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How to Change a Kitchen Faucet and Soap Dispenser
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In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll show you how to change a kitchen faucet. This new model installs easily from above, instead of crawling under your sink!
Updating our 80’s kitchen has been an ongoing process, from painting the kitchen cabinets to covering the countertops with contact paper. Now I’m finally switching out the faucet! In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to change a kitchen faucet and soap dispenser to give your sink a whole new look!This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Purchases made through these links may earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you. I received free product from Spectrum Brands for this post, but all opinions are my own.
Our old sink faucet was really short, making it hard to fill a big pot when there were any dishes in the sink. And the soap dispenser has been broken since the day we moved in!
When Pfister asked if I would like to try out their brand new Miri faucet with above-the-sink installation, I jumped for joy! The less time I have to spend contorted under the sink, the better! But before I could install my shiny new faucet, I had to wrestle out the old one.
how to remove a kitchen faucet
First, clear out everything from under your sink. I took this opportunity to get rid of a lot of cleaning supplies that we had duplicates of, or that we didn’t really need. Then lay an old towel over the bottom of the cabinet so you’re not laying in chemical residue while you work!
How to Turn Off Water Under the Kitchen Sink
The first thing you need to do is turn off the water. There should be two pipes coming out of the wall for hot and cold water with shut off valves on the front or top. The right one is usually cold and the left one is hot.
If you have one pipe with a splitter like this one, it sends cold water both to the faucet and an instant hot water unit or refrigerator ice machine. You only have to turn off the one that goes to the faucet, so trace the destination of each pipe to figure out the correct one. Turn the knobs clockwise until they’re tightly closed.
Once the water is shut off, disconnect the flexible pipes that are attached to those valves. Be sure to have a bucket handy to catch any water that leaks out!
How to Remove a Faucet
Next, take a look at the underside of your sink where the faucet is connected. There should be a nut that holds a U shaped brace against the sink. Before you try wrestling it off, give it a quick squirt of Liquid Wrench penetrating oil first. This will help loosen the nut, so you won’t struggle with it for hours!
Most guides say to use a basin wrench to unscrew the nut, but I’ve never had great luck with them. They tend to slip, and it’s so hard to get it into the right position! Instead, I use this handy faucet wrench tool. It may be a little more expensive, but it makes the job so.much.easier!
The beauty of this tool is that it allows you to unscrew the nut straight on, instead of from the side. The hollow body fits around all the faucet tubing so you can get right up to the nut to unscrew it.
Clean the Holes in the Sink
Once you’ve removed that stubborn nut, pull out the faucet from the top. Be prepared to be grossed out by all the gunk underneath! Don’t worry, that’s a black foam seal that has disintegrated, not mold!
The old foam seal was stuck to the sink, but I carefully scraped it away with a putty knife. A Magic Eraser took care of the rest.
With the sink holes cleaned up, it’s time to install the new Pfister Miri faucet!
How to Install a Kitchen Faucet
After all the hassle of removing the old faucet, installing the new one couldn’t have been easier! Pfister gives you everything you need, and it’s ready to go in just a few minutes.
Line Deckplate up with the Center Hole (optional)
The Miri faucet can be used with a three hole or a single hole kitchen sink. The deckplate covers up the extra holes. If you have a single hole sink, you don’t need this piece.
The TiteSeal deckplate has a built-in seal, so you don’t have to mess with putty or silicone! It may be loose now, but once the faucet is in place, the entire unit becomes watertight.
Drop Faucet Tubes through Hole
Gather all the tubes hanging down from the bottom of the spout body, and drop everything down through the center hole. Make sure the metal bracket you can see on the left side is vertical.
Secure Faucet to Sink
Once everything is through the hole, check under your sink to make sure the bracket is now horizontal.
Now here’s the cool part: Instead of struggling with a basin wrench or faucet wrench tool, this model tightens from above! Insert the Pfister Top Pfit tool into the faucet body and start turning clockwise. It takes a minute or so to crank that horizontal brace all the way up to the underside of the sink. You’ll know you’re close when you start to feel tension.
Once the tool can’t turn anymore, remove it from the faucet base. Then drop the hose from the faucet neck down through the faucet body, then click the neck into place.
Connect Faucet Supply Lines
All the water lines are included with the Miri faucet, so you don’t have to reuse the ones you removed earlier. Connect the red one to the hot water line on the left, and the black one to the cold water line on the right. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the connections.
