One of the most common upgrades of your bathroom is the faucet change. Whether it is old, leaking, or you just want to give your bathroom a new look, replacing bathroom faucet will give your space a fresh new perspective. You can opt for DIY methods if you have the know-how and the tools required, or you can call a professional plumber to do it for you. 

Whatever you decide, we will get you through the whole process from the start to the last part of how to replace bathroom faucet. 

When Is The Right Time to Replace Bathroom Faucet

The condition, performance, and appearance all play a role in deciding when to replace bathroom faucet. In general, it may be time for a replacement if your faucet shows evidence of wear and tear, such as frequent leaks, corroded surfaces, or loose handles that can’t be fixed. Pay attention to the sounds it makes because they indicate a blockage or a crack in the pipeline.

Age should also be taken into account; if your faucet is over fifteen years old and beginning to deteriorate, you should definitely replace it. A more contemporary, water-efficient one will improve your bathroom’s aesthetic and performance while conserving water and lowering utility costs. 

Ultimately, changing your bathroom faucet at the appropriate time guarantees a reviving update to your bathroom area and averts any damage or difficulty brought on by a failing fixture. This gives you a great opportunity to change to a new faucet that better suits your taste if the design no longer matches the aesthetics of your home or if you’re remodeling the bathroom. 

Let’s move on to the detailed instructions on how to replace bathroom faucet!

How to Replace Bathroom Faucet: A Step-By-Step Guide

For some, it may be a cakewalk, but if you are doing it for the first time, this is your step-by-step guide on how to replace a bathroom faucet correctly. Follow us as we guide you in your journey to becoming your own plumber in the following steps:

Gather The Equipment Needed

As a first step, you should gather everything you need in terms of tools and materials. You’ll need a  screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, a basin wrench, plumber’s tape, silicone caulk, and a new bathroom faucet kit that matches the mounting holes and style of your sink.

If you don’t have the equipment or necessary knowledge, don’t worry; you can always call an expert to help you replace the bathroom faucet.

Stop the Water Supply

The water supply to your bathroom sink should be turned off. Look under the sink to find the shut-off valves and close them. They often get jammed because of corrosion or other types of residue and can be challenging to close fully. In that case, you should stop the main water supply, but make sure you prepare the whole family for that. 

Clear The Surface Of The Sink

Next, you should clear your workspace before installing the new faucet. You can use a mild detergent to clean the sink and ensure there are no obstacles to properly mounting the faucet. 

After removing the old faucet, you should also deep-clean the sink surface to get rid of any leftover material and old caulking. A clean sink will make it easier for you to replace bathroom faucet.

Unplug The Faucet

To remove the old faucet safely, take away anything from the area surrounding the sink. Remove the mounting bolts and supply lines from the faucet using a screwdriver and an adjustable wrench. Lift the faucet with caution after loosening the nuts and disconnecting the supply lines. Put some towels or a bucket under the sink to prevent any leakage when doing the removal.

Attach the New Faucet

For installation, adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions that came with your new faucet set, and make sure you have all the necessary bathroom faucet replacement parts. The faucet tails are typically inserted into the mounting holes from the top of the sink after the rubber gasket or seal has been placed over them. Utilizing the supplied mounting bolts, fix the faucet in place from below.

Connect the Hot and Cold Supply Lines

Connect the hot and cold water shut-off valves under the sink to the new supply lines. To properly tighten the connections, use the adjustable wrench without overtightening them to avoid damaging the supply lines.

Plumber’s Tape Application

Before attaching the faucet handles and spout, seal all threaded areas with a plumber’s tape to ensure a watertight fit. This way, you will avoid leakage at the connectors.

Fix The Handles And Spout

Follow the manufacturer’s directions when attaching the faucet handles and spout securely to the faucet base. Any difficult-to-reach bolts can be tightened with a basin wrench.

Check For Potential Leaks

Once everything is in place, restore the water supply and see if there are any leaks. If you discover any, you can stop them by slightly tightening the connectors. If the leakage persists and you’re unsure why, you should look for a plumbing service to inspect the faucet.

Put Silicone Caulk in Place

Finally, use a little bead of silicone caulk to seal up the area where the faucet base meets the sink. This will give your new faucet a polished appearance and create another waterproof seal.

You’ve done it! Your bathroom looks clean and modern now that you’ve successfully replaced the faucet. Remember, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified plumber to ask for faucet installation advice and inspection or run into problems replacing bathroom faucets. Your new faucet will be a useful and fashionable focal point in your bathroom for years to come.

