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If you're looking for a way to improve the aesthetics and functionality of your home, but don't want to undergo hassles and incur large costs, a faucet replacement is the thing for you. Just replace an old faucet with a new one and be amazed with how big a difference you can make. Other than that, no more irritating noise that a dripping and leaky faucet generates. The first step in faucet replacement is looking for the right faucet. Although there are many types, styles and combinations of faucets in the market today, the first thing you have to be concerned about is whether the faucet you choose will fit into the old sink. Be informed that there are two possible ways for different supply connections. That is why you should determine what supply connection your faucet has - flexible copper supply inlet found in the center of unit, or one that is located under the hot and cold handles. Before anything else, shut off the main water supply. You can do this by shutting off the control valve found under the sink. It is also recommended that you prepare all the necessary materials beforehand, and don't forget to prepare some penetrating oil in case the mounting nuts are hard to remove, and are stuck. It is also best if you have someone around to help you in handing out the tools as you work. Also, don't forget to plug the drain with rags so that small parts like screws and bolts cannot go down the drain. - Remove the old fixture If your faucet contains a sprayer, first remove the nuts that secure the hose to the faucet body and also the spray head to the sink. Unhook the supply lines and set them aside. Using your wrench, loosen and remove the mounting nuts that hold the faucet body to the sink. If it is hard to pry loose, you can use penetrating oil. Lift the faucet. Scrape mineral build up and putty from the top of the sink. - Attach new faucet to the sink Install or apply a gasket or use a rope of plumber's putty or adhesive to the sink or to the faucet. Set the new faucet in place, and make sure that it is parallel to the backsplash. Get under the sink, and have someone hold the faucet for you while you work. Screw on a washer and mounting nut on to each inlet, and tighten it using a basin wrench. - Connect supply lines Wrap inlet threads with Teflon tape or apply pipe joint compound on it. Twist supply line nut on the inlet and tighten it (by hand, then by wrench). Connect the other end of supply line to the shutoff valve in the same process. If your faucet uses flexible copper inlets for its water supply, make sure that the copper tubes are not twisted in any way. If they are, the faucet could become ruined. - Connect and adjust the pop-up drain assembly Insert a ball rod into opening found in the drain body and secure it using a nut provided. Slip the rod through the clevis strap and again secure it, this time using spring clips. Lower the rod and let it pass through the hole near the rear of the faucet sprout and upper end of clevis strap. Tighten thumbscrew, adjust rods, and set everything in place. And with that, you have the steps to faucet replacement. Never would you have to call on a plumber again to do the work for you. Just follow the steps religiously, and you'll be Mr. HandyMan in no time.
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Find out how to fix a leaky faucet yourself. Read the simple guide to faucet replacement now!
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