If your old kitchen faucet is leaking and causing water damage in your home, it’s time for a replacement. If you’re a handy do-it-yourselfer with some plumbing experience, this should be an easy project for you.
The initial step is to disconnect the water supply lines beneath the sink. This can typically be done with an adjustable wrench.
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Removing The Old Faucet
Before installing a new kitchen faucet, it’s wise to take the old one out first so as to prevent any plumbing mishaps.
Typically, an old faucet can be taken off without too much effort. But you may need to use some pliers and force to loosen up its connections beneath the sink.
If you are having trouble, try applying some penetrating oil to the connections and working them loose with pliers.
Once the old faucet is taken apart, be sure to thoroughly clean up any dirt and debris with a rag soaked in vinegar. This should do the trick.
As you take the old faucet out of the sink, be sure to place it in a bucket. Doing this will protect the sink and prevent rust while you take it apart.
Installing The New Faucet
Once you’ve taken the old faucet off, it’s time to install your new one. Although this project is relatively straightforward, take time to measure your sink and select a faucet that meets all of your requirements.
For example, if you need to replace an older single-handle faucet with a two-handle centerset, measure the distance between the left-most hole and its center on the far right (known as “on center”) so that all sinkholes are properly aligned and no issues arise.
Once your new faucet has been drilled to the correct diameter and length, connect your hot and cold water supply lines. Be sure to wrap the plumber’s tape around any threaded sections of these pipes. Furthermore, make sure to reattach any shutoff valves feeding your sink.
Replace a leaking kitchen faucet
Flush The Supply Lines
Flushing your kitchen supply lines can help clear away any sediment or buildup that could be causing low water flow. It will also improve taste and odor, as well as decrease the likelihood of discolored water.
You can soak valves overnight in vinegar, then drain the pipes and refill them with fresh water. This will dissolve scale and rust that could block valves and slow down water flow.
Once your faucet is installed, you can reattach its supply lines. We recommend choosing braided stainless steel connectors with gaskets at each end for greater longevity and less leak potential than older-style connectors.
Before you begin, place rags or a container under the sink to catch any water that may spill out of its lines. This will save you water and make it simpler to locate any tools necessary for replacement.
Installing The Sink Holes
Before installing a new faucet in your kitchen, there are a few steps you must take first. Start by taking away the old faucet from its location.
Accessing the nuts that secure the faucet can be challenging in small, dark spaces under sinks. This makes it difficult to reach them and may lead to further frustration when trying to fix things.
Luckily, there are a few tools that can make the job simpler. If the nut is stubborn, a wire brush or lubricant spray may help loosen it.
Once the nut is loose, take it off and lift the faucet out of its holes using an adjustable wrench. For this step, it is helpful to have access to a toolbox with an adjustable wrench in case you need it.
Next, you’ll need to prepare the sink for installation. This can be a relatively straightforward process depending on what kind of faucet and accessories you select. Be sure to select a faucet that matches the number of holes in your sink.
