivers: To screw open any nails that might be holding the faucet in place
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- Teflon tape: It is a thin, highly effective but inexpensive tape. It is used to seal joints and pipe threads during a plumbing job. It is also used to prevent leakages.
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- O-Ring: It is a circular seal that prevents the water from flowing through the open end of pipes.
General Steps For Changing Faucets Easily
The first step is to shut off the main water supply to the faucet that needs changing.
The shutoff valves are usually present under the sink. There are usually two valves – one for hot water and the other for cold water. These valves are turned off by turning them clockwise. These are simple to turn and do not require the use of a wrench.
If you cannot locate the valves under the sink, then you will have to follow the lines to locate the main valves. They will most probably be on the outer wall near the washroom.
Once the water’s main supply is turned off, you need to ensure that the supply is actually cut off. Sometimes, faulty valves may cause the water to flow. Use a wrench to disconnect the water supply lines from the faucet.
Replace A Faucet After Water Shutoff
To avoid spillages, keep a bucket and a towel nearby. In order to loosen the connection, you will have to hold the valve assembly firmly using pliers. This can prevent the valve assembly from being damaged.
Once the valves are disconnected and the water supply lines are removed from the valve assembly, the next step is to remove the old tap. Sometimes, the faucet assembly could be bolted down – you will need a screwdriver to unbolt the screws.
You need to select a faucet that fits perfectly into the assembly that you have, or else you will have trouble fixing the new faucet. Most faucets come with a small manual about the faucet assembly.
Fix the new faucet with the water supply line and ensure that the supply line is bolted securely so that there is no leak. Once the new faucet assembly is fixed in place, remove the aerator and let the water run freely so that there is nothing that clogs the drain.
Easy Steps To Change A Wall Faucet
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- Close off the supply and open the faucet so that the water may drain out of the faucet completely
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- Unscrew the bolts attaching the faucet to the wall so that the faucet can be removed
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- Use the Teflon tape to tape the thread and make the connection watertight
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- Fix the new faucet with screws
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- Press the faucet to the wall so that the Teflon tape is sealed shut
Steps To Changing Faucet In Sink
Remove the hoses using a jaw wrench. Next, remove the faucet and ensure that the faucet assembly is not stained with rust during the process. Take off the sealing gasket and position it onto the new faucet. Tighten the stem and rods and add the rubber gasket into the new faucet assembly.
How To Change Faucet In Shower
Once the water is shut off, the gooseneck must be unscrewed manually and then the nuts should be removed. Add the Teflon tape around the thread multiple times, then place it on the new faucet and tighten the nuts and bolts again.
Changing A Washing Machine Faucet
The hoses need to be removed using a Stillson wrench. Use a screwdriver to detach the faucets from the wall. Screw the Teflon tape clockwise about five times to ensure it is completely watertight. Next, place the new faucet and tighten it with a wrench and then screw the hoses back on.
How To Change Faucet In Kitchen
The first step is to find the cutting keys and then unscrew the pipes. Remove the training screws and the seals and then remove the old faucet assembly. Place the gasket on the new faucet’s groove and fix the new faucet in place using a screwdriver. Lastly fix the hoses and let the water flow.
If you think that these steps alone are not enough to help you replace your faucet, then you should not risk it and seek professional help immediately.