Most of us spend a considerable amount of time in our kitchen. What we don’t often think about are kitchen faucets. Installing a new one can breathe new life into this commonly-used room. The most common type of kitchen faucet features a single handle. Helpful add-ons include sprayers and soap dispensers.
Installing a kitchen faucet is easier than you think. All you need are some basic tools, supplies, and if possible, an extra set of hands. Here’s what you’ll need to get the job done:
TOOLS
- Adjustable Wrench
- Flashlight
- Cloth
- Heavy Duty Sponge
- Plumber’s Putty
- Bucket
- Faucet Kit of your choosing
Some installations may require:
- New Supply Lines
- Shutoff Valves
- Additional Tools (which may be provided with your faucet kit)
When taking on this DIY task, be sure to equip yourself with the proper safety gear.
STEP ONE
Remove old faucet. Before removing your old faucet, you’ll first need to turn off the hot and cold water supply. These are typically located under the sink. Disconnect the supply lines with an adjustable wrench and place a bucket under the sink to catch any excess water. Unthread the faucet shank. Disconnect the pull-out sprayer line, and carefully pull the faucet out the sink. Remove any old sealant with a putty knife, and clean the area with a heavy duty sponge before installing any new equipment.
STEP TWO
Install mounting ring. For a two-hole installation, begin by filling the putty ring with a bead of plumber’s putty along its outside edge. Insert the putty ring into the mounting ring. Slide them up, and over the faucet’s inlet lines and onto the threaded faucet shank. If your sink requires four-hole installation you’ll need to install a deck plate before proceeding.
Deck plates are typically provided in your faucet kit.
STEP THREE
Install faucet and pull-out hose. With your supply tubes facing down and your handle located on either the right or left side, insert the faucet through the center of the sink hole. If your faucet features a pull-out hose, be sure to pull the hose until it is flush with the bottom of the faucet, and do not return it to its original position at this time.
From under the sink, slide the washer and lock nut over both the pull-out hose and supply lines. Thread them onto the faucet shank, making sure to align the faucet handle before tightening.
STEP FOUR
Connect pull out hose, continued. Insert the bottom of the pull-out hose through the weight attachment included in your faucet kit, then screw the manufacturer’s connection tool to the free end of the pull-out hose. Under your sink, locate the receiving tube at the base of the faucet. Firmly push the available side of the connection tool up onto the receiving tube.
STEP FIVE
Remove old soap dispenser. If your old faucet features a soap dispenser, remove it by pulling up and out. Unscrew the dispenser’s nut and thread under the sink, releasing it from the threaded shank. Remove all parts and clean the area thoroughly.
STEP SIX
Soap dispenser installation. To install a new soap dispenser, insert the threaded end of the new shank through the old dispenser’s foam gasket and sink hole. From under the sink, tighten the nut and thread on the soap container to the threaded shank. Pour soap through the top opening and insert the pump into the body of the new dispenser. Push firmly onto the pump mechanism to install the soap dispenser head.
STEP SEVEN
Connect water supply and inlet lines. Separate the hot and cold faucet inlets at least three inches apart from each other. If inlet line adapters were included with your faucet, thread them onto your existing water supply lines. Hold the nut of the supply line firmly in place with an adjustable wrench. With another adjustable wrench, tighten the adapters for both the hot and cold water lines. To secure them, firmly push up and insert your kit’s clips into the adapter’s openings.
Be careful not to cross the pullout hose connection with the inlet supply lines as the tubes will interfere with the hose.
STEP EIGHT
Check for leaks. Turn the hot and cold water supply back on, checking for leaks above and below the sink. Turn on the faucet and continue checking for leaks. Once you’re certain both the water supply and faucet are free from leaks, replace the cap on your sink’s air gap to match the finish on your new faucet.
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