Connect Spray Head Line
The braided spray head line combines the hot and cold water together and delivers it to the faucet. Before you connect it, thread the end through the donut shaped weight first. This weight pulls the sprayer head back into position when you’re done using it!
Finally, connect the braided spray head line together with a click, then tighten the nut. You can clip the Top Pfit tool to the sprayer line or cold water line so you have it on hand if you ever need to tighten or remove the faucet.
Test the water connection and check for leaks. You’re done!
How to Replace a Kitchen Sink Soap Dispenser
Our soap dispenser has been broken for years, so we had a bottle cluttering up the countertop instead. But replacing a built-in soap dispenser is easier than I thought, and I wish I had done it sooner!
How to Remove the Soap Dispenser
The soap dispenser comes out the same way as the faucet, but you may need an extra set of hands. Mine was just spinning in place, so I waited until my son came home from school so he could help. He kept it from turning from above with a wrench, while I unscrewed it with the faucet wrench tool from below.
Once it’s out, clean up the sink surface to remove any residue and gunk.
How to Install a New Soap Dispenser
Installing the Miri soap dispenser is pretty easy. Drop the new soap dispenser neck through the sealing gasket and into the hole.
Secure it to the underside of the sink with the plastic washer. You can use the faucet wrench tool to get a better grip on it if it’s too difficult to get your hand up there.
Screw the plastic soap container to the neck. Then fill it with liquid soap from above.
It’s so nice to finally have a functional soap dispenser again! No more plastic bottles cluttering up the countertop! I especially like that the Pfister version works by pressing down on the front of the nozzle with just one finger.
As you can see, IT’S NOT HARD to replace a kitchen faucet yourself! If you hired a plumber of handyman to do it, you can expect it to cost $150 or more. With the money you save by doing it yourself, you can buy a gorgeous kitchen faucet like this one!
The pull-out nozzle makes cleaning up easy, and it clicks back into place firmly so it doesn’t fall out when you’re not using it!
I didn’t even realize until I took this picture that the instant hot water spout matches the curve of the Miri faucet exactly!
Removing wallpaper tip I learned today...
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Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeImprovement/comments/ak6bt3/removing_wallpaper_tip_i_learned_today/
Snow Removal Safety - WSYM-TV
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Lansing, Mich. - One of the more common causes of back injuries during the winter months is snow removal. Using the wrong body mechanics when shoveling snow can put undue stress on the spine and lead to muscle strains, falls, or more serious back injuries. These injuries can be prevented if proper precautions are taken.
REMINDERS BEFORE YOU BEGIN
• Warm-up your muscles. Shoveling can be a vigorous activity.
• Pace yourself. Take frequent breaks and prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath or other signs of a heart attack, stop shoveling/blowing and seek emergency care.
• Use a shovel that is comfortable for your height and strength. Do not use a shovel that is too heavy or too long for you.
• Try to push the snow instead of lifting it. If you must lift, do it properly.
• Do not throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side. This requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.
SNOW BLOWERS A snow blower can be a useful tool for removing snow quickly. But while often more convenient, they can also be more dangerous than shoveling. Be aware of the proper techniques of using a snow blower and read the user manual and pay attention to labels on the machine.
• Never stick your hands in the snow blower! If snow jams the snow blower, stop the engine and use a solid object to clear wet snow or debris from the chute. Beware of the brief recoil of motor and blades that occurs after the machine has been turned off.
• Do not leave the snow blower unattended when it is running.
• Add fuel before starting the snow blower. Never add fuel when the engine is running or hot.
• Stay away from the engine. It can become very hot and burn unprotected flesh.
• Watch the snow blower cord. If you are operating an electric snow blower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times.
SIDEWALKS & DRIVEWAYS It’s also important to keep ice clear from your sidewalks and driveways to prevent accidents. Ice melt and all-purpose sand can add traction to these surfaces, plus ice chippers work well.
Source: https://www.fox47news.com/yes/menards-home-improvement-topic-snow-removal-safety
Home improvement? | Sports - Journal Inquirer
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We recognize you are attempting to access this website from a country belonging to the European Economic Area (EEA) including the EU which enforces the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and therefore access cannot be granted at this time. For any issues, contact [email protected] or call 800-237-3606.
Source: https://www.journalinquirer.com/sports/home-improvement/article_a8674cf6-6da4-11e9-9ba5-57593f89ac23.html
#4: Affresh Washer Machine Cleaner, 6-Tablets, 8.4 oz
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Receive 5 or more products in one month to one address with auto-deliveries and unlock extra savings on all eligible products.
