Faucet Repair When it comes to replacing a faucet, whether because the old one drips or because you simply do not like it, the hardest part will be removing the old faucet. Replacing a faucet is one of the easiest home repair projects, and it is well within the abilities of virtually every homeowner.

Gathering the proper plumbing tools

Before you begin removing the old faucet, it is important to gather the tools you will need for the job. The tools you will need to replace a faucet include:

-A basin wrench
-A pair of groove joint pliers
-An adjustable wrench
-Silicon caulk or plumber's putty
-Teflon® tape
-A flashlight

Removing the old faucet

Removing the old faucet will typically be the hardest part of the job. The steps to removing the old faucet are:

1. Turn off the water. You can either turn off the main water value or turn off both the valves under the faucet that is being replaced. After the water has been shut off, the faucet should be opened and allowed to drain completely.

2. Be sure to disconnect the water supply lines running to the faucet. If the lines are not being replaced, disconnect them only from the faucet. If the lines are being replaced, they should be disconnected from the shutoff valve.

3. Take the faucet off of the sink. There are two types of faucet mounts – top mount and bottom mount. Bottom mount faucets will be removed from above, and it is important to remove both the handles and the escutcheons in order to get at the nuts that actually hold the faucet in place. For top mount faucets, the nuts holding the faucet in place will be located under the sink, and they will have to be removed from underneath. The nuts can be loosened using a basin wrench if need be. If the nuts are corroded or rusted, use some penetrating oil and allow it to soak in before attempting to remove the nuts.

The hardest part of the job will now be over, and the only thing left is to put the new faucet in place.

For a top mount faucet

1. Place a bead of silicon caulk or plumber's putty around the base of the faucet. If the new faucet has a rubber or plastic gasket on the base, this step will not be needed.

2. Gently ease the new faucet into place, being sure to press down on the caulk or putty in order to get a good seal.

3. Go under the sink and install the mounting nuts and washers, tightening the nuts by hand.

4. Carefully line up the faucet with the back of the sink, then tighten the mounting nuts using the pliers, basin wrench or adjustable wrench. After the faucet is in place, carefully remove any extra caulk or putty from the base.

For a bottom mount faucet

1. Hold the faucet in place from underneath the sink.

2. Carefully install the mounting nuts and washers, and tighten the nuts by hand. Carefully line up the faucet with the rear of the sink, then use the wrench or pliers to tighten the nuts.

3. Place a bead of silicon caulk or plumber's putty on the base of the escutcheons, then carefully screw them into place.

4. The last step is to install the faucet handles, then carefully remove any excess caulk or putty from the base of the escutcheons.

Simple Home Repairs