Expert Tips for an Easy Faucet Installation
James Austin 12/16
Replace Your Supply Lines
Never reuse old supply lines. The last thing you want is water damage from a failed supply line. Even if the hoses are newer looking, Joe will replace them because the rubber washers can fail over time. Quality supply lines with a braided stainless steel casing may cost a bit more (about $8 each), but they’re well worth it.
13/16
Get Leakproof Connections
Each connection requires a different amount of torque to tighten. Over-tightening the slip nuts on a plastic waste line can strip the threads and make for a leaky connection. Always hand-tighten these connections. For flexible supply lines, the standard recommendation is to get them finger tight, then give them a quarter turn with a wrench. But Joe gives them a half turn and has never had an issue.
14/16
Don’t Skimp on the Teflon Tape
A 40-ft. roll of Teflon tape costs about a buck, so don’t be stingy with it. Make sure you wrap all your threaded connections clockwise several times. When you thread on that nut, it should feel tight, and the clockwise wrap will keep the tape from unraveling as you tighten the connection. Joe also wraps the threads for supply hoses even though they have a self-sealing rubber washer. Teflon tape is just more cheap insurance against any leaks, so don’t skimp.