Do You Need a Plumber to Change a Shower Faucet?

There are many reasons to hire a plumber to change a shower faucet. If you're a do-it-yourself type, you may be able to complete the task yourself. If you're a plumber novice, however, you may want to leave it to the pros. Here are a few tips to help you decide whether you need a plumber to change your shower faucet. 

 

Easy to install

First of all, remember that you'll need access to your walls, especially if you're replacing the pipes. You may be able to replace your faucet yourself, but it's important to be aware that the plumbing setup may have changed. Web Site Kitchen Faucet are easy to install and are tagged "do-it-yourself" so you won't have to deal with complicated plumbing parts.

Replace your shower faucet

The next time you need to replace your shower faucet, make sure you shut off the water. If the valves have been damaged, water may continue to flow. Make sure to have a bucket handy for any leftover water. You can use an adjustable wrench to remove the supply lines, but you'll need to stabilize the valve assembly with pliers. This will prevent it from twisting while you remove the nozzle head. 

 

Buy a base plate

The next time you need to replace your shower faucet, make sure you take measurements of your current one. If you don't have an accurate measurement, you may end up paying double or even triple the price of your new faucet. Be sure to check UL certification and the area where the faucet will be installed, as this may be a hazard. Lastly, make sure you know how much space your faucet will take up. If there's more space than usual, consider buying a base plate to cover any holes that you don't want exposed. When it comes to hiring a plumber, keep in mind that the price will depend on the type of faucet you're replacing and the finish. Some faucets come in chrome, while others come in nickel or bronze. While they might be more expensive than standard faucets, they are often cheaper than the equivalents sold in hardware stores. So make sure you shop around and get a good base rate for your plumbing job. 

 

 Changing a faucet is not as complicated as you might think. With a few common tools and basic home improvement skills, you can change your faucet on your own in less than an hour. However, more complicated faucet installations require the services of a plumber. Depending on the difficulty of the job, it can take anywhere from seven to eight hours. If you are a novice, this may take even more time than you expected. 

 

Use a basin wrench

Before changing your shower faucet, make sure to follow the instructions on the package. Be careful not to damage the supply lines, which could get in the way of the retaining nut. Wrap water supply lines in protective material. Otherwise, your faucet might leak or have a misaligned supply line. Then, use a basin wrench or channel lock pliers to tighten the nut.