Cost to Replace Bathroom Faucet

The cost to replace bathroom faucet is determined by whether you are hiring a professional or replacing it yourself. Certain brands or faucet features can cost between $50 and $300, which may prompt you to call a pro. Additional costs include $20 to $50 on plumber’s tape, caulk, and other supplies you don’t already have or may not even need in the future. 

However, you won’t need any of that when calling a professional plumber since everything is included in the service. Whether an easy replacement or a more demanding one, professional installation can cost anywhere from $150 to $400.

Even though doing faucet replacement yourself might reduce labor costs, it still takes time, effort, and a certain amount of knowledge. By hiring a pro, you can be confident that replacing the bathroom faucet will be done smoothly and correctly, and the company will cover any subsequent issues. In any case, a well-designed and aesthetically pleasing bathroom faucet will improve the usefulness and beauty of your bathroom whether you decide to DIY or hire a pro. 

Concluding Remarks on Replacing Bathroom Faucets

Whether you desire to modernize an old look, stop leaks, or add a touch of a fresh,  contemporary look to your bathroom, replacing the bathroom faucet can make a significant difference. While doing it yourself may save you money, it also requires a lot of time and specific skills that might present a problem. A professional team such as Cummings Plumbing can ensure that a faucet installation is seamless and done correctly. 

Whatever you decide, keep in mind your unique requirements and preferences to make long-term enjoyment in your bathroom, and don’t hesitate to call a professional to do it for you properly. 

FAQ

What is the lifespan of a bathroom faucet?

The average time of functionality of a bathroom faucet can vary based on its quality, usage, and upkeep. If it’s well maintained, it can last between ten and twenty years. However, cheaper or cheaply manufactured faucets can’t last as long and might need to be replaced more frequently.

Is it better to repair or replace a faucet?

The degree of the damage and the faucet’s general condition determine whether to repair or replace it. Simple fixes like changing washers or cartridges can frequently solve minor problems like a dripping or leaking faucet, and some bathroom faucet replacement parts can cost you less than buying a new one. However, replacing the faucet is typically more cost-effective and practical if it is considerably rusted, obsolete, or damaged.

What is the average cost to replace a bathroom faucet?

It all depends on the design, manufacturer, and method of installation. The cost to replace bathroom faucet depends on whether you’re doing it yourself or a pro. Prices range from $50 to $300 if you are the one to replace it, while hiring a professional plumber can cost anywhere between $150 and $400.

Do new faucets come with drains?

It depends on the faucet supplier and the model. A matching drain assembly is included in a complete set alongside the new faucets by some brands. The drain may, however, be sold separately from some faucets, giving you the option to select a drain style that matches the design of your bathroom. It is crucial to determine whether a new faucet comes with a drain or if you have to buy the drain separately.

The shower drain is why your bathtub doesn’t clog after every shower and may be the most neglected part of the bathroom when cleaning. Without regular maintenance, it can lead to a whole new mess taking over your bathroom.

If you notice that the water in your tub drains slowly or not at all, then you probably need to snake your shower drain! Snaking is the easiest way to clean out all the gunk, hair, and soap inside your drain. Using a plumber’s snake is much safer than chemical cleaners since it won’t damage your pipes.

Are you in the middle of a shower drain crisis? To restore the flow in your drain, give this article a read! We’ll offer the best advice on how to snake a shower drain correctly!

What Is Snaking?

Snaking refers to a plumber’s technique for cleaning shower drains. Professionals use a snake-like tool to slip into the drain and collect all kinds of gunk obstructing the normal water flow in the drains. The manual drain snake is a flexible, 25-foot-long steel cable that easily slips into the drain. You navigate the tool through the coils and wires attached to the crank inside the cable. The plumber needs to turn the handle of the drain snake to start the rotations, which will dislodge the clog.

Snaking also refers to the type of cable movement inside the pipe. The steel cable looks like it’s slithering down your drain, slowly encircling hair, shampoo residue, and all kinds of debris!

Snaking can be done with numerous types of drain snakes. The best type of snake shower drain for bathtubs and sink drains is a hand auger. This tool works by reaching down your tub’s drain and removing all the debris causing the blockage.

When to Use a Drain Snake?

The situation calls for snaking if every time you take a shower, your tub turns into a pool. Here are some other similar situations that call for snaking before becoming a more significant hazard.

Slow-draining Tub or Sink

The first signs of a fully clogged drain are a slow-draining sink and shower drain. Your drain is not draining all the way because of the soft clogs that get lodged up from 15 to 25 feet down the drain line. You can use the plumber’s snake down the drain and break up or pull up whatever is clogging it.

