Installing or changing a faucet

To install or to change a faucet is easy to do.
Difficulty level :
Tools list
Material list
Virtual Decorator
Project guide service
Related Projects
Related Tips
Page 1/1
1. Measure the centre-to-centre distance
2. Turn off the water supply
3. Unscrew the nuts
4. Remove the faucets and replace old feed pipes
5. Apply some plumbers putty
6. Complete the installation and connect the pipes

1. Measure the centre-to-centre distance

Start by measuring the centre-to-centre distance separating the two housings (holes) at the back of the sink or lavatory. Choose taps with the same centre-to-centre measurement.

2. Turn off the water supply

Turn off the water supply by turning off the shutoffs found on the feed pipes under the sink or lavatory. If you don't have shutoffs, shut off the main water, typically located in the basement. To drain all the water from the system start opening faucets from the top of the house to the bottom.

3. Unscrew the nuts

Once the pipes are drained, unscrew the union nuts and lock nuts with an basin wrench. The union nuts hold the feed pipes in place, while the lock nuts are screwed to the faucet tailpieces (metal tubes) to secure the taps to the sink or washbasin.

Spray the nuts with a penetrating oil such as WD-40, and wait about fifteen minutes. This will help loosen rusty nuts.

4. Remove the faucets and replace old feed pipes

Remove the taps. Use a putty knife to scrape old sealer off the sink or lavatory. Clean and dry. Take advantage of the drying time to replace the old feed pipes with flexible ones (we recommend stainless steel braided supply lines). Simply remove the feed pipes between the taps and housings.


5. Apply some plumbers putty

Apply plumber's putty underneath the new faucets before installing the new faucet on the deck. Make sure the base of the faucet is parallel to the back of the sink or lavatory. Press down so the sealer or putty adheres well to the base to provide a watertight joint.

6. Complete the installation and connect the pipes

Place the metal friction washer and nuts on the tailpiece. Then screw tightly. Connect the pipes to the housings and secure the nuts to the tailpieces. Connect the other end of the tailpieces to the shutoffs.

Slide the nut and pressure fitting ring onto the pipe. Fasten one end of the braided stainless steel supply line to the bottom the the faucet tail piece and the other to the shutoff.
There you go! You've just given the kitchen sink or lavatory a new look in no time at all!
Page 1/1