5 Tips on Replacing Plumbing Fixtures

When you decide to remodel your kitchen or bathroom you will probably wish to change out the plumbing fixtures. Think about many things when you go through this process. You should consider the type of faucet that you are wanting to install, check the plumbing that is available, the size of the sink or tub, and how much hose and pipe you will need.

Kitchen Fixture

There are a few different types of kitchen sinks. You should consider the type of faucet, the style of sink you have and whether you have a water filter attachment and a spray hose attached. There are one to three hole types of sinks. You need to know this before picking out your faucet. If you are wishing to also change out the kitchen sink at the same time you are replacing the faucet then ensure that your under the sink plumbing will accommodate the choices you have made. Consulting with a representative in a home improvement store will help you with your decisions and your choices. You also need to consider if you are going to want to install a dishwasher or a garbage disposal. Each different item you wish to install in your kitchen plumbing system will change the requirements you will have to think of when you are making your choices.

Bathroom Fixture

Bathroom sinks also come in a few different varieties. If you are only replacing the faucet count the holes in the counter. Choose a faucet that will fit your new motif, and will also fit your style of sink. There are large basin sinks that can accommodate a higher amount of water and shallow ones that require different styles of faucets. 

Bathtub Fixtures

When replacing bathtub fixtures you also have to think about what is already there. If you have a single pull water feed and you wish to choose a two knob handle system you will also have to change out the plumbing in the wall behind the bath tub to accommodate the different style of faucet. 

Toilet Fixture

Toilets come in single piece and two-piece models. The two piece model comes with the commode and the tank as separate parts that bolt together during installation. Be sure if you replace your toilet to get the wax rings that seal the drain to the floor. This will keep the waste heading toward the sewers and not into your floor.

General Knowledge

In each of the plumbing fixtures that you decide to replace it is important to inspect the hidden pipes. If you have old iron pipes you may wish to change them out for newer PVC or copper pipes that will last longer and give you less trouble. Iron collects sediment that will give you drainage problems. You also should inspect any hoses that you have. If the water feed hoses that are going to any plumbing fixture look dry, cracked, old or discolored then you need to check the length you need and replace them as well. A simple pipe wrench and adjustable pliers will work to get most plumbing fixtures replaced.