There is nothing wrong with being a beginner, no one starts at the top. This is perhaps one of the greatest motivational quotes for people who want to fix or replace their home appliances by themselves.
Recently we covered an article covering the best faucets recommended by plumbers and this article is going to cover whether you can change a faucet or whether you should hire a plumber t do it for you.
All over the world, people try to replace and fix their various home appliances without inviting professionals.
For some, it goes well as planned but for others, they wail with the lamentations of “had I know is always at last”, regretting why they never invited a professional to replace their installed appliance for them.
Perhaps not all appliances can be replaced or fixed by a layman because some require the technical know-how of professionals.
Nevertheless, some can also be easily fixed by anyone without any repercussions.
One home appliance which people usually wonder whether they can replace themselves or need a plumber for the task is the faucet.
What is a faucet? Who is a plumber? Can you replace your faucet without a plumber? Let’s digress to give answers to the above.
What Is A Faucet
A faucet is a device that regulates the flow of liquid, especially water from a pipe by opening or closing an orifice.
It is also known as a tap. For its etymology, faucet comes from Fausset a medieval French word for a bung in a barrel. Bathroom faucets, Kitchen or sink faucets are all examples.
Who Is A Plumber
A plumber can be said to be someone who furnishes, fits, and repairs pipes and other apparatus for the conveyance of water, gas, or drainage.
A plumber’s job role consists of installation, repair, maintenance, and servicing of plumbing fittings and fixtures.
Can You Replace Your Faucet Without A Plumber?
The answer to the above question is YES. You can do a faucet replacement provided you have the right tools and some kind of knowledge in plumbing for your bathroom sink, kitchen sink, tub/shower, hose bib, or utility sink.
A broken faucet can cause problems for the entire building. There is a very low likelihood that you are familiar with every component of a faucet unless you are a plumber.
However, as the adage goes “where a determination is success can’t dismantle failure”. Once you are determined to replace it on your own there are a few components that all models of faucet share.
Having a clearer picture of what each of them does and their functions might help you replace them on your own.
You may also watch a YouTube tutorial on how to replace your faucet on your own.
Common Components Of A Faucet That May Help You Replace It
Handle
Almost everyone is familiar with the handle on a faucet. There are two different varieties of handles: single handles and double handles.
The single handle is a more popular option for a kitchen. Water will flow if you turn the handle in a sideways motion.
It takes a little more work to control the double handle. To get the water flowing at the appropriate temperature, both handles must be adjusted. They also appear more classy and classic.
Aerator
The tips of indoor faucets typically have aerators. This tiny but important component is made up of a mesh that controls the steady flow of water.
It reduces water splashing in the sink since it controls water pressure. Additionally, the mesh collects tiny water particles and smoothes the water flow. Such water tastes nicer and is better for the skin
Spout
The faucet’s spout is the final aperture through which water pours. Spouts come in a variety of designs, making them suitable for various needs.
A straight spout, for instance, has a long and useful design. On the other hand, a gooseneck design can be identified by its rounded spout.
Mount
It is the part between the sink and the faucet on which the faucet is placed. It is the seat of the faucet.
Body
The faucet body is where water is held before going out. Despite there being three different types, they all serve the same function: to store hot and cold water.
Valves
Valves control temperature and water flow. Modern types of valves may be replaced rather easily because they are cartridge-like.
The best kind of valve has a ceramic disc, which makes it resilient and less likely to leak.
How To Remove Kitchen Faucet By Yourself And Replace It
- Turn off the water and disconnect the hose
- Try and loosen the nut under the faucet.
- It’s important to clean the holes in the sink. There is always some dirt formed under it so you have to clean it.
How To Install A Kitchen Faucet
After all the hard work of removing the old one, replacing it shouldn’t be difficult.
- Drop the faucet tubes through the hole.
- Secure the faucet to the sink.
- Connect the faucet supply lines.
- Connect the spray headline.
- Finally, test for leaks.
