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If “substitute kitchen faucet” is in your to-do checklist, it could be comforting to know that altering or putting in a brand new faucet is a reasonably easy dwelling enchancment job. It does, nonetheless, often require quickly contorting your physique right into a pretzel-like form beneath the sink.
For those who can keep away from needing to be hoisted out from beneath the cupboard and being put into traction (we suggest stretching first), this sort of undertaking ought to take lower than an hour.
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Getting Began
Prior to installing a kitchen faucet, check out the sink. All sinks include the identical fundamental elements:
- Cold and hot water traces beneath the sink, often with a shut-off knob situated on every one
- Drain pipe
- Sink basin (these have between one and 4 holes, which is essential to notice when buying a brand new or substitute faucet)
- Sink gasket
- Faucet
If changing a faucet requires eradicating an current faucet, it’s useful to evaluate the scenario earlier than you begin. If the sink and tap are outdated or rusted, it could take extra time and instruments to take away it. (We at all times prefer to maintain a sledgehammer close by. You already know, simply in case!)
Most taps are hooked up to the sink by a plastic nut—or, on older fashions, a steel one. There are additionally taps that mount with bolts on the highest, however greater than possible you’ll need to wedge your self inside the cupboard beneath the sink to perform this repair.
To take away an outdated faucet, shut the water off on the pipes beneath the sink or on the foremost shutoff to the home. Then take away the water connections and the nuts securing the tap to the sink.
Instruments & Supplies
Putting in a Faucet in 3 Easy Steps
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STEP 1: Set up the sink gasket.
Earlier than a brand new faucet is hooked up, a seal is required between the tap and the sink. Some new taps include a plastic or rubber gasket. If not, you may make a snake from plumber’s putty and put it on the sink the place the tap will sit. For those who’re questioning tips on how to use plumber’s putty, you’ll discover that it’s just like working with Play-Doh.
STEP 2: Place the tap within the holes.
Attaching the tap to the sink is fairly simple. After the gasket or putty is in place, set the tap into the correct holes. Place your self beneath the sink, and screw on the plastic nut. For those who’ve used plumber’s putty you possibly can clear away the surplus with a putty knife or use a finger.
STEP 3: Join the tap to the water traces.
Some taps (Delta Faucet model, for instance) include versatile PEX traces related to the tap already, which makes this step a lot simpler because the hoses simply have to be related down on the water traces.
For taps with out traces hooked up, versatile piping will have to be hooked up at your line after which to the tap.First, wrap a little bit of Teflon tape across the threads to provide every part a good seal, after which connect the tubing to the brand new faucet and water line.
If the water traces are behind the sink basin close to the highest of the cupboard, it may be effectively price your whereas to make use of a basin wrench as a substitute of struggling by way of the undertaking with an everyday wrench. (We used an everyday wrench and it really works, however there’s at all times the possibility that your fingers will go numb and also you’ll drop a wrench in your head. Not that we’d know firsthand…)
As soon as this step is full you possibly can flip the water again on, examine for any faucet leaks, and luxuriate in having working water from a brand new faucet in your sink.
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Closing Ideas
Changing a faucet is a reasonably simple DIY undertaking that may take about an hour to finish. To be able to ensure that it doesn’t find yourself taking loads longer, it’s essential to verify the brand new faucet requires the identical variety of mounting holes and that every one the provides that aren’t included with the brand new faucet are available when starting the set up.
FAQs About Faucet Set up
Whereas putting in a brand new faucet is a simple dwelling enchancment undertaking, there are real-life variables that may create questions concerning the course of. To assist make this undertaking simpler, we’ve answered among the most typical questions on tips on how to set up a faucet.
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Q. How a lot does it value to switch a faucet?
The price of changing a faucet is determined by a number of elements. If you’re changing a faucet and utilizing a funds faucet, it will probably value as little as $100. If hiring a plumber to switch a faucet, it will probably value a mean of $250 or extra.
Q. How do you employ plumber’s putty?
Plumber’s putty is just like Play-Doh. Step one is warming up the putty in your arms till it’s comfortable. Then stretch and roll the putty into an extended snake-like kind. Unfold the putty across the clear and dry floor. Lastly, press it into place.
Q. How lengthy ought to a sink faucet final?
The longevity of a faucet is determined by many elements, together with the design, materials, and the kind of water working by way of it. Houses with exhausting water are more durable on all plumbing, together with taps. Nonetheless, typically, a faucet may be anticipated to final about 15 years or extra.
Q. Can you set a one-hole faucet in a three-hole sink?
Sure, you possibly can substitute a three-hole faucet with a one-hole faucet. To cowl the additional holes, use a deck plate, which can also be referred to as an escutcheon plate.
Q. How does a single-hole faucet work?
Single-hole taps have each cold and warm water mixed within the faucet. When the tap is turned on, there may be an inside valve that releases the wanted quantity of sizzling or chilly water.
