Replace Your Faulty Kitchen Faucet Quickly and Easily
Is your kitchen faucet leaking, dripping, or just not functioning properly anymore? A faulty faucet can be a huge annoyance, causing water damage, wasting water, and making kitchen tasks much harder. Luckily, with the right tools and patience, replacing a kitchen faucet is a DIY project that can be accomplished in a few hours. Read on to learn the necessary steps for removing your old faucet and installing a shiny new one.
Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
Before starting any project, it's important to make sure you have all the proper equipment and supplies on hand. For replacing a kitchen faucet, you'll need:
- Basin wrench or faucet wrench
- Adjustable pliers or channel lock pliers
- Screwdrivers (both Phillips and flathead)
- Penetrating oil like Liquid Wrench
- Plumber's putty or silicone caulk
- New faucet and any necessary parts like gaskets, washers, etc.
- A bucket
- Old towels
- Safety gear such as gloves and goggles
You'll also need your new replacement faucet ahead of time. When selecting one, consider the finish and style to match your kitchen decor and existing sink setup. Check whether your sink has holes for a single-mount or double-mount faucet. The number of holes will impact the type of faucet you can install.
Shut Off the Water Supply
Before removing the old faucet, you need to shut off the water supply. Start by locating the water supply valves underneath the sink. Turn these valves clockwise to shut off the water. If your sink doesn't have shutoff valves, you'll have to turn off the main water supply for the entire house.
After the water is off, disconnect the flexible supply lines from the faucet and drain any residual water into the bucket you placed underneath. Make sure the lines are fully drained before proceeding.
Remove the Old Faucet
With the water supply disconnected, it's time to remove the faulty old faucet. Start by using a basin wrench or faucet wrench to loosen and remove the mounting nuts that hold the faucet in place. These are typically found at the base of the faucet.
Applying penetrating oil to the nuts beforehand can help loosen them up. Take care not to strip the nuts. You may need pliers for better grip and leverage on stubborn nuts.
Once the mounting nuts are detached, the faucet should be ready to lift out. Gently wiggle it from side to side as you pull up to help dislodge it from the sink. Thoroughly clean the sink holes once the old faucet is fully removed.
Potential Challenges Removing Old Faucet
If the old faucet is really stuck in place, try dripping penetrating oil around the base and letting it sit for 10-15 minutes before trying again. Using an adjustable wrench on the nuts can provide more force than a basin wrench in some cases. Go slow and careful to avoid cracking the sink.
If you still can't get the faucet loose, you may have to cut the supply lines to fully extract it. Make sure the water is off before cutting any lines!
Prepare the Sink for the New Faucet
Before installing the new faucet, take a minute to properly prepare the sink. First, read through the manufacturer's instructions for your new faucet. Pay attention to any gaskets or additional plates that need to be inserted below the faucet.
Also apply a generous bead of plumber's putty or silicone caulk around the underside of the faucet base. This ensures a watertight seal between the new faucet and sink surface.
Install the New Faucet
It's finally time for the fun part - installing the new fixture! Start by lowering the faucet into the sink holes, aligning it correctly. The base should sit flat against the sink.
Reconnect the flexible supply lines to the faucet by hand first, then finish tightening with a wrench. Don't overtighten. Secure the faucet and any mounting brackets or hardware with your basin wrench or screwdriver.
Check that the faucet feels snug and stable before moving on. Carefully follow any special installation instructions included for your specific model.
Reconnect the Water Supply
Once the new faucet is firmly in place, turn the water supply back on. Check carefully for any leaks at the connections. Tighten them further if needed.
Finally, turn the faucet on and off a few times. Ensure it functions properly and water flows smoothly. Congrats, you've successfully replaced your kitchen faucet!
Additional Tips
Here are some other useful tips to ensure your faucet replacement project goes smoothly:
- Check under your sink for any lime and calcium residue buildup. Take time to clean it up so the area looks nice after the new faucet is installed.
- Consider purchasing a faucet that includes a "quick-connect" option, simplifying the water line connections.
- If your existing sink has three holes but your new faucet only requires one, you can purchase a deck plate to cover the extra holes.
- Don't throw away your old faucet and parts right away. Keep them for a few days in case an issue comes up with the new one.
- Plan your project so you have time to make an extra trip to the hardware store if needed. It's better than getting halfway through and having to stop.
While it may seem daunting, replacing a kitchen faucet is a very achievable DIY project. With the right tools and preparation, you can save yourself the cost of a plumber. Just take your time and follow each step carefully.
The sense of accomplishment you'll get from successfully installing a new fixture with your own hands also makes it worthwhile. You'll pick up useful plumbing skills in the process. Hopefully this guide provided everything you need to know to tackle a faucet replacement with confidence.