DIY Faucet Replacement: Fix Leaky Faucet and Metallic Taste in Old House

Updated at: 30/01/2025

A leaky faucet is more than just an annoying drip; it's a constant waste of water and a potential sign of deeper plumbing issues, especially in older homes. That persistent metallic taste in your drinking water? It might be linked to corroded pipes interacting with your aging faucet. Dealing with both problems can feel daunting, but replacing your faucet is a surprisingly manageable DIY project that can significantly improve your home's efficiency and the quality of your water. Beyond the immediate fix, a new faucet can even boost your kitchen or bathroom's aesthetic appeal.

This guide will walk you through the process of replacing your leaky faucet and potentially resolving that unpleasant metallic taste, focusing on common challenges faced in older houses. From identifying the right replacement faucet to navigating potentially stubborn plumbing connections, we'll cover everything you need to know to complete this project successfully. Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to get that drip-free, delicious-tasting water flowing again!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Channel locks
  • Crescent wrenches
  • Ratchet
  • Pipe wrench
  • Towel
Safety Guidelines
  • Always turn off the water supply to the faucet before starting any work. This usually involves turning off valves under the sink. Failure to do so can result in flooding.
  • Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris and splashing water.
  • If you're unsure about any step, consult a professional plumber. Incorrect installation can cause further damage or leaks.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • Turn off the water supply to the sink.
    Turn off the water supply to the sink.
    Preparation

  2. Faucet Removal

    • Disconnect the old faucet by removing the plastic nuts and water lines.
    • Carefully remove the old faucet, being mindful of potentially loose pipes.
    Carefully remove the old faucet, being mindful of potentially loose pipes.Carefully remove the old faucet, being mindful of potentially loose pipes.
    Faucet Removal

  3. Drain Removal and Cleaning

    • Remove the old drain pipe using appropriate wrenches (potentially pipe wrench and crescent wrench).
    • Clean the drain area, removing old gaskets and debris.
    Clean the drain area, removing old gaskets and debris.Clean the drain area, removing old gaskets and debris.
    Drain Removal and Cleaning

  4. New Faucet Installation

    • Install the new faucet, attaching the water lines.

  5. New Drain Installation

    • Install the new drain pipe, ensuring proper gasket placement to prevent leaks.
    Install the new drain pipe, ensuring proper gasket placement to prevent leaks.
    New Drain Installation

  6. Testing and Final Check

    • Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.
    Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.
    Testing and Final Check

Read more: Fixing a Leaky Toilet Tank: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Use a ratchet to help remove stubborn nuts on older water lines.
  • Be careful when removing the old faucet and drain pipes; pipes may be loose or fragile.
  • Use appropriate wrenches for each fitting to prevent damage.
  • Don't overtighten plastic fittings; hand-tight is usually sufficient.
  • Do not use plumber's tape with rubber gaskets; it can cause leaks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrectly Tightening the Packing Nut

Reason: Over-tightening the packing nut can damage the faucet stem, leading to further leaks or a complete failure. Under-tightening won't stop the leak.
Solution: Tighten the packing nut gradually, just until the leak stops, checking for leaks frequently.

2. Ignoring or Improperly Seated Washers

Reason: Damaged or incorrectly seated washers are a primary cause of leaks. Using the wrong size or type of washer also contributes to the problem and the metallic taste.
Solution: Replace worn or damaged washers with the correct size and type, ensuring they are properly seated before reassembling the faucet.

FAQs

My old faucet has a metallic taste in the water. Is this related to the leak, and will replacing the faucet fix it?
A metallic taste often indicates corrosion in your pipes or faucet components. While a leaky faucet itself might not *cause* the metallic taste, the age and condition of your faucet are likely contributing factors. Replacing the faucet with a new one made of non-corrosive materials (like stainless steel or high-quality brass) will likely eliminate the metallic taste if it's originating from the faucet itself. However, if the taste persists after replacement, you might need to investigate your plumbing system further for corrosion.