Replace Faucets 

Replace Faucets Yourself and Save
By J Richardson

Are you looking to replace your faucet? Before you call in a professional, you should weigh the pros and cons to paying for something that can easily be accomplished yourself. Think about how money you'll need to pay for an evaluation and cost of labor in addition to the new faucet product you've purchased. With the proper tools and hardware parts, replacing your faucet can be an easy task, just follow these simple steps!

Step #1: Get the Necessary Goods
Like any ordinary do-it-yourself project, you'll want to be fully prepared prior to beginning your faucet replacement. This means purchasing or simply finding the tools around the house that you'll need to replace the faucet. These tools include: flashlight, basic wrench, pliers, painters or electrical tape and steel wool or other metal cleaning agent. In addition to these tools, you'll also need the replacement faucet.

Bonus: Be sure to measure the dimensions of your current faucet before purchasing the new fixture. This way, you won't have to run to the store multiple times to find the perfect fit.

Step #2: Take Precautions
Many homeowners get caught up in their projects and forget the basics-like turning off the water! Unless you're prepared to get soaked, you should turn off the water to the sink. This can either be done by turning off the water main that supplies your entire house (which might not be a good idea if you have children) or simply twisting the valves beneath the faucet into the "off" position.

Bonus: Before you remove the faucet, turn the faucet on to allow extra water to drain out as well as to double check that you've shut off the water properly.

Step #3: Loosen & Remove
Now you're ready to remove your old faucet! It's time to gently loosen and remove the nuts that fasten the faucet to the sink using your basic wrench or pliers. The locations of the nuts depend on the style sink; faucets that are bottom-mounted feature nuts above the sink, while top-mounted faucet nuts are located below the sink. Once the nuts are loosened, you may remove the faucet fixture. Check for any damage to the sink area, you may want to replace this too while the faucet is removed.

Bonus: Clean the sink surface before even touching the new faucet; use steel wool or a hot water mixed with a gentle cleanser to remove buildup that's accumulated over time.

Step #4: Align the Replacement
Since you've pre-measured the dimensions of your faucet, this next step should be easy! Place the new faucet in the correct area, aligning the bolts with the holes. Using your flashlight, you will places the washers and nuts on the bolt ends.

Bonus: If you're having a hard time tightening the nuts, hold the bolts in place with a set of pliers, and then twist the nuts with your wrench.

Step #5: Test & Re-Test
You're almost there! Now all you have to do is reconnect the water lines. First, make sure the connections below the sink are correct and properly tightened. Then, turn the water below the sink on; if you've turned off the water main that supplies the entire household, remember to turn it back on!

Chances are, your sink was properly installed. However, it's always best to test while you still have your tools accessible. Try turning on the cold water. Using your flashlight, look under the faucet for any leaks while the water is running. Repeat this step with the hot water. Be sure to also check above the sink for any leaks around the base of the faucet or from the faucet itself.

Bonus: Most leaks are caused by loose nuts. If you do notice any leak, try re-tightening the nuts. Be sure to run the hot and cold water test each time to re-tighten, and look for any improvements on the leak.

Jim Richardson is Vice President of Your Home Supply (YHS), the definitive website for home improvement tools, and gardening supplies. Your Home Supply offers a wide range of bathroom faucets to help customers with common household repairs, as well as decorative accessories for the home. Visit them now at http://www.YourHomeSupply.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Richardson http://EzineArticles.com/?Replace-Faucets-Yourself-and-Save&id=1795006