Learn How to Connect Your Kitchen Faucet for Leak-Free Water Flow
Installing a new kitchen faucet can seem daunting. But with the right connections, you can avoid leaks and enjoy water flow from your faucet for years to come.
We'll also overview the most common faucet connection types to help you choose the right fittings.
Choosing Your Faucet Connection Type
Kitchen faucets connect to the water supply through supply lines under your sink. There are a few options for fitting types to join the faucet and lines:
Compression Fittings
Compression fittings are the most common connection. They use a nut and gasket tightened around the supply tube to seal the joint.
Compression fittings are simple to install with basic tools. The gasket forms a tight seal around the tube for a leak-free connection.
Sweat Fittings
Sweat fittings involve soldering copper supply tubes directly to fixture valves. This creates a very secure, permanent seal.
Installation takes more skill as you need to heat the joint with a torch to melt the solder. But for copper plumbing, sweat fittings are reliable and durable.
Threaded Fittings
Threaded connectors use male and female threaded fittings that screw together to join supply lines to the faucet. They provide a tight seal and are easy to disconnect later if needed.
Threaded fittings offer a good middle ground – more secure than quick connects but easier than soldering. Just be sure not to overtighten.
Quick Connect Fittings
Quick connect fittings use push-fit connections that click the supply line into the faucet port. No tools required for an easy DIY install.
However, quick connects tend to weaken over time leading to leaks. We recommend them for temporary hookups only.
Steps for Connecting Your Kitchen Faucet
Once you choose your fitting type, follow these key steps for connecting supply lines during faucet installation:
Shut Off the Water Supply
Start by locating the shutoff valves under your sink and turning them clockwise to stop water flow. This allows you to work safely on connecting the new faucet.
Remove the Existing Faucet
Take out the old faucet by disconnecting the supply lines and unscrewing any nuts or brackets securing it from above.
Carefully lift the faucet out of the sink holes once detached. Keep the area around the sink dry to prevent water damage.
Cut Supply Lines to Length
Measure the distance between your shutoff valves and faucet holes. Mark your supply tubes and cut them to length with a tubing cutter.
Leave 1-2 extra inches to make connecting easier. Copper lines will need to be soldered to valves.
Connect Supply Lines to Shutoff Valves
Attach supply lines to the shutoff valves with compression unions or sweat fittings, ensuring a tight seal. Use pipe joint compound on threads to prevent sticking.
Solder copper tubes to valves before attaching lines. Take care not to overheat PEX or flexible tubes.
Mount the Faucet
Set the faucet base over the sink holes. Slip on the washers and securing nuts to hold it in place from below. Tighten the nuts with a basin wrench.
Pull down on the faucet to ensure it is properly seated before fully tightening nuts.
Connect Supply Lines to Faucet
Attach supply lines to the faucet ports with quick connects, threaded, or sweat fittings. Ensure a tight seal according to your fitting instructions.
Avoid kinking supply lines as you fit them to the faucet. Support their weight to prevent strain.
Inspect for Leaks
Turn your water supply back on and check for leaks at every connection point. Tighten fittings further if any water is found.
Let the faucet run and inspect again while the water is flowing. Catch any drips right away to prevent damage.
Add Components like Sprayer
Attach any additional components like a side sprayer hose and make sure it moves freely without snagging.
Your new kitchen faucet is ready to help you with daily water needs! Take your time installing to get worry-free performance.
Troubleshooting Common Faucet Install Issues
If you encounter problems after installing your new kitchen faucet, here are some fixes:
Leaking Connections
Go back and tighten any fittings with leaks. Check gaskets for damage. Use pipe thread compound or Teflon tape on stubborn leaks.
Low Water Pressure
Inspect supply lines for kinks or blockages that restrict flow. Flush debris from valves. Straighten or replace crushed lines.
Difficulty Tightening Fittings
Avoid overtightening connections. Damaged gaskets or cross-threaded fittings will need to be replaced.
Installing a kitchen faucet takes patience, especially making secure supply line connections. But with the right parts and proper technique, you can avoid leaks for the long haul.
Follow the steps for your connection fittings, take care not to overtighten, and inspect for leaks. Your new faucet will provide a trouble-free focal point in your kitchen.