Every household fixture has an expected lifespan. When an object becomes worn out and in need of replacement – be it an outdated faucet handle or unsightly drain cover – replacement becomes inevitable.
Clear away any clutter and organize a tidy workspace under your sink before switching off all water supply lines at their valves beneath it.
Faucet Installation
If you’re replacing an existing faucet, start by disconnecting all water supply lines beneath the sink using wrenches and twisting counterclockwise to disconnect. If replacing water valves as well, verify they fit securely before proceeding further.
Unravel the supply line nut under your sink using adjustable pliers or a basin wrench (these tools are specifically designed to reach tight spaces behind sinks). Remove old mounting nuts with either a screwdriver or rotary tool with metal-cutting disk; however, older faucets may have corrosion that makes removal more challenging even with proper tools.
If you’re installing a new faucet, Teflon tape should be applied between the sink and water supply lines to reduce leakage risks. If your new faucet does not include a gasket seal for easy sealing around its base assembly, caulk or plumber’s putty may work just as effectively to create an effective seal around its foundation.
Supply Lines
Before attempting to uninstall an old faucet, be sure to drain your sink in order to expel any trapped water. Simply unscrew the slip nut from your drain and remove its P-trap (the curved pipe underneath your sink).
If your copper supply lines require repair, use an open-end wrench to loosen their nuts. Slide a tube bender over them and re-bend them into an elegant zigzag shape that sits snugly between valves and sink. Plastic supply lines don’t require this step of modification.
Make sure to purchase supply lines that precisely match the connector sizes of your shutoff valves and sink faucet. Doing this will greatly reduce leaks, plus ensure long enough lines to reach from valves to sink; just a few extra inches could mean the difference between a leaky faucet and watertight operation! Moreover, some supply lines feature anti-corrosion coating for added peace of mind.
Faucet Handles
The handle is the part of your faucet that controls and regulates water flow and temperature, and also one of the most visible aspects of your sink, making a statement about its style and functionality. As one of its primary roles, its appearance has an enormous effect on how others perceive your space.
Consider both the style and material when purchasing your next faucet handle. Brass handles are timeless classics that complement all kinds of bathroom and kitchen fixtures while stainless steel provides durability with its modern aesthetic.
Ergonomics and functionality should also be taken into consideration when selecting handles, such as lever handles being easier for children or elderly individuals to grasp and operate than knobs. Lever handles also reduce effort needed in households where children or elderly members reside.
Home improvement stores usually carry replacement handles for existing bathroom faucets, while home centers may even provide knowledgeable staff to assist you in finding a fitting replacement handle. Plumbing supply stores catering specifically to professionals often offer wider selection and more expert help than do their consumer counterparts.
Spout
Most lavatory faucets feature a setscrew (usually concealed behind an escutcheon ring) which holds the spout in place. By loosening this screw, you can release and twist off the spout. Most modern two-handle cartridge-type faucets utilize plastic cartridges which control how water enters into their respective spouts while older compression valves may need to be released as well.
Before beginning to remove a faucet, turn off all water supply valves under the sink by rotating them counterclockwise. Keep a bucket under any pipes that may droop or spill in order to capture any potential spillages of liquid that might escape through leakages or spillages.
Utilise a basin wrench to loosen the mounting nut under your sink that secures one of your faucet valve tailpieces to the sink, before unscrewing and loosening it completely. Repeat for the other tailpiece nut in this same manner.