Replacing Faucet Yourself

Replacing a faucet by yourself can seem like a rather complex and tedious task. In this article, we will tell you how to replace a faucet without calling a plumber.

Replacing a Faucet Yourself

Faucets are mounted in two ways: those that are mounted directly to the wall (secured with connections from behind) and those installed on a sink or washbasin (secured with connections from below). Replacing any of these faucets begins with shutting off the water supply in the system, both hot and cold. Then you need to open the tap and drain any remaining water in it, and remove the old faucet. The next step is to assemble the new faucet without washers or hemp thread (linen) to ensure all parts are well screwed together and there are no misalignments.

To install a faucet into the wall, you need to prepare eccentric fittings (parts with threads on both sides designed for connecting the faucet to the hot and cold water supply pipes) – wrap both threads with hemp or linen thread (another sealing material you purchased to ensure joint tightness). Perform the same steps with the threads on the new faucet's taps to avoid water leakage through them.

Hemp should be wound in the direction of the nut's rotation, but with less hemp at the beginning of the thread than at the end. Ensure that the threads protrude above the hemp. For extra sealing, you can apply sealant for threaded joints on top of the hemp. Then screw the eccentric fittings into the water pipes in the wall. Do this first by hand, and then tighten with a wrench. Now you can install decorative caps on the fittings, and then mount the faucet.

For replacing a faucet installed on a sink, after removing the old faucet, perform the following steps:

Replacing the Washer in a Faucet

Often, it's not the faucet itself that needs to be replaced but the washer inside. To replace the washer in a tap with a handle, you will need a wrench, screwdriver, and a new washer. Before starting the job, shut off the water supply. Then remove the decorative plastic cap and unscrew the fixing bolt underneath it. Next, using a wrench, unscrew the valve cap. After that, you will see the washer, which may also be secured with a pin. Remove the old washer and install the new one, screw the valve cap back in place, fix the bolt, and reinstall the decorative cap. Open the water and check the quality of your work.

Replacing Flexible Hose

Replacing the flexible hose of a faucet does not require much effort or time. You need to remove the old hose. To do this, unscrew the nut that secures the hose to the faucet. Remove the spout. Inspect the gaskets on the new hose. If they're in good condition, proceed with installing the hose. Screw one end of the flexible hose to the faucet using a nut, and attach the spout to the other end of the hose. Switch the water in the shower and check the quality of your work.