When remodeling a bathroom, there are many plumbing projects you can do yourself. Plumbers are costly. By eliminating or reducing the need for plumbers, save hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Use the savings on other projects in the bathroom and around the home. Easy plumbing projects are installing new water supply lines, sink faucets, toilets and shower heads. Leave the difficult projects for the professionals.
- Adjustable pliers
- Adjustable wrench
- Basin wrench
- Set of screwdrivers
- Teflon tape or pipe dope
Install new faucet water supply lines for the sink. The water supply lines are under the sink. Turn off the water supply valves that supply the faucet. Use the adjustable pliers to hold the water supply valve and loosen the supply line, using an adjustable wrench. Use a plumber's basin wrench to loosen the supply line from the faucet underneath the sink. Install the new supply lines and check for leaks.
Install a new toilet. Shut off the water supply valve and flush the toilet. Remove the supply line, using a pair of adjustable pliers and an adjustable wrench in the same manner as the step above. Remove the tank lid and discard. Remove the two flange bolt nuts on each side of the toilet, using an adjustable wrench. If plastic caps cover the nuts, just pop them off, using a slotted or flat screwdriver. Lift the old toilet off the flange and discard. Clean any remaining wax from the toilet flange.
Assemble the new toilet according to manufacturer's instructions. Install the flange bolts and new wax ring onto the toilet flange and gently set the toilet into place. Tighten the flange nuts, being careful not to overtighten to avoid damaging the new toilet. Install the new water supply line and check for leaks.
Install a new sink faucet. Shut off the water supply valves to the faucet. Use a basin wrench to disconnect the supply lines from the faucet. Disconnect the pop-up assembly from the drain's tailpiece. Use the basin wrench to remove the faucet's retaining nuts. Remove the old faucet and clean any debris and/or plumber's putty from the sink's surface. Set the new faucet into the applicable holes, install the faucet retaining nuts, pop-up assembly, and supply lines.
Install a new shower head. Loosen and remove the old shower head with an adjustable wrench. Apply Teflon tape or pipe dope to the shower arm's threads. Thread the new shower head onto the shower head arm and tighten with the adjustable wrench.
Tips and Warnings
- Lay newspaper under or inside of sink to help check for leaks.
- When removing the old toilet, keep the front tilted down to eliminate the water inside from pouring out.
