How to Change a Sink Faucet

Replacing a sink faucet is a fairly common plumbing task. Faucets inevitably wear out and if you want to save some money, you can learn to change them yourself. If you suspect do-it-yourself plumbing just isn’t for you, seek the help of a professional plumber. Otherwise, continue reading for a basic how-to guide on changing sink faucets.

Although one would think buying a new faucet is the first step, I place it next to dismantling the old one. The very first thing you need to do is check your tools so that you don’t get mad finding it in the middle of the job. Amongst the various tools, you would need suitable wrenches, WD40, and pliers.

Now locate the shut off valve, which is usually situated beneath the sink. If you don’t find it there, then go out of your home to find it; it might be found at the water meter. Use WD40 to spray the valves. This will make them looser, making the task a little easier. If you encounter difficulty gripping them, try wearing gloves or use a towel to get a better handle on them. Additionally, use a suitable wrench to disconnect the hot and cold water lines. When you finish this, make sure the water supply is off by trying to turn on the faucet. Some water that was left inside the pipeline may come out initially but the flow would stop then. Taking these measures would ensure you don’t end soaked up in water while removing the faucet.

Now check other connections for hardness; If you find such hardness, spray some WD40 on those connections to loosen them. Pick up your pliers and take off the nuts beneath the sink that connect the faucet to the sink. Now detach the faucet and clean rust from the sink.

What you need next is another suitable faucet. If you just go to the local shop without doing your homework, you would be puzzled with all types – varying in size, shape, style, weight, etc. So the best thing to do is take the dismantled old faucet with you in case you forget the size. You can also manually take measurements to facilitate your selection. Choose whichever style suits you but make sure the size would fit. Almost all faucets have a manual that explains how it should be installed. Read those instructions to avoid any possible issues later. Put each piece on its place as directed in the manual and use wrenches and other plumbing tools to tighten connection points. Ensure that you do no tighten the points too much. Double check all connection points and make sure you have placed every little piece in its place. Now turn on the shut off valves and check through the lines, especially the connection points, for any leakage. If there is any leakage from a point, you can dismantle and join that again and tighten a bit more until the leakage stops. Also consult the manual again in the middle of the work if you face any problem. The whole process of changing the faucet may seem complicated to some. In case you are one of those, just call your local plumber and let him do the job in a professional manner.