Would you like to save money, make your bathroom look better, and be able to take pride in the fact that you did it yourself? Deciding to start a home improvement project can be a little freighting but with the right tools and information, you will soon be on your way. You will have the confidence to do it yourself and know that you have done a good job.
The first step to getting started with your new tap project is getting the information to do the job. You need to consult the web and/or educational books to make sure that you have all that you need to make this process happen.
Once you have all your information compiled and feel ready to undertake your home improvement project, you need to look at all the different tap manufacturers for the best quality for the money you are willing to spend. You will want to purchase a tap that is durable, as well as, blending well with your existing bathroom accessories.
You now have the perfect tap purchased. It is sitting in its box awaiting its new home on your bathroom vanity. You need to make sure that you have the correct tools available. This would include:
A basin cock wrench or pipe wrench
Philips-head screwdriver
Flat-head screwdriver
Slip-joint and adjustable pliers
Adjustable wrench
Bathroom caulk and caulk gun (plumber's putty will also work)
New flexible tap supply tubes
Thread sealer
Your next step in this process would be to remove the old tap. To do this, you will need to shut off your water supply either under the sink or at the main water-supply valve. The hot and cold water supply tubes will need to be loosened. At the tap stem, loosen and remove the compression nut with a basin cock wrench or pipe wrench. To remove the tap now, all that you need to do is remove the nut holding the tap to the sink. The tap should lift off.
Chrome-plated brass hardware may start to decay after time so you may wish to change that as well. A bucket should be placed under the drain to contain excess water still in the drain. A new stopper may come with your new tap. If this is the case, you might like to change that also. This will give you a consistent look on your new design.
You will need to wrap your tap stems with a thread sealer. Before inserting the tap stems into the correct holes install the rubber gasket to the base of the tap. Don't worry if your tap did not come with a rubber gasket. A bead of caulk will do the trick. When you have the tap in position, you can thread the washer, nut, and mounting nut on to the tap tailpiece. Tighten these nuts by hand.
You may now attach your supply tubes to the tap stems. Make sure that you apply thread sealer to the shut off valve threads. Tighten the coupling nuts to the supply stems. Be careful not to over-tighten the nuts. Reconnect the hot and cold water supply stems.
You are now ready to clean the supply tubes to your new tap. To do this you need to remove the aerator from the tap. Now turn on the water. You will need to check for leaks while the water is running. If there are none, shut off the water and replace the aerator.
Now sit back and enjoy your new bathroom tap. You can take pride in the fact that you just installed it yourself.
