For a quick and easy upgrade in a house's most popular room, nothing makes a bigger impact with less sweat and expense than replacing an outdated faucet
New faucets are so easy to put in that you barely need tools to do it. But for the best results, follow TOH plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey's DIY advice.
1. Remove the old tap without damaging counters or cabinets. It's tempting to loosen rusted-on nuts by applying heat with a propane torch, but a heat gun or hair dryer would be safer. Remove the nuts with water-pump pliers or a basin wrench.
2. Skip plumber's putty if you have stone counters. Putty, often used to form a seal between the faucet base and the countertop, contains oils that can stain the stone. Most modern faucets have an O-ring in the base and don't require a sealant.
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