Faucet installation is not as hard as you think. In fact, many home improvement sites and resources simply recommend that you do it yourself. Do remember though that every DIY project requires some basic knowledge. You also need to have the ability to follow instruction to the letter. Here are some things you should know about installing faucets.

Faucet Mounting

These days, faucet choices are more confusing than installation itself. There are just so many faucet designs and several types that you could easily get confused. Like many consumers, you could just be tempted to make a decision based on design alone. A design of your choice however may not specifically fit your needs or your sink. Check if the holes in your faucet correspond to your sink. Determine too if you prefer a top or a bottom mounted faucet.

Bottom Mounted Faucet

Bottom mounted types are held in position from under the sink. From there, you only have to manually thread the mounting nuts to the tailpiece and install the washers. Next, put the escutcheons in place with a little plumber's putty. You can then position the handles on top.

Top Mount

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.

Supply 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.

Tips on Faucets

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.

You also have to consider the space where the faucets will be located. A tight sink area for instance will always do better with a wall mounted faucet to make pot water filling easier. Smaller bathrooms too could make do with wall faucets or small faucet designs.

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.

Anyone can handle faucet installation. You just have to make sure that you have taken care of all your faucet pre installation concerns.