Hi all hope you had a lovely weekend! Mine was very productive so that’s always a good feeling. You know I’m all about a little DIY right? DIY or DIH, meaning, do it herself. I went to a DIH workshop a few weeks ago at The Home Depot and wanted to tell you all about it. I love how they empower the ladies to take on those pesky DIY projects. :)
First of all did you know The Home Depot offers workshops al the time that are free? And now they have special “do it herself” workshops which is so fun too. I love the workshops they have for the kids too!
On the day I went the workshop was about installing faucets, including the removal of the old ones too. I’ve always been a little intimidated to rip out an old faucet, have you? I guess mostly because I’m not familiar with all of the parts and tools for that specific job. But you have to learn at some point right?
Meet Phil.
Phil loves his plumbing. And Phil was SO happy someone showed up to his workshop. So yes, I was the only attendee! He had my undivided attention as he happily showed me how to install a faucet. :)
Now this post isn’t going to be on how to tell you how to do this in detail or anything. I did learn several tips though like:
- applying a bead of plumber’s putty to the base of the faucet. (I’ve never used plumber’s putty nor did I know it existed so that was helpful!) But Phil prefers to use the putty instead of the silicone caulking, so whatever Phil likes best, I like best.
- know if you want to replace your water lines before you begin this project. If you have an older home, it’s probably a good idea to go ahead and replace them so you won’t have to get back under the sink a few years later. It’s not the most comfortable position to be in.
- Invest in a basin wrench for this job. It will get to the 2 nuts on each side of the faucet much more easily than if you were doing this by hand.
Here are a few more shots of him teaching me.
And here’s the final sink faucet install.
I don’t know if I would be 100% confident trying to change one out myself without any assistance, but I definitely am much more confident in attempting to do it myself. Just knowing the terms, the parts, and the steps to get this job done where I previously had no clue about has me excited.
I’m so glad I went to a workshop and can’t wait to do a few more. They have a fun one coming up on the 15th of August that’s about Chore Charts and Mail Storage Ideas Inspired by Pinterest. Be sure and check out their Do It Herself site so you can check the locations and times in your area.
Have you done one of the workshops yet at your local Home Depot? I’d love to hear what your experience was like. Are you surprised I didn’t make a plumber’s crack reference or joke in this post? I am!
xxoo,
Decorchick!
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I always go to the Kids Workshops but never to the ones that would help me… I just looked at my store lineup and I can’t wait to put those on my calendar!
I’ve thought of going to some work shops before but the one I wanted to go to had way too many people there it was for installing a tile back splash. As for plumbing I was lucky and learned a lot from my dad before he passed away, I’ve changed out faucets, even took apart my kitchen faucet last year because it was leaking and used some plumbers tape to fix the leak. Just make sure you use a cloth between the faucet and wrench or you will scratch it ;) yup I scratched mine but it’s no biggie I will be replacing it soon. My biggest problem is I don’t have the arm strength sometimes to get the parts to start unscrewing and I hate asking for help lol!!
Love it! The crew at our Home Depot knows the hubs and I by name. Think we’ve spent a little too much time there?!!! LOL
I’ve always wanted to go to one of these workshops. Too funny you were the only one there! I could have used Phil’s advice last year when I tackled the removal and installation of a faucet myself. I got the job done, but not without some sweat and tears (no blood, thankfully!), and a trip to the hardware store to pick up a basin wrench. It’s seriously the best tool ever!!
So glad you posted about this! I just signed up for the tile class hoping they can help me with a backsplash for my kitchen. Thanks for sharing!
I’m looking forward to taking these classes when we move in a few weeks. Our new house is just a few miles from a Home Depot. Lucky you that you got a one-on-one lesson from Phil!
Got news for you, the most difficult part is working under the sink inside the cabinet. Sure, no problem when you can flip the sink upside down to work. Different story when you are on your back trying to remove this stuff in a confined space. Absolutely doable, though.
I would go if they had some free or affordable make-it, take-it workshops for women. I went to their holiday one last December. I liked it but the projects they showed were out of my price budget. I thought the instructor was great though. We were able to do a little hands-on work, which I really appreciate.
Oh, and my daughter loves to go to their kids workshop. She has quite the pin collection now.
I haven’t seen these workshops yet, which surprises me since I make almost daily visits to Home Depot. They’ve always been so nice to me there, and if I need to know how to do something, I can almost always find someone who will take the time to explain to process to me and suggest materials. If I don’t want to do something myself, they can always find a reliable installer for me. I had them send their partner installers out to install two storm doors, a garage door, and (even as I write this) a new water heater. They’re a great company to work with.
That’s so great! I will check my local HD and see what kinds of classes they have!
xoxo
I love those classes, the people at home depot are great and very friendly.
I just replaced my pop up drain last weekend and couldn’t believe how easy it was. I have been waiting for my hubby to do it for 2 YEARS!!! I finally got sick of waiting and found a You Tube video that showed how to do it. Not counting my trip to the hardware store to get a part, it only took 10 minutes. Why didn’t I do it months ago?