Need A New Wide-Spread Bathroom Faucet? Tips For A DIY Installation

If you've got a leaky faucet, it's time for a replacement. Leaky faucets can cause a variety of problems. They can cause your water bill to go through the roof. And, they can cause mold growth and wood rot. That's why a new faucet is so important. Most faucet replacements can get tackled as DIY projects. But, you do need to take steps to avoid mistakes. If you've never installed a faucet before, read the list below. Here are four steps to help you avoid mistakes when installing a new faucet. 

Start With a Clean Surface

If you're going to replace an existing faucet, you need to start with a clean surface. Before you install the new faucet, use a putty knife to remove the dried putty. If there's a dried gasket, you'll also need to scrape that off the sink. Once you've removed the debris, clean and dry the sink. That way, you can get a good seal for your new faucet. 

Turn Off the Water Supply

If you're ready to install a new faucet, don't forget to turn off the water supply. If this is your first time replacing a faucet, you might not realize that you need to turn off the water. There should be a water valve under the sink. You can turn that to the off position. If you can't find the turn-off valve, or it's stuck in the "on" position, you'll need to turn off the main water supply to your house. This will turn off all the water in the house, but you won't get stuck with a flood when you remove the faucet. 

Provide the Proper Seal

Now that the sink is clean and the water is off, you'll want to get your new faucet ready for installation. To do that, you'll need to attach the gasket and apply the putty. The new gasket will go on the base of the faucet. This helps ensure a secure fit. Once the gasket is in place, you'll apply plumber's putty to the sink openings for your faucet. Set the faucet into the openings and press down. Pressing down creates a seal around the faucet. Use a damp rag or putty knife to remove the excess putty. 

Test Your New Faucet

Once you have your new faucet installed, you'll want to give it a test. Start by turning the water back on. After you have the water supply back on, check the faucet for leaks. Pay close attention to the base of the faucet. You'll also want to check the hoses for leaks. Then, turn the faucet on. You should have good water pressure and no leaks.

For more information, contact a local company, like Kingston Kitchen and Bath.