If you have found yourself in a situation where you need to have a faucet installed, you are likely wondering how long it might take. This is perfectly reasonable, as we live in busy times, and knowing when you can expect your new faucet to be operable is important. There are some factors to consider that can play a part in how much time you should anticipate for a professional installation.
DIY Installations May Cost You More Time and Money
You may have heard or read somewhere that handling a faucet installation yourself is an easy and cost-effective project. This is, however, misleading information. What would take someone properly trained to do this kind of job in a few hours would likely take you way more time, perhaps even days.
It is important to understand that there is a lot to know about properly changing a fixture. It is also worth noting that any faucet installation is likely to be done in a much shorter amount of time by a plumber who does this sort of work on a regular basis, as opposed to an unlicensed novice. You should also be aware that with a professional, you know that the work will be done correctly, and you will not have to worry about any added time and money spent that comes with fixing a poorly done installation. Completing an installation yourself may also violate the warranty of the parts, which will cost you more if there is any failure.
There is also the cost that comes with any potential physical harm you could cause yourself by installing a faucet. This type of work can be extremely hard on one’s back and could lead to injury. This could wind up costing you money in doctor bills and potentially even causing you to miss work. It is much smarter to leave the installation to the pros.
Factors That Affect How Long a Professional Installation May Take
The condition of your current faucet is an important factor because if it is rusted or problematic in some other way, it may be challenging for a plumber to remove it. If it is rusted badly enough, it may even need to be cut out. Your plumbing may also need repair to bring it up to code. The time spent to do an installation can also depend on whether this is a simple replacement or a full installation, as well as the location of the installation. Including upgrades, like adding a filtration system, can also add more time. The plumber may also need additional time to repair or replace any damaged mounters and connectors. Finally, if you choose a faucet model that is not set up to handle the current water output, the water control will need to be adjusted, which can also increase the time required for an installation.
What to Expect During the Installation Process
A plumbing technician will first turn off the water to the existing faucet using the ON/OFF valves on the water supply lines. If your existing faucet is very old, the valves may be rusted, and special tools may be required to turn them. Next, the technician will loosen the nuts that hold the faucet in place in order to lift the faucet from the holes. This can be challenging if the space where the faucet attaches is narrow and if they encounter rusted, stuck, or corroded nuts. They may need to spray penetration oil to dissolve any corrosion, which may take 30 minutes to work or, in some cases, even overnight.
After removing the old faucet, the plumber can see the number of holes in the sink along with the “on center” measurement. With this knowledge, your professional can recommend what new faucet options would be best with the existing infrastructure. The plumber may need to install a separate base based on your chosen replacement. This will cover unused holes or require drilling additional ones.
If you opt to go with a wall-mounted faucet option and previously had an older faucet design, the plumber will need to run new water lines by opening up the wall behind your sink.
The Tools Needed for a Professional Faucet Installation
Another reason a licensed plumber will be able to do the job faster and better than a DIY enthusiast is that they are guaranteed to have the right equipment for the work. At a minimum, the tools needed to complete a faucet installation properly are the right screwdriver for your set-up, an adjustable wrench, a high-powered flashlight, pliers, thread seal tape, and plumber’s putty. If an installation is more complex, more specialized tools may be necessary, which would be difficult for a novice to plan in advance. This is because a job might look simple at the onset and may appear only to require standard tools. Once the job begins, however, the work may become more complicated, necessitating tools that only a technician with the proper expertise would know about. A professional will likely already have all the tools required for any situation they may encounter.
How Long Will a Professional Installation Take?
Since many variables are involved, determining exactly how long a professional installation will take before an in-person assessment of your particular situation is challenging. As a general guideline, by having a professional handle your faucet installation, you can expect that the simplest job will likely take 30 minutes to an hour. On the other hand, considering all of the variables outlined earlier, the time needed could take several hours. In the most extreme cases, such as when you need to order a specialized part or there is heavy corrosion, you could reasonably anticipate an installation that takes a couple of days. However long the job takes with a professional at the helm, you can rest assured that the job would have taken longer if you tried it yourself, and you will have peace of mind that the job is correct.
The Right Team for the Job
If you are in Plainfield, IL, or the surrounding area and need a faucet installed, look no further than the trusted team at TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical. We are a family-owned company that has been serving the Greater Chicago area since 2008. We bring three generations of experience to the table and deliver seamless service, upfront pricing, and work done correctly the first time to our customers.
Along with faucet replacement and installation, you can also come to us for any other plumbing needs you might have. This includes drain cleaning, toilet repair and installation, and servicing tankless water heaters. Our expertise doesn’t stop there, as we are also the go-to company for heating, cooling, and indoor air quality needs in Plainfield and the surrounding area. If you are ready to experience the TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical difference, give us a call today or fill out our online form.
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