From once a month to once every 6 months.
We'll send you a reminder before each delivery.
Source: https://www.amazon.com/Affresh-Washer-Machine-Cleaner-6-Tablets/dp/B00C91Q86I/ref=pd_zg_rss_ts_hi_hi_4
OnePlus 5 und OnePlus 5T: OxygenOS 9.0.1 veröffentlicht
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Kurze Update-Nachricht für Besitzer eines OnePlus 5 oder des OnePlus 5T. Die haben neulich ja erst OxygenOS 9.0.0 und damit Android Pie spendiert bekommen. Nun legen die Entwickler nach und veröffentlichen OxygenOS 9.0.1 für das OnePlus 5 und das OnePlus 5T. Nicht ganz überraschend: Es gibt keine neue Funktionen, stattdessen Fehlerbehebungen. Fröhliches Aktualisieren!
Changelog
System
• Improved stability for Wi-Fi connection
• Optimised sRGB display mode
• Optimised Reading mode
• Fixed issue with with 4G VoLTE toggle missing
• Fixed random reboots when screen casting
Source: https://stadt-bremerhaven.de/oneplus-5-und-oneplus-5t-oxygenos-9-0-1-veroeffentlicht/
Everything You Need to Know About Knives
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Did you know that most knife blocks will actually dull your knife? *gasp* Bet you didn’t see that one coming! I mean, that’s one of the most common storage systems for knives, isn’t it?
Well that’s just one of the many common mistakes made with knives! No need to worry though, I’m going to teach you about them all today.
Common Kitchen Knife Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
In this video I’m going to teach you pretty much everything you need to know about knives. I’ll teach you how to use them safely, how to take proper care of them, and which ones to buy! This video is a replay of a Facebook Live video that I did a few years back—but the information hasn’t changed. And because knives are one of the most essential kitchen tools, this is super-critical viewing. I honestly can't think of a more commonly misused tool in the kitchen; so let me show you how to use them right!
In the video I will start by showing you the only knives you need in your kitchen (here’s a clue: you really only need three). I’ll show you what to look for when buying a good knife. I’ll show you how to sharpen a knife and the difference between sharpening and honing. I’ll also go through some dos and don’ts for knife care—there are some that you probably haven’t even heard before. We’ll even get into cutting boards and what kind you should be using right now.
Basically, I’m about to knowledge-bomb everything I know about knives. So let’s get started!
The video is right below these links. These are all of the products I mention in the video:
Knives
Accessories
Sharpening Tools
Actionables:
- Watch the video (and take notes).
- Take a hard look at your current kitchen knife situation.
- Upgrade your hardware as necessary.
- Take some steps to up your knife game (like reading Kitchen Knife Skills, for example).
Source: https://civilizedcavemancooking.com/recipes/everything-need-know-knives/
Find a Vocation Not a Job
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Carpentry work like this is food for the soul and it can fill your bank account. (C) Copyright 2019 Tim Carter
DEAR TIM: I’ve read your column for years. I’d like you to share your thoughts on encouraging a young person to learn a trade or skill rather than go to college. Can you share what you did when you were young and more importantly if you could have a do-over, what would you do differently? In other words, should I encourage my grandchildren to pursue a career doing what you and many others have done? Melissa J., Palm Beach, FL
DEAR MELISSA: What a shame my editor won’t gift me double or triple the allotted space for my column this week! I could write for quite some time about this topic. Grab a chair, a beverage, and sit back for a trip down memory lane. I think you’re going to be quite interested in what I have to say.
I’m convinced the tumblers for my dual careers were set at a very early age. I got both home repairs and journalism merit badges in Boy Scouts. I was the editor of my high school newspaper. In college, a very good friend and I worked weekends for a man that bought old houses and fixed them up. My college degree is in geology with a focus on groundwater and the surface of the Earth. I loved physics and chemistry in school.
If you blend all that together you get a very interesting foundation for careers in building, syndicated columnist, and Internet video personality. It’s important to realize that I feel success in life is rooted in attitude. Another key point is that I feel we need to start emphasizing the word vocation instead of the word job.
Many years ago young people entered into trade and stuck with it. It was their vocation. They took pride in what they did. I have crisp memories of doing remodeling work on houses and uncovered wall studs and roof rafters signed and dated by the carpenter that installed them. He had that much pride in his work! I always sign my work to this day and often attach a business card as well. I routinely create time capsules too for future remodelers to uncover.
