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Clean Excess Putty — Clean the Mounting Surface

Beginner6 hours

Part of project

How to Replace a Mobile Home Garden Tub Faucet · Step 5 of 10

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In this video

With the faucet securely mounted, the presenter cleans up the excess plumber's putty that has squeezed out from under the base. He uses a small spatula to carefully scrape it away and then wipes the area with a paper towel. He follows up by spraying the entire faucet and surrounding countertop with a cleaner and wiping it down to leave a clean, finished appearance.

Goal: Remove excess plumber's putty and clean the area

Used in this video

  • Small Flat Spatula (Tool Type: Putty knife)Scraping off excess plumber's putty.
  • Paper Towel (Tool Type: Cleaning)Wiping away putty residue and cleaning the surface.
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This Old House

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FAQs

The project states 6 hours for a beginner. Is it really that involved, and what contributes to the longer time estimate?

While the individual steps are beginner-friendly, accessing plumbing in mobile homes can be challenging due to tight spaces. Unexpected issues like corroded nuts or limited working room contribute to the 6-hour estimate. Taking your time, especially during initial access and thorough leak testing, is crucial for a successful outcome.

Is a basin wrench truly necessary for this job, or can I get by with standard adjustable wrenches?

A basin wrench (like the TEKTON WRN92004 listed) is highly recommended and often necessary for mobile home garden tub faucets. It's specifically designed to reach and loosen nuts in very tight, awkward spaces that standard adjustable wrenches often cannot access, making the removal and installation significantly easier.

What are the most crucial safety precautions I need to take before starting this faucet replacement?

The most critical step is completely shutting off the main water supply to your mobile home and then draining the lines by opening nearby faucets. Additionally, ensure you have adequate lighting (a headlamp is excellent) and plenty of absorbent towels like WYPALL L40 on hand for any unexpected water spills during the process.

What common mistakes do beginners make when replacing a mobile home garden tub faucet, and how can I avoid them?

A common mistake is cross-threading water supply lines or not using enough Teflon tape, which leads to leaks. Always align connections carefully by hand before tightening with a wrench, and apply 3-5 wraps of Teflon tape clockwise to threaded pipe connections to ensure a good, watertight seal.