Friday, December 19, 2008

Faucet Installation: What You Should Know

By Kaye Fretz

Faucet installation is not as hard as you think. In fact, many home improvement sites and resources simply recommend that you do it yourself. Do remember though that every DIY project requires some basic knowledge. You also need to have the ability to follow instruction to the letter. Here are some things you should know about installing faucets.

Faucet Mounting

These days, faucet choices are more confusing than installation itself. There are just so many faucet designs and several types that you could easily get confused. Like many consumers, you could just be tempted to make a decision based on design alone. A design of your choice however may not specifically fit your needs or your sink. Check if the holes in your faucet correspond to your sink. Determine too if you prefer a top or a bottom mounted faucet.

Bottom Mounted Faucet

Bottom mounted types are held in position from under the sink. From there, you only have to manually thread the mounting nuts to the tailpiece and install the washers. Next, put the escutcheons in place with a little plumber's putty. You can then position the handles on top.

Top Mount

Faucet installation with this type may seem easier for some to manage. Many new models come with their own gaskets so they can be tightly put in place. If your faucet doesn't have its own gasket, make sure you apply the right amount of plumber's putty. Once the putty is in place, put the faucet head on. From the bottom, install the mounting nuts and washers to the tailpiece.

Connecting Water Lines

Faucet replacement does not often involve line replacement as well. If your old supply lines are functioning well, all you have to do would be to connect the hot and cold lines to the designated faucet lines. Do make sure the right lines are connected. After everything is done, check your work for loose nuts. If you re sure that everything is in its right place, you can turn on the water control to see if there are any leaky parts.

Remember that the real key to installing faucets is the instructions. Some faucet models may already include manual instructions for installation. If they do not, you can easily locate the instructions online. Do make sure though that the instructions you are following are perfectly matched to your type of faucet and connection.

Tips on Faucets

There seems to be no big deal to installing your own faucet. Sometimes the real challenge is in going through the pre installation concerns. You have to consider for example your faucet design based on whether you will be placing it on your kitchen sink or in the bathroom. Some designs are simply meant for one or the other.

You also have to consider the space where the faucets will be located. A tight sink area for instance will always do better with a wall mounted faucet to make pot water filling easier. Smaller bathrooms too could make do with wall faucets or small faucet designs.

Handles are another factor to consider. Two handle faucets are popular because they make mixing water easier and more accurate. Single handle faucets however are quick and easy to use.

Anyone can handle faucet installation. You just have to make sure that you have taken care of all your faucet pre installation concerns.

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