Fixture Refurbishing

Fix It Up! : Episode FIX-115 -- More Projects »
Hosts Pat Simpson and Amanda Rosseter share some basic ways to update the look of your home by replacing faucets and light fixtures.
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Before
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After
Replacing a Faucet

The only costs involved with this project are costs associated with the fixture itself and any additional attachment such as a sprayer hose.

Steps:

1. Look underneath the sink to check the plumbing. Find out if the fixture consists of one whole piece or multiple pieces to determine if you will need to drill any extra holes in the sink.

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Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
2. Shut off the water and at the valves directly underneath the sink (figure A). Be sure to turn off both the hot and cold water.
3. Unscrew the coupling nuts to disconnect the plumbing (figure B), and undo the mounting or jamb nuts (figure C) to release the faucet. Both tasks can be accomplished with a basin wrench.
4. Lift the old faucet up to remove. Then, cut the hose to the spray attachment and undo the deck fitting by unscrewing the jamb nut.
5. Scrape away the putty and residue left on the sink from the old faucet.
6. Read the instructions of the faucet you purchased.
7. Set the faucet deck in place by working underneath the sink to position it up through the holes. Be sure the faucet face is parallel to the edge of the deck unit before securing the plumbing nuts.
8. Use a generous coat of plumbing sealant underneath the collar of the new fixture, and screw the collar into place firmly.
9. Apply a bead of caulk around the base of the spout, and firmly position the spout in place.
10. Place the handles so that the hot and cold decorative caps will face the front, and attach the knobs with screws.
11. Connect the spray nozzle, by caulking the nozzle base and holding it in place while it is tightened from underneath.
12. Turn on the water, and make test the fixture to make sure it works properly.
13. Check underneath the sink to make sure there are no leaks in the plumbing connections.

Replacing a Light Fixture

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Before
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After
Steps:

1. Turn the power off at the main breaker panel or fuse box.
2. Remove the light bulbs and old fixture from the wall.
3. Attach the new mounting plate to the wall.
4. Wire the new fixture with the existing wires by connecting the white wires to white and black wires to black. Secure each wire clockwise with a wire nut. In most cases, you'll have a ground wire. Stabilize the ground wire to the mounting bracket.
5. Tuck all the wires into the fixture, and secure the unit in place.
6. Add new light bulbs, and connect the decorative globes.

Installing a Ceiling Fan

Steps:

Remember to plan your lighting. Install all fixtures and switches before decorating a room because the plaster or wallboard may need to be removed to run wires inside the walls.

1. Turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse box, and remove the existing light fixture.
2. Carefully lower the light fixture so that the wires are exposed and disconnect the wires to remove the old fixture plate.

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Figure D
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Figure E
3. Hold the new mounting plate close o the ceiling while you mount it to the junction box (figure D). Note: The junction box needs to be supported by a brace or truss to give it the strength it needs to hold a ceiling fan.
4. Twist the blue wire that runs to the lighting kit with the black clockwise, and connect the two wires with the black power source wire. Secure the wires together with a wire nut.
5. Connect the white wire to white wire and green to the ground wire. Secure all the wires with wire nuts.
6. Once the wires are all connected, carefully push them into the fixture and secure the motor to the mounting plate.
7. Attach the decorative housing over the motor and secure it in place (figure E).
8. Next, attach the blue lighting kit wire to the black wire and the white wire to white wire for the lighting kit. Tuck all the wires neatly into the housing and attach the bulb fixture.
9. Connect the blades of the fan with screws.
10. Attach the light globes and bulbs.
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