December 13th, 2009
Can I replace kitchen taps and fawcett myself easily and inexpensively?
I am not a plumber.
If I go to Home Depot and buy a new kitchen fawcett and taps does it come with step by step instructions? I think I could do it if there was good instructions and a diagram or two.
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Filed under: Refurbish Property
Yes. And since you’re female, you’ll have no trouble reading and following instructions.
You need a few tools to work with but if the plumbing you are connecting to is not too old it is not difficult and the instructions are usually easy to follow. I am not a plumber but I have replaced and plumbed several of my own.
If you can use a wrench, you can replace a faucet. In fact, some faucets don’t ever require a wrench!
You can buy a wide range of kitchen fawcett and taps at Home Depot or Lowes. They range in price to fit most budgets.
Unfortunately, replacing a sink fawcett can be challenging…usually because you are having to work while laying on your back, underneath the sink. If the fawcette and fittings are old, then they may have some rust and corrosion that makes them more difficult to remove. But it’s not impossible.
Study the situation and decide how much room you have for wrenches and then purchase the tools you need.
When you install the new fawcett, be sure to use new flexible hose connections. The ones they make now are easier to use than metal fittings, and the connections sometimes even have wing nut type fittings that make them easier to grip and to install.
Yes, you can. One difficulty you might encounter is if the connecting pipes are old.
Good luck.
I think you could do it. There are lots of good DIY websites to help also. Just be sure the water is turned off to the faucet. The main problem you might encounter is not having the right tools or enough hand strength. I could do it except for the hand strength.
I often think if someone thinks they can do something, they can. You might have a rough time of it, being your first time and all, but I say go for it. There are a couple of tools you may need, depending on what the faucet/sink is like. A rep at the hardware store will be able to help you determine that.
And, you will spend some time on your back under the sink. Use several layers of towels or an old pillow.
Just remember to turn off the water under the sink first!
Then disconnect the flexible lines that run from the little faucets under the sink (supply) to the existing valve assenbly.
There will be either one large nut in the center, under the sink, or two nuts holding the faucet assembly in place. take that off, and the faucet assembly and flex lines can be lifted out from above.
Clean the area.
Attacht the flex lines (or new lines, if necessary) to the new assembly.
Reassemble.
Most instructions that come with the faucet assemblies are pretty clear.
Most instructions have an 800 number to call if you run into problems.
Good luck, and good on you for wanting to do it yourself!
Mike
Yes you could and they do come with instructions. You should buy a faucet wrench though. It makes it easier to reach up and disconnect the water line. I may not have used the right word so ask the salesperson for the wrench to disconnect the waterline at the faucet. Also get a can of plumbers putty. The salespeople at Home Depot have a lot of knowledge. Also get a good faucet, like a Moen, etc. not a plastic one. I hope I have helped…..Thomas S.
Its not so complicated.However if the hold down nuts are really rusted it can be a problem(it might entail taking the sink out but usually not).Also be sure and wear goggles(or glasses) because you are going to be looking up into falling rust(it stings in the eyes)If you can, get plastic hold down nuts(for the new faucet).They don’t rust.
you may need an adjustable wrench. always start the project early on a day where you can get someone to come help if you get in trouble. Not Sunday, not 11 pm at night. ask around and you may find a lot of people that have experience doing it. Get some teflon tape with your supplies.