Odd plumbing question

[Salty]

I have this Peerless faucet and the caulk I used between the faucet and the sink deck is molding. I really don't want to remove the whole thing to clean out the old caulk and replace it. Do you suppose that if I remove the handles and valves along with removing the spout that the cover will come off?

[Hellrazor]

Nopers. I 99.9% doubt that will work.

[docrowan]

I'm with Mike, I seriously doubt it will come off. Also, I believe it will wind up being just as much work to remove handles and valves as it would to remove the whole thing. I've swapped out so many faucets, I broke down and bought a basin wrench - makes the job much easier.

Also, I've never used caulk under my faucets. The plastic shim that comes with the faucet has always done me a good job keeping the water sealed out. The kitchen sink basins usually have a slightly raised portion where the faucet attaches, which is designed to drain the water away, so you're not fighting much water there to begin with.

[eccentrictinkerer]

The only time I've ever seen mold develop around a faucet was when the owner used paint caulk (acrylic water-based) for a bedding compound.

Plumbers putty usually will never support mold. As mentioned before, most faucets sold in the last 10 years use a plastic shim. Most install directions now state that caulk should not be used.

[jhart]

Generally the base is tightened down by nuts under the sink. Loosening (or taking them off) is the only way to get under the faucet base. A basin wrench really does make it easier to do.

[Hellrazor]

I always use the plastic piece for the faucets. Plumbers putty is the old school way to do it.

[Salty]

OK, I guess I'll be taking that off one of these days.
I own a basin wrench and have used it often.
Worst part is getting under the sink.
Thanks all.

Salty

[messmaker]

I don't think you need to completely remove it if you have flexible supply lines. Just loosen the unit enough to clean out the old stuff and put down a replacement. Copper or plastic lines are another story.

[Hellrazor]

If you replace a faucet and go through the hassle of hardpiping it....


The little guy with horns on your shoulder saying "Flex is your friend, flex is your new drug.." isn't spreading lies

The guy with the halo on the other shoulder saying "real men would hardpipe it!" should get smacked.