Faucet Installation: What You Should Know

For many people, faucet installation is a piece of cake. You don't need a hired expert to do this for you. With a little initiative, you can install your faucet at no extra cost. It is important to remember though that installing a faucet does involve basic knowledge or skill in understanding instructions. Here are some basic points that you should know before you install your faucet.

Bottom or Top

Faucets are not uniformly made. There are many different faucet types for you to choose from before you can install. You would have to determine for example if you would prefer disc, compression, cartridge or a ball type faucet. One other crucial installation related concern is choosing between a top or bottom mounted faucet.

Bottom Mount

With this type, you have to hold the faucet securely from the bottom. Once the faucet is in its right position, all you have to do would be to install the washers and manually thread the mounting nuts. You can then secure the escutcheons with some putty. The last step is to install the handles.

Top Mounted Faucet

Faucet installation with this type may seem easier for some to manage. Many new models come with their own gaskets so they can be tightly put in place. If your faucet doesn't have its own gasket, make sure you apply the right amount of plumber's putty. Once the putty is in place, put the faucet head on. From the bottom, install the mounting nuts and washers to the tailpiece.

Connecting Water Lines

Your faucet is now in place. All that is left to do is to connect the faucet to the water supply lines. Connect the appropriate hot and cold lines to the right shut off valves. You can use pipe tape to make sure that you have a tight connection. Check all the connections again before you give a go signal to turn on the water supply.

In case you hadn't noticed yet, all you really need is to follow instructions. You also need to understand them correctly. You would be lucky if you were able to buy a faucet with free installation instructions. There are however, also several instruction sites online that could help you.

Faucet Tips

There seems to be no big deal to installing your own faucet. Sometimes the real challenge is in going through the pre installation concerns. You have to consider for example your faucet design based on whether you will be placing it on your kitchen sink or in the bathroom. Some designs are simply meant for one or the other.

Another faucet related consideration would be the space. A small kitchen sink and a small bathroom would look better with small faucets. You could also opt for wall mounted faucets to maximize the use of your small space.

Another concern would be your handle preferences. Double handles can help you mix hot and cold water more accurately. Those who are always in a hurry though would do better with single handle faucets that function with a single twist or flick.

Faucet installation can be the easiest project you can do. Do make sure though that all your pre installation concerns have been properly addressed.