If a Plunger Does Not Work

If your home plunger does not unclog your drain, there must be bigger and more serious clogging. In such cases, snaking a shower drain or sink is the better alternative because it’s much gentler. Plumber snakes are safer to use on stubborn clogs than plungers because they don’t apply too much pressure on tiles.

Water Backups

If you notice that your drain is making the dirty water return, then it’s probably clogged. If the water just continues to rise without showing signs of sinking, you should try using a drain snake.

Chemical Cleaners Don’t Work

Although chemical cleaners are not recommended for their dangerous ingredients, using one on your drain can sometimes do the trick. If the clogged material inside your drain is easily corrosive, the chemical liquid cleaner will unclog it. However, if the build-up inside your drain is too strong, the cleaning solution will just circle around it and corrode your pipes.

Foul Odor Rising From the Drains

Noticing a foul odor from the drain is the most alarming sign that you need to clean your drain. An array of reasons can cause a bad smell from the drain, but the main reason is the appearance of bacteria due to long periods without cleaning or declogging. Clean it or call a professional immediately if you notice a foul odor. The smell can worsen if you ignore it and even cause the rise of dirty water.

Bubbling or Gurgling Sounds

The bubbling or gurgling sounds you hear coming from the shower drain result from a blockage forming inside your pipes. The gurgling sound you hear is the air bubbles trying to escape your drain. When there’s a clog in the drain, air pockets appear around the clog, causing the trapped air to escape with the water that flows down your sink or bath.

Puddles of Water Near Drains

Seeing puddles of water near water drains in your home is a clear sign of a clog. If the puddles appear even when you are not using the appliances, then it’s a sign of concern. This can be a result of a leaky pipe, a breakage, or a clog. Make sure to examine every drain in the house and communicate with professionals.

How to Snake a Shower Drain: Step-by-Step

There are many ways to unclog a drain, but snaking it is a guaranteed fix. Can you snake a shower drain without contacting a plumbing service? Although it should be left to professionals, homeowners can also snake the drains themselves.

Here’s how to snake shower drain issues by yourself!

Gather Gloves, Goggles, and a Bucket

You’ll need gloves and goggles if you snake a shower drain yourself. Using a drain cleaner is dangerous, so protecting your hands will do the trick. Keep a bucket nearby to put the gunk inside, and protect your eyes with goggles in case the drain snake pulls out something unexpectedly.

Find a Plumber’s Snake

You’ll need to get either a manual or electric plumber’s snake to snake your drain. Electric snakes are much easier to clean with, and some manuals allow you to attach an electric drill to power up the tool and push through a clog.

Insert the Plumber’s Snake Into the Drain

Slowly push the plumber’s snake inside the drain and continue pushing it down the pipe. Once the snake is inside a few inches, crank the handle. The handle will enable the snake to descend even more down the drain.

Crank the Handle Harder

Once the drain snake starts to descend, you might encounter other obstacles. One functional way to go through the barriers is to crank up the handle a little harder or wiggle the wire. The key is to never stop turning the handle, and at some point, the snake will meet the blockage.

Apply Pressure and Rotate

Once you encounter the blockage and the snake cannot go further, start rotating it. While circling it around, the snake will capture all the hair and residue that remains in the drain. Remember to apply just the right amount of force while rotating the drain snake.

Remove the Plumber’s Snake

Once you finish rotating the snake, move the cable up and down to pull and release any leftover gunk. If you feel no resistance, prepare the bucket and pull out the plumbing snake. The clog will either come out in pieces or a solid chunk, so shake all the debris off your tool. If nothing comes out with the snake, repeat the process of pushing and rotating as many times as needed.

Dispose of and Check if the Clog is Gone

Once you pull the snake from the drain, clean it and dispose of the gunk in the bucket. Do not throw it into the toilet, and wear goggles and gloves while disposing of it. Finally, turn your shower on to see if the clog is completely removed. If the water is successfully draining, you have managed to snake your shower drain properly!

Showers & Drain Snakes: Final Words

Clogged shower drains can ruin your pipes and cause damage to your bathroom. The most important thing to solve the issue is to tackle it from the very beginning and before it develops a foul odor.

Although it seems easy, snaking requires skill, experience, and plumbing knowledge. People who tried to do it alone have either partially or unsuccessfully attempted to clean their drains.

Snaking is rather straightforward, but you need to know where to aim and when to rotate! If you want to leave the matter to professionals, make sure to reach out to Cummings Plumbing in Tucson!  We’ll give you a free estimate and fair prices, so come down to Cummings Plumbing and let us take care of your pipes!

FAQ About Snaking Your Drain

Is it better to snake a drain or use Drano?