I absolutely recommend that young people pursue a career in the trades. We need thousands of carpenters, electricians, plumbers, roofers, masons, etc. We’ll always need them. It’s never been easier to stay busy as the explosion of social media allows homeowners to rapidly and easily share the contact information of tradespeople that do the job right, not over.
The key to both personal and financial success lies in doing the job right. It’s not hard to achieve this as there are countless trade associations that publish the best practices on their websites. Manufacturers have the written installation instructions readily available with just a few taps on your smartphone.
A tradesperson that takes the time to do the job right makes more money for a number of reasons. First and foremost, there are rarely any service or warranty calls. Those are a giant suck on profits. Service calls also erode homeowner and customer trust. Those tradespeople that do the job right are in high demand. The average homeowner doesn’t want problems or callbacks. They can demand a higher wage and get it.
I discovered all of this early in my building career. As a result, I never spent one dollar on advertising yet I routinely had a nine-month backlog of work. My customers and their friends were willing to wait for me to show up because they knew their job would get done right with no problems.
It would be quite fascinating to go back in time. One of my biggest regrets is the lack of solid business education. I wish I could go back and substitute business classes for all the silly electives I took in college. At the time, I really didn’t think I’d own my own business. Business classes are available online so you don’t have to go to college to obtain this knowledge.
Business knowledge teaches young people the importance of risk vs. reward. Not all jobs are worth the trouble. It’s important to realize that some jobs should be avoided because they’re just too risky.
I also wish I had taken quite a few courses in psychology. When you have a grasp of this science, you can more easily recognize homeowners that might be problematic. The trade journals routinely have articles about these “customers from hell”. On the other hand, you’ll discover how to identify dream customers. I had many and am still friends with quite a few of my past customers.
I can tell you that several of my best subcontractors are my close friends. Most are simple people who are among the happiest people I’ve ever met. They don’t have scads of money, but they feel good about what they did each day on the job site and their integrity is the highest.
When you think about it, what is important in life? I can tell you it’s not money. It’s the satisfaction of doing a job right, having a great family and friends, and having customers that call you back.
Column 1293
Source: https://www.askthebuilder.com/find-a-vocation-not-a-job/
Vehicle Tracking Guide For The Trades Industry
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The challenges of running a company in the trades industry come at you from every angle. You need to juggle jobs across distant locations, properly allocate your staff and equipment, and keep your sites and employees safe. To stay competitive, you must do it all on time and within budget. In this guide, you will learn how vehicle tracking can be a powerful tool to help you cut costs and increase your crew’s productivity.
Download this guide to learn more about:
- How to increase productivity
- Cut costs and reduce vehicle maintenance costs
- Increase employee accountability
Sponsored by:
Source: https://www.contractormag.com/whitepapers/vehicle-tracking-guide-trades-industry
Find the Best Resources in Home Improvement, Landscaping, and Design Services at the 14th Annual Fredericksburg Spring Home Show, March 22-23-24 - Benzinga
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FREDERICKSBURG, Va., March 13, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The goal of the Fredericksburg Spring Home Show set for March 22-23-24 at the Fredericksburg Expo Center, is to inspire, motivate and excite home owners to take on upcoming home improvement projects - whether it's something on the honey do list, a minor renovation or a major remodel.
The 14th Annual Fredericksburg Spring Home Show will feature a wide selection of home improvement professionals in a fun, interactive environment. Meet with and compare ideas with experts who will help inspire, motivate and kick start your exciting plans and enhance the thrilling possibilities that come with your project!
There will be so much to see and do including taking in the beautiful landscaped outdoor displays to walk through, the latest trends in home and gardening, a full fun outside bar area inside the Fredericksburg Expo Center along with Man Sheds and She Sheds, interior designers all under one roof.
The Fredericksburg Spring Home Show and Stafford Nursery is sponsoring a $5000 Landscape Makeover. Do you wish you could take your outdoor space from plain to the envy of the neighborhood? You can—all you have to do to go to the Home Show Facebook page to enter! A Lucky winner will announced after the show.
Be inspired at the Fredericksburg Spring Home Show, March 22-23-24. Tickets are good all three days and kids 12 and under are free. Friday, March 22 is $5 Senior Day. For more info, the seminar schedule or to get tickets visit http://www.fredericksburghomeshow.com
So much to see and DO.
This is a Ballantine Management Group Production
SOURCE Fredericksburg Spring Home Show
Source: https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/19/03/r13356657/find-the-best-resources-in-home-improvement-landscaping-and-design-ser
