Installing Kitchen Sink Faucets

If you were of the opinion that installing the kitchen sink faucets is a cumbersome task, you would be surprised to know that it is instead a very easy process. There are certain tips you need to know before you start the process. In case you need to mount the faucets into a new sink, remember to do it before the setting of the sink. However, if your sink is already installed in its place and you want to replace the faucet, then you will have to do from underneath the sink. Though, it is difficult to remove the sink first and then install the sink faucets; but, it is undoubtedly a better way of fixing the faucets. If you have bought a new sink faucet that require some sort of assembling, make sure you do it before the installation process. To know more about how to install kitchen faucets, browse through the following lines.

How To Install Kitchen Faucets

Materials Required

New Faucet

Locking Pliers/ Adjustable Wrench

Slip joint or Water Pump Pliers

Basin Wrench (possibly)

Utility Knife

Plumber's Putty or Silicon Caulk

Flashlight (so that you can see under the sink)

Instructions

Removing Old Faucet

The first step towards removing the old faucet would be to turn off the water supply. You can either close the main water supply of your house or lock the shutoff valves on the water supply lines to your faucet.

The next step would be to allow the water to drain out of the lines and remove any water pressure existing.

Using the adjustable wrench, disconnect the hot and cold water supply lines running to the faucet. In case you would are looking forward to replace the line, the best bet would be to disconnect them at the shutoff valve. However, if you would reuse the existing lines, do your disconnects at the base of the faucet itself.

When the precautionary measures have been taken, its time to remove the faucet. Generally, there are two ways in which the faucets are attached. In case you have a bottom mount faucet, remove the handles and escutcheon first. This would expose the nuts. All you need to do is use your strength and pull out them out.

Top mounted faucets are generally attached to the sink by nuts that are located on the underside. Using slip joints or locking pliers, loosen the nuts. However, if the pipes come in the way, you would have to use a basin wrench.

Once the nuts have been removed, you need to just lift up the sink. If the base of the sink is attached by some caulking, just slide a utility knife to loosen it from the base.

To remove the grunge around the old faucet, use a mixture of vinegar and water or an orange cleaner.

Installing New Faucet

In case you are installing a bottom mounted faucet, the first step would be to place the faucet on the washer. Now, mount the nuts on it and using your hands, tighten them. Align the faucet at the back of the sink and tighten with a wrench.

Once this is done, apply a bead of silicon caulking (or plumber's putty) around the base of the faucet. The next step would be to install the escutcheon and the faucet handles.

For a top mounted faucet, assign someone to help you with the installation. This is because, while you would be working underneath the sink, the person can hold from the top.

The first step would be to rub a bead of plumber's putty, before placing the faucet into the sink openings. Now, place the faucet onto the sink and tighten the nuts.

Once the faucet has been placed, reinstall your water feed lines, and turn the water back on to check for leaks.

If there is extra plumber's putty or silicon caulk around the faucet, clean it immediately, else it would set up.

Lastly, take off the aerator from your new faucet, turn on the tap and let water run for a couple of minutes. This would allow flushing out anything that might be present in the manufacturing process and ensure your new faucet runs clean.