Plumbing is about more than just pipes. It’s about the fixtures and appliances that make our lives comfortable and convenient. Plumbers work with a wide range of materials and tools to install and repair these systems.
The water supply system carries freshwater into a home’s pipes. From there, it flows to the fixtures—think sinks, bathtubs, showers, and toilets—via valves and drain lines. Contact Plumbing Express, Inc. for professional help.
Installing a new faucet is one of the most common plumbing projects. However, the task can be a little challenging depending on your experience and the type of faucet. It’s always best to seek the services of a professional plumber for complex projects like faucet installation. This will ensure that the job is done properly and avoids any future problems with your water supply system.
Start by turning off the water supply valves. You can usually find these under the sink or behind the toilet. Next, remove the existing faucet by unscrewing the mounting nuts and drain tube from the sink. You will probably need a wrench to loosen the nut. Once the old faucet is removed, clean the sink deck and prepare to install the new one.
Once you have the new faucet in place, apply a ring of plumber’s putty around the base of the spout and escutcheon. This will ensure a watertight seal. Once the spout and escutcheon are in place, screw on the nut and tighten. Next, install the pop-up mechanism.
Finally, hook the new water supply lines back up to the faucet. Don’t over-tighten these – just tighten them enough to prevent any leaks. It’s also important to make sure that the washer is in place and that the nut is on securely.
You can now turn the water supply back on and test your new faucet for any leaks. If you see any leaks, it’s time to call a plumber to take a closer look at the problem and determine the cause of the leak.
It is possible to do a faucet replacement yourself, but you will need to have some basic plumbing skills and the right tools. It is a good idea to have the help of a friend or family member for this project, as it can be difficult to reach behind the sink and loosen the mounting nuts. You will also need to be able to work quickly to get the project finished before the water turns back on. Also, don’t forget to account for the time spent preparing and cleaning up the work area.
Faucet Repair
A faucet with a leaky handle or one that won’t shut off can waste gallons of water. Fortunately, many problems with faucets can be fixed without calling in a professional. Start by identifying the source of the leak by watching the faucet to see where it’s coming from and feeling its temperature to determine whether it’s hot or cold. Once you’ve identified the problem, shut off the water supply valves beneath the sink. Close the drain and place a towel in the sink to protect the surface and catch any dropped parts as you disassemble the faucet.
A leaking faucet is often the first sign of internal components that are beginning to wear out or break down. Over time, small parts like washers and O-rings can lose their shape or become loose, leading to a breakdown in the seal that keeps water from leaking. Corroded valve seats, which form the compression connection between a faucet’s handle and spout, can also cause water to leak out of the spout.
In most cases, a replacement for a worn washer or O-ring will correct the problem. Replacing the valve seat may be necessary in more serious cases. Often, the problem is caused by mineral build-up in the valve stem or cartridge, which can restrict its movement and lead to a leaky faucet. In this case, you’ll need to remove and disassemble the faucet and clean the valve stem and cartridge with a mineral-removal product.
After replacing any worn parts, reassemble the faucet and test it for any remaining leaks. If the faucet still leaks, shut off the water supply valves beneath it and try turning on the faucet again to flush out any residual water in the line. Then, turn the supply valves back on slowly to prevent damage from excessive pressure.
If you’re having trouble removing the faucet handle, use needle-nose pliers to pry up the decorative cap (called an escutcheon) that covers the screw holding it in place. Once the escutcheon is removed, you can loosen the packing nut underneath it with a wrench. This large six-sided nut can tighten or unscrew in either direction, so it’s important not to overtighten it.
Faucet Replacement
Faucet replacement is a great way to update the look of your kitchen or bathroom. However, many people are hesitant to attempt this project themselves because they believe it will be too difficult. Luckily, faucet installation is actually a fairly simple process that can be done by almost anyone. Here are some things you should know before you begin your project:
Water Valves
Before starting any work under the sink, it is crucial to turn off the water valves. This will prevent any accidental water flow while you are working. To do this, find the shut off valves underneath your sink and turn them clockwise until completely closed. It is also a good idea to turn on the faucet to relieve any remaining pressure in the lines.
Disconnect the Water Lines
After turning off the water, you will need to disconnect the water lines connected to your old faucet. This can be done by using a basin wrench to remove the nut holding the water lines in place. It may be necessary to use a lubricant or penetrating oil to help loosen the nut. Once the lines are disconnected, it is a good idea to clean the area around them.
You will probably notice a lot of gunk built up where the water connections were attached to your sink. This is normal and can be cleaned with a putty knife or heavy-duty cleaner, like Magic Eraser. Just make sure you choose a safe cleaner that is free from unsafe chemicals.
Remove the Faucet
Once you have removed the water lines and the faucet, it is a good idea to clean around the drain hole in your sink. This will help to ensure that the new faucet is properly sealed and doesn’t leak. It is also a good idea to clean any mineral build up in the sink or around the faucet, as this can affect the quality of your water.
When installing a new faucet, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. It is also a good idea to test your new faucet to make sure it works correctly. Once the new faucet is installed, it is a good idea to replace any decorative plates that you might need.
Faucet Maintenance
Many homeowners don’t give their faucets a second thought until they become dripping or difficult to operate. But regular care can prevent this and extend the life of your fixtures. Small components such as seals and washers can wear out over time, causing drips and other problems. Replacement of these parts is usually a simple DIY job, but if you’re not comfortable with this, it’s always best to consult a professional.
One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your kitchen or bathroom faucet is by cleaning it regularly. A clean, well-functioning faucet is less likely to attract hard water residue and buildup, which can tarnish the look of your sink and affect your family’s health by reducing the quality of your household drinking water.
A simple, everyday solution of mild liquid dish soap mixed with warm water should remove most grime. For stubborn spots or mineral deposits, try a mixture of white vinegar and water to create a natural cleaner that’s safe for your faucet surfaces. Avoid cleaners containing abrasives, metal scrub pads or steel wool as these can damage your fixture’s finish.
Another important part of faucet maintenance is flushing out the water lines on a regular basis to clear out mineral deposits and prevent them from building up inside the faucet. This can also help improve the strength of your water flow and reduce water temperature fluctuations.
Kitchen faucets are subject to a lot of wear and tear, so it’s important to keep them properly cleaned. A small screen known as an aerator screws into most kitchen faucets, and holes in it add air to the water as it flows out of the tap. These screens are also susceptible to the same mineral and debris buildup as the outer housing of your faucet, so they need regular cleaning.
To perform this maintenance, turn off the water supply valves under your sink and drain the water from the line by turning on the faucet. Close the drain and place a towel in the sink to protect the surface and catch any dropped parts. Remove the aerator, noting the order of the parts for reassembly, and then clean it with hot water and vinegar. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, hardware stores offer kitchen faucet aerator kits that make it easy to install and replace yours.
