Posts

How to Replace a Kitchen or Bathroom Faucet?

/in /by

Is it time for an update for your faucet? If it’s just dripping, you can usually just replace a washer or other seal. Don’t worry if you need to replace the whole thing though. The procedure is pretty straightforward, especially if you have the right tools.

Inspect your sink. Check to see how many openings there are and how far apart they are. You may have to look underneath to be sure. For bathroom faucets, in particular, the two handles may be joined with the spout to become a single unit or they may be spread apart from it. You will need this information to choose the correct replacement.

Review the instructions that come with the faucet. They can range from detailed and helpful to minimal and frustrating. When in doubt, defer to the manufacturer’s instructions rather than those you find elsewhere. Consider buying a basin wrench for under $20. It’s a tool designed to reach way up behind your sink and remove the two big nuts on each side of the faucet that hold the faucet tight against the sink. If you can’t loosen the nuts by hand or with the tools you have on hand, a basin wrench will make the job easier.

Remove everything from under the sink and store it well out of your way. Get plenty of light under your sink so you can see what you are doing up there. Arrange any portable lamp or use a drop light if you have one.

Turn off the water to the faucet. Under the sink, you will see two supply lines coming out of the wall and going up to your faucet. There should be a valve on each one, one for hot and one for cold. Turn both of these valves off by twisting them clockwise as though they were faucets. Loosen the tube nut that’s just above the valve on each tube and lift the tubes out of the valves. Water will come out of each tube now as they drain back from the faucet so you’ll need a towel to soak up this water.

It’s a good idea to replace the supply lines when you replace the faucet, if they are old, especially if they were the flexible sort. If you have solid tubing, it isn’t generally necessary unless it doesn’t reach the new faucet. If you’re not replacing the supply lines, you may only have to disconnect them at the top. A braided, stainless steel reinforced supply line will virtually eliminate the possibility of flooding from the line bursting.

 

How to Renovate a Bathroom?

/in /by

Renovating a bathroom can be as simple as changing out towel rods and faucets for new ones, or as complex as knocking down walls and rearranging tubs and toilets. It can be quite intimidating, especially if you don’t know where to begin. This article will give you the basics of how to renovate a bathroom.

Make sure that your new bathroom meets building codes while still being comfortable. Some places require certain rooms, such as bathrooms, to be a specific size. If the final design does not meat the requirements, the city won’t approve your re-design, and you won’t be able to renovate your bathroom. Be sure to check with your city if you plan on re-sizing your bathroom, and make sure that your design is meeting the building code. Half baths usually range between 3 to 4 feet wide and 6 to 8 feet long in the United States. The larger the half bath is, the more comfortable it will be.

Take advantage of the space in a master bathroom. Master bathrooms are meant to be used by two people. If planned correctly, they can be quite comfortable and roomy. If planned incorrectly, however, they can become cramped and lead to unnecessary elbow-jostling. Consider adding in a separate toilet room with a door; this will give you and your partner more privacy.

Having both a shower stall and a bathtub will allow two people to get clean at the same time. If you choose to have two sinks, make sure that they are at least 36 inches (91.44 centimeters) apart. This will give both people enough space to spread out and not worry about bumping elbows. Be sure to include pathways. If two people are going to be using the bathroom at the same time, they will need enough space to pass by each other. Plan on having 36 to 42 inches (91.44 to 116.84 centimeters) wide pathways in the bathroom.

Have a backup bathroom. This is especially important if you are making renovations that involve plumbing. The last thing you’d want is to be stuck without a toilet or shower for several days. If you don’t have a spare bathroom, you may need to install a portable toilet and an outdoor shower.

Take measurements of everything before you go shopping. You will need to know the exact side of your bathroom, including the width, length, and height. You will also need to know the dimensions of other things, such as toilets, bathtubs, sinks, showers, and cabinets. If you don’t take proper measurements, you may buy something in the wrong size. Taking measurements early will prevent the hassle of trying to return something that doesn’t fit.

Choose slip-free, non-absorbent flooring. There are different types of floor material that you can use in a bathroom. In general, what you pay is what you get. If you want something that looks good, is high quality, and lasts for a long time, you will need a larger budget. Porcelain and glazed tiles are easy to clean and take care of. Marble and granite are expensive, but they look great.

Avoid porous stone, such as limestone. They absorb stains easily, which makes them difficult to clean. If you want a natural stone, then make sure that it is sealed. Try to get something that is non-slip. Look for textured or matte finishes, or glazes that have sand in them. Keep painted or stained cement in mind. You can also get sheet vinyl or vinyl tiles. They are less expensive than the real thing, but they may not look or feel as great either.