Get Better Water Flow and Update Your Style - Replace Your Outdated Kitchen Faucet
Is your kitchen faucet starting to show its age? Over time, daily wear and tear can take a toll on your faucet. You may notice frustrating leaks, sputtering water flow, loose handles, or rust around the base. If repairing the faucet no longer does the trick, it may be time for a replacement.
Putting in a new faucet can make a huge difference in your kitchen's functionality and style. Improved conveniences like an integrated sprayer will make washing dishes much easier. Plus, a fresh modern faucet can give your whole kitchen a stylish updated look.
Signs It's Time to Replace Your Kitchen Faucet
How can you know when it's time to swap out that old, worn-down kitchen faucet for a shiny new model? Here are some of the most common red flags:
- Dripping or leaking from the spout or handles
- Low water flow and pressure
- Sputtering or erratic water stream
- Rust stains around the base of the faucet
- Wobbly handles that don't operate smoothly
- Faucet is difficult to turn on and off
If you notice any of these issues with your kitchen faucet, it likely means the hardware inside is wearing out. Repeated repairs may temporarily fix things, but ultimately replacement will be needed.
The Benefits of Upgrading Your Faucet
Beyond just fixing an old, leaky faucet, there are great reasons to upgrade:
- Better functionality: Enjoy conveniences like pull-down sprayers, touch controls, and high-arch swiveling spouts.
- Updated look: A new faucet can bring a fresh, modern style to your kitchen decor.
- Improved efficiency: Newer faucets offer better water conservation with aerated flows.
- Higher quality: Replacing with a superior faucet can mean fewer repairs down the road.
You'll also want to consider the effort needed for a repair job versus doing a full replacement. If the internal waterways are corroded, it may be simpler to just put in an entirely new fixture.
Choosing the Perfect Kitchen Faucet
With so many options on the market, picking the right kitchen faucet for your needs is an important first step. Keep these factors in mind while shopping for the perfect faucet:
Styles
- Single-handle: Convenient control of hot and cold water in one lever.
- Widespread two-handle: Handles mounted separately from the spout for a flexible installation.
- Pull-down sprayer: Head pulls down for easy cleaning and retracts when done.
- Commercial style: Sturdy for frequent use with a utilitarian look.
- Pot filler: Articulating arm to easily fill pots on the stove.
Features
- Finish: Polished chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and more.
- Handles: One vs. two handle designs.
- Spout height: Standard or taller to fit your sink.
- Reach: Swiveling spouts offer more range.
- Materials: Brass, zinc, stainless steel, and plastic.
- Motion-sensing: Touchless activation for added convenience.
Also consider your existing sink configuration and kitchen decor aesthetic to select the best style. An articulating faucet can let you maneuver around a triple bowl sink. For a Farmhouse style decor, an industrial bridge faucet fits right in.
How to Replace Your Kitchen Faucet
Installing a new kitchen faucet is an intermediate DIY project that can be completed in around 2-3 hours. With the right preparation and careful attention to detail, you can upgrade your faucet without calling a plumber.
Shut Off the Water Supply Lines
The first step is to locate the shut-off valves for the hot and cold water supply lines under the sink. Turn the valves clockwise until tight to prevent water from flowing during the project. Turn on the faucet to release any built-up pressure.
Removing the Old Faucet
With the water off, start disconnecting the parts of the old faucet:
- Unscrew the supply lines from the faucet inlets using adjustable pliers or a basin wrench.
- Unthread any plastic supply line connectors by hand.
- Detach the sprayer hose from the faucet spray head inlet.
- Unscrew the mounting nuts holding the faucet from underneath the sink.
With all the connections undone, you can now lift the old unit out from above the sink. Remove any putty, grime, or lime buildup on the sink surface.
Installing the New Faucet
Now it's time to install your shiny new faucet:
- Thread the connectors through the sink holes.
- Use plumber's putty or caulk to seal any gaps between the base of the faucet and sink surface.
- Slide on any washers and mounting brackets if included.
- Screw the mounting nuts up from below the sink to secure the new faucet tightly.
- Connect the supply line hoses by screwing them to the shut off valves and faucet inlets.
- Attach the sprayer hose to the pull-down spray head inlet.
Once assembled, turn the shut off valves back on slowly. Inspect carefully at all connections for drips or leaks. Tighten with a wrench as needed before completing the installation.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If your new faucet has low water pressure, ensure the valves are fully open. Try detaching and inspecting the supply line connections for any blockage. It helps to flush the lines to clear out any debris.
For stubborn leaks, tighten any loose connections with an adjustable wrench. Add more plumber's putty if leaking from the base. Replace old washers or O-rings to stop drips.
Proper maintenance will keep your new faucet running smoothly for years. Periodically clean the aerator and check for drips to prevent future headaches.
Replacing an outdated or leaky kitchen faucet with a new model can make your everyday cooking tasks so much easier. The project can be completed in an afternoon with proper planning and attention to detail.
Choosing a faucet that matches your decor and fits your existing sink setup is key. With some basic DIY skills and the right tools, you can install your new faucet and enjoy immediate improvements in function and style.