Drano contains dangerous chemicals that are not strong enough to unclog a shower drain, so it is better to use a snake drain.

Can a drain snake break a pipe?

A drain snake cannot directly cause a pipe to break, but it can scratch them and damage the coating. This may lead to cracks or rusting in the pipes, which may cause a pipe to break.

How often should you snake a shower drain?

Snaking your shower drain can be done at least once a month to remove residue and hair, and professional cleaning of the whole draining system should be done once a year.

Is it worth buying a drain snake?

A drain snake provides much more advantages than chemical drain cleaners. It is useful to have one in case a sudden clog occurs.

Planning a Kitchen Remodel?

From different types of cabinetry, appliances, to flooring, a kitchen remodel can become overwhelming very quickly. With proper planning, you can ensure that the kitchen of your dreams doesn’t turn into a kitchen nightmare. But what are some tips that you should consider when remodeling your kitchen? Here are a couple of things that I’ve seen in homes over the years that you may want to incorporate into your designs.

What a layout!

I have seen some REALLY beautiful kitchens…with some very bad layouts. This is common, especially if you are adding new features to your kitchen but don’t consider your space. Here are the most common types of kitchen layouts that you should consider:

1. Pullman Kitchen: Everything is basically located on one wall. This is a great option for tight spaces, open floor plans, or when you have one long wall that you can utilize to the fullest. Some of these kitchens can include an island for additional space and storage.
2. Galley Kitchen: A galley kitchen is where you have the kitchen on both sides of you. It’s design is similar to a walk-in closet – where you have different features of the kitchen (appliances/cabinets) on either side of you. This option works well if you have walls that divide the kitchen from living/dining space.
3. Horseshoe Kitchen: A horseshoe kitchen is one where you walk into it (like a U-shape) with kitchen features on 3 sides of you. If you want an island, these layouts work best with larger floor plans. However, you can choose this design for smaller areas and omit the island.
4. Peninsula Kitchen: Similar to the horseshoe, these kitchens sport a G-shape. They have an attached island that is connected to the rest of the kitchen work surfaces. It’s a great option if you have more limited space but still want an island.
5. Corner Kitchen: This kitchen is basically in the corner. It can be an L-shape if you wish for one of the “legs” of the kitchen to be longer than the other. This option works great for open concept areas when you want to maximize space. The design also works well with smaller areas when you want an island.

Location, location, location.

Now that you’ve picked out the layout, where are you putting everything? One of the biggest mistakes that I see people make is keeping the plumbing and appliances in the same locations. This doesn’t always work well with the flow of a kitchen. There are some things that you should really consider when deciding locations:

1. Major Purpose: What is the purpose of your kitchen? Do you do a lot of entertaining? Do you spend a lot of family time in the kitchen? Do you rarely use your kitchen? The answers to these questions are going to help you decide where to place your sink and dishwasher, your stove and microwave, and your fridge and pantry. For a home that does a lot of entertaining (with multiple cooks in the kitchen) the traditional “everything should be within 3 steps” rule does not work well. I’ve been to plenty of homes where people are practically stepping on each other to try to get to the sink, fridge, and stove. If this is your situation, try spacing things out so that there’s no congestion.
2. Family/Activity Center: If you find that your family frequently huddles in the kitchen, you may want to consider having surface and storage areas that are designated for items used for other purposes. For example, if your kids love working on their homework in the kitchen/dining area, you may want to consider having storage for supplies. Maybe an area that acts as a mail center/activity board/calendar. Or maybe you may need to consider additional work surfaces for homework/crafts/eating. Whatever the reason, plan your space and maximize it accordingly so that you get the most bang for your buck.
3. Entertainment Center: If you love to entertain, consider seating in your kitchen. This is important if people may be spectating but not cooking. Islands/bars work great for this purpose because they allow the guest(s) to be able to talk to the host(s) without obstruction.

Cool Features.

Have you considered adding features into your kitchen to help make it a lot more functional? Here are a few very cool ideas:

1. Pot Filler: A pot filler can be great in a kitchen if you like to cook and hate carrying pots of water to the stove. This feature also works great in larger kitchens when your sink may be further from the stove.
2. Secondary Sink: Having a secondary sink, typically on the island, is a great idea if you have multiple hands helping you in the kitchen. This allows multiple people to prep in the kitchen without stepping on one another (or having to mess with dirty dishes).
3. Downdraft Ventilation VS Updraft: A lot of people have hoods in their homes that allow for ventilation but have you considered a downdraft system? Sometimes, downdraft systems can work better than updraft systems; especially if you’re considering having the stove/cooktop on a kitchen island and don’t want the hood of an updraft system obstructing your view. This is also a good option if your kitchen has very tall ceilings and an updraft system isn’t conducive.

