During a kitchen or bath
renovation you will need to install faucets. This article is
a thorough how-to that will walk you through the process
step-by-step.
Installation of a new faucet isn't very difficult because no
matter what the style of faucet you choose, it will fit the
three-hole standard, with spaces 4 inches apart.
Materials List
New faucet and mounting hardware
Gasket or plumber's putty
Tongue-and-groove pliers
Basin wrench
Screwdriver
 Shut off the water and remove the old faucet if
there is one. On models with sprayers, remove the hose from
the faucet body. Unhook the supply lines and move them.
Remove the mounting nuts holding the faucet to the sink with
the basin wrench. Sometimes old locknuts don't come loose
easily - in this case, try penetrating oil to get them
going. If you still can't get them off, tap them with a
hammer and screwdriver. Clean away the old putty after
removing the faucet.
 Secure the faucet to the sink - beneath the new
faucet install a gasket or a rope of plumber's putty and set
in place. Fasten the mounting nuts and washers - you may
need someone to help you hold everything in place while you
do this. With every faucet there are two possible types of
supply connections. Your new faucet will either have
flexible copper supply inlets in the center of the unit that
need compression fittings, or hand-tightened supply hoses
just under the hot and cold handles.
 If your faucet comes with a sprayer, this is the
time to attach it. First, mount the hose guide, thread the
hose through it, and fasten to the faucet's spray outlet.
 Connecting the supply lines is next. For lines
that attach under the handles, brush the inlet threads with
pipe joint compound or wrap them with Teflon tape. Next,
twist on the supply line nut and secure it with your hands.
Tighten it a half-turn more with the basin wrench or pliers
but don't over-tighten, as this may cause a crack. The other
end connects to the shutoff valve the same way. For flexible
copper inlets, make sure you don't twist the copper tubes
because if you do you can damage the faucet. Using two
wrenches will ensure this doesn't occur.
 Finally, all that's left to do is turn the water
on and check all the connections to ensure everything is
working properly. |
