So, your kitchen faucet is leaking? Or have the pipes corroded? Well, in either way – you need a replacement! Now for all those who think that this is an extremely time-consuming process, what you don’t know is the process – ‘how to’? Once the procedure is known and tools available, replacing this kitchen faucet is not a big deal.
Also, one needs to be extremely careful while doing the same. Since it includes some tricky and sticky situations – make sure that you have the right details.
To start off with –
Approximate time limit:
Be ready to devote around 2-2.5 hours for this process.
Level of difficulty:
Consider it as a work of medium level
Tools needed for the replacement:
Here are some of the basic tools. One may need some more accordingly. Pliers, Adjustable wrench, towels, flashlight, safety goggles, 4/8-in-1 screwdriver, pipe wrench, hammer, tube cutter,braided stainless steel supply tubes, shut-off valves
Steps to follow to fix up the kitchen faucet
Step 1: Verify the sinkhole count of the kitchen
This is the first thing which you must check while you change your faucet. Since you have already noted the type of kitchen faucet which you want for yourself, therefore the next step is – to check out where this faucet and sprayer are mounted. Once you determine the number of holes which are present in this sinkhole, you can determine which tools to use and in what order.
Step 2: You need to remove the drain lines from the kitchen faucet
Next step that one must follow while changing kitchen faucets is removing drain lines. Here one will require joint pliers and wrench and tube cutter. In this case, there are 3 facets that one must take into account.
• Shutoff valves–You must check whether these valves are compatible with the concerned faucets.
• Supply tubes – These tubes are made for routing,and designed specifically in a rupture-free manner.
• Basin wrench – This is used for installation and removal of fasteners and helps to clamp assemblies to that particular sink. Also, in case of tightening of screws, this is the best option.
When all these 3 products are ready in line, then one can proceed for the next task. Removing of drainage lines is to be done with utmost care since pipes can end up corroding in certain cases.
Step 3: One must disconnect the garbage disposer
This is the third step in the whole process. If you can remove the disposer, it is fine, or you can also shut it off from the primary service panel. Generally, the roadblock arises when the garbage disposer is of 20lb. In such cases, it is to be completely unplugged from the cabinet and towed back only after the faucet has been fit.
Also, it is important to check that, while one turns off the water supply lines, there must not be a single open valve. Keep a couple of nuts and screws handy to patch up the remaining area.
Tip: For all those who are going in for a double change of faucet and kitchen sink, it is best that faucet remains attached before the sink.
Step 4: You must uninstall the components of the faucet
It is here that you may need the pliers. In this case, one needs to remove a host of components from the faucet and check out which needs removing and which are fit for reuse. Plastic nuts require to be removed by hand.
Step 5: One must place the flange over their faucet opening
This is considered the final step in the installation process. Herein, one has to place the optional flange on the faucet opening and tighten those flange nuts placed under the sink. Use your hand in this case as excessive tightening could result in lowering the flow of water. Alignment also needs to get checked for proper clearance.
Step 6: Attach the supply lines and flush out some water
Once the faucet is mounted and associated water lines checked, do turn the aerator in a counter-clockwise direction. The faucet handle must be in off-position.
The final thing is to check whether this new faucet is working well or not and if it has some issues about opening or closing.
Are all of it done? Congratulations on your new kitchen faucet! Use it safely!