Storage and More!

Proper storage in a kitchen is so important to ensure maximization of space. Here are some things to consider:

1. Large Drawers instead of Cabinets: Cabinets work well for dishes but drawers tend to work better for pots and pans. Consider putting some large drawers in your kitchen for items that don’t stack well or that tend to get thrown/shoved into a cabinet.
2. Built-ins: Built-in spice cabinets, racks, and custom cabinets created for cookie sheets/cutting boards are great ideas for the odd items that every kitchen has. I’ve also seen homes with built-in hooks, clips, and organizers for a plethora of different “miscellaneous” kitchen items that tend to end up shoved under the kitchen sink.
3. Open Shelves: This is a great idea if you have special items that you’d like showcased in your kitchen. Consider having open space for flowers, pottery, dishes, etc. Having open shelving can also help your kitchen feel more airy and less confined.
4. Glass/Frosted Glass Doors: Have you considered some peek-a-book cabinets where the contents are showcased? This is a beautiful idea for a few cabinets to add a unique look or to help tie together a design scheme. Adding all peek-a-book cabinets help make a dark wood color scheme look and feel less confined and more spacious. These cabinets are especially pretty with single color/monochromatic or rainbow dish patterns. Depending on the style of the kitchen, it may work with eclectic/bohemian styled dishes as well.

And an Island to Boot!

Not all kitchen islands are created equally. When considering a kitchen island, there are some really cool features to consider:

1. Waterfall Countertops: A waterfall countertop basically means that the material used for the counter continues down the side(s) of the island. This creates a seamless and sharp look in modern design homes.
2. Island Sinks: A lot of people put their kitchen sink on the kitchen island to open up the rest of the countertops to be used for other purposes/appliances. This is also a great idea if you love to entertain or have family because dishes can easily be sorted/washed/dried all on one large surface.
3. Island Cooktops: Not as popular as island sinks, however, island cooktops have lots of perks. For people who love entertaining and there are multiple people helping, having pots/pans be accessible from all 4 sides tends to be a huge benefit. Just be careful if you have little ones so that they don’t burn themselves on the hot surfaces.
4. Island Trash Chute: If you plan to use your island for prep, it may be a good idea to have a trash chute. There are a variety of different chutes to choose from to accommodate most needs.
5. Portable Islands: Did you know that your kitchen island doesn’t have to be a non-moveable feature? That’s true. For a house I helped flip a few years back, I designed a kitchen island that was completely moveable. Imagine a large (4’x8′) counter height table. The table base was stained to match the cabinets and included a large self for storage. It then had the same countertop as the rest of the counters and had overhang edges for seating along the long sides. If needed, the island could literally be moved in order to open up the kitchen into a U-shape. The island could also be used as a table to allow for additional seating if needed. Designing the island this way created maximum flexibility in the kitchen and was very well received by everyone who saw the home.
6. Pass-through Storage: Having an island that has cabinet doors on both sides that open into the same space means that items can be accessed on both sides. This allows for storage of large/bulky items and allows for people to help grab things without asking you to move. I’ve seen designs with and without partitions. Personally, I am partial to no partitions in these types of setups to allow for storage of random and awkward items (especially important if you are designing a gourmet kitchen and have commercial sized appliances/cookware).

Final Thoughts…

When it comes to considering where to place everything, I’ve seen people design it for the wrong purpose. I’ve seen kitchens designed for the 4-5 times a year when big family dinners happen; however, the kitchen doesn’t function for the family’s daily needs. It’s more important to make sure that the kitchen functions for your daily needs rather than the few times you need it for other purposes. When it comes to deciding, just think of the 80/20 rule. How will you be using it 80% of the time? Make the kitchen function for those purposes.

I hope that this gives you a couple of great tips and ideas to consider when you’re planning your kitchen remodel.

If you need any ideas specific to your project, have any questions about designs, relocating plumbing/duct work, or anything else, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling.

About The Author: Nary Vang is the Creative Director at Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling. She graduated Summa Cum Laude at the age of 21 from the University of St. Thomas’ Opus College of Business with a masters’ degree in Business Management and bachelors’ degree in Human Resources Management. She has held certifications for Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). In addition, she was accepted into MENSA International at the age of 26. Among her proudest moments are graduating college with a 4.2 GPA and opening her own graphic design company in 2009. Although Nary’s background contains extensive Human Resources, executive level administration, and web/graphic design, her true passion is helping others and elevating them to the next level.