Good call on the masking tape—I learned that one the hard way after slipping and scratching up my faucet handle. Not fun. Also, seconding the bit sizing tip; starting small and working your way up really does save headaches. One thing I'd add: patience is key. Rushing these jobs always seems to end badly...ask me how I know, lol. Anyway, solid advice all around.
Totally agree on patience being key—I found that out after I tried to rush a faucet cartridge replacement and ended up flooding half my bathroom...yikes. Did you use any specific type of masking tape, by the way? I've heard painter's tape works best, but not sure if that's just personal preference or if there's an actual difference. Also, does anyone know if certain faucet brands are easier to DIY repair than others? I'm tackling a Moen next weekend and kinda nervous it'll be trickier than the YouTube vids make it look. Anyway, thanks for all these tips; making first-time homeowner life a bit less intimidating, haha.
Painter's tape definitely makes a difference—regular masking tape can leave residue or peel paint off, learned that the hard way. Moen faucets aren't too bad, honestly. I replaced a cartridge on mine last month, and the hardest part was getting the old cartridge unstuck (had to wiggle it forever...). Just make sure you have the right cartridge puller tool handy; it'll save you a ton of frustration. You've got this, though—if I can do it, anyone can.
"Moen faucets aren't too bad, honestly."
True, but I'd argue they're not always the best eco-friendly option. Had a Moen before and it worked fine, but when I switched to a low-flow faucet from another brand, the difference in water usage was noticeable. Not knocking Moen completely, just saying if you're trying to cut down on water waste, might wanna shop around a bit more...
True, but I'd argue they're not always the best eco-friendly option. Had a Moen before and it worked fine, but when I switched to a low-flow faucet from another brand, the difference in water usa...
Fair point about Moen and water usage, but honestly, a lot depends on the specific model you pick. I've installed plenty of Moen faucets that come with built-in aerators or low-flow features, and customers have been pretty happy with their water savings. Sure, some other brands might specialize more in eco-friendly designs, but Moen's definitely stepped up their game lately. Might just be worth double-checking the specs before ruling them out completely...
