CloseInstall a Faucet
Types: The 2 main faucet types most commonly used are compression faucets and mixing faucets. The compression faucet has a handle that gives water pressure by twisting on and off. It is usually seen in hose bibs, which are outdoor faucets, washing machine hookups, and dual-handled sink fixtures. The modern type is the mixing faucet or the washerless faucet. It has a lever or knob that controls water flow and temperature. The mixing faucet is more durable than the compression faucet so it has become more frequently used. This type is used for sinks, bathtubs, showers and wash basins.
Faucet Variations: If you are buying a new faucet without supply yubing, buy two supply tubes of either braided steel or vinyl mesh to be attached to the faucet. You can also use BP plastic or chromed copper for supply tubing, or just buy a faucet that comes with pre-attached copper supply tubes, which connect directly to the water supply.
Tools and Materials You Need:
Removing the Old Faucet
Step 1: Remove Coupling Nuts: Turn off the water before you begin. Using penetrating oil, spray the tailpiece mounting nuts and coupling nuts to loosen them for detaching. Using a basin wrench or channel-type pliers, remove the coupling nuts. Turn off the water before you begin. Using penetrating oil, spray the tailpiece mounting nuts and coupling nuts to loosen them for detaching. Using a basin wrench or channel-type pliers, remove the coupling nuts.
Step 2: Unscrew Tailpiece: Use a basin wrench or channel-type pliers to unscrew the tailpiece mounting nuts and remove the faucet.
Step 3: Clean the Surface: After removing the faucet, scrape away the old putty from the surface of the sink with a putty knife.
Installing New Faucet with Separate Supply Tubing
Step 1: Insert the Faucet: Insert the new faucet into the sink's holes. Using either silicone caulk or plumber's putty, apply a bead 1/4-inch thick to the base of the faucet as seen in figure 3. Attach the faucet to the sink making sure the base is parallel to the back of the sink. Press the faucet down firmly so that it is sealed tightly to the sink. Wipe the excess caulk from the surface of the faucet after it has been pressed into place.
Step 2: Tighten the Nuts: Connect the metal friction washers and then the mounting nuts to the tailpiece using a basin wrench or channel-type pliers.
Step 3: Attach the Tubing: Attach the supply tubes to the tailpiece and use a basin wrench or channel-type pliers to tighten the coupling nuts.
Step 4: Connect the Water Source: When the supply tubing is attached to the sink, connect it to the water source at the shutoff valves using compression fittings. Tighten the nuts by hand then, using an adjustable wrench, tighten the nuts 1/4 of a turn. This will ensure that the nuts are not on too tight.
Installing Faucet with Pre-attached Tubing
Step 1: Install the Faucet: Follow the same instructions as you would when installing a faucet with separate tubing. It is not necessary to connect tubing to the faucet since it is already pre-attached, so leave out step 3.
Step 2: Connect Supply Tubing: Using a basin wrench or channel-type pliers, connect the pre-attached supply tubes to the shutoff valves. The tubing labeled red connects to the hot water source and the tubing labeled blue connects to the cold water source.
Attaching a Sink Sprayer
Step 1: Insert Sprayer: Using plumber's putty or silicone caulk, apply a bead 1/4 inch thick to the base of the sprayer. Insert the end of the sprayer hose into the sink opening and press the sprayer into place.
Step 2: Attach Mounting Nut: Screw the mounting nut onto the tailpiece of the sprayer after placing a washer over the tailpiece. Tighten the mounting nut with a basin wrench or channel-type pliers and remove the extra putty from the base of the sprayer.
Step 3: Attach the Hose to the Faucet: Connect the hose to the hose nipple found on the bottom of the faucet. Using a basin wrench or channel-type pliers, tighten the screw 1/4 of a turn.
Provided by: http://doityourself.com/faucet/installfaucet.htm