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Replacing an old faucet can breathe new life into your kitchen or bathroom while also addressing leaks or outdated fixtures. This project requires basic plumbing skills and some patience, but it’s a task many homeowners can tackle themselves. In the video above, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates the step-by-step process of replacing a kitchen faucet and offers valuable insights for DIY enthusiasts.
Preparing for Faucet Replacement
Before diving into the replacement process, you’ll need to get all the necessary tools and materials and shut off the water to your sink.
Gathering Tools and Materials
To replace your old faucet, you’ll need the following tools and materials:
- Basin wrench
- Bending spring
- Bucket
- Close-quarters hacksaw
- New faucet and mounting hardware
- Open-ended wrench
- Pliers
- Plumber’s putty
- Propane torch (if removing soldered connections)
- Screwdriver
- Teflon tape
Shutting Off Water Supply
The first step in replacing a faucet is to shut off the water supply. This prevents water from flowing while you work and helps avoid potential flooding. Here’s how:
- Locate the shut-off valves under the sink for both hot and cold water lines.
- Turn the valves clockwise until they’re fully closed.
- Open the faucet to release any remaining water pressure and drain the lines.
Removing the Old Faucet
With the water supply shut off, you can begin removing the old faucet. This process may vary slightly depending on your specific faucet model, but the general steps are consistent.
Disconnecting Supply Lines
The next step is to disconnect the supply lines. Place a bucket under the sink to catch any residual water. Use an open-ended wrench to loosen the nuts connecting the supply lines to the shut-off valves. If the supply lines are copper, use a close-quarters hacksaw to cut them, as Trethewey demonstrated in the video.
Removing Mounting Hardware
Use a basin wrench to loosen the nuts holding the faucet to the sink deck. If there’s a garbage disposal, you may need to remove it temporarily to gain better access to the faucet connections. Once all nuts are loose, lift the old faucet out of the sink.
Installing the New Faucet
With the old faucet removed, you can now install the new one. This process involves several steps to create a secure and leak-free installation.
Preparing the Mounting Surface
Clean the sink surface where the new faucet will be installed. Apply a bead of plumber’s putty around the base of the new faucet’s mounting flange. Then, place the faucet in the designated holes on the sink deck.
Securing the New Faucet
From under the sink, place the mounting plate over the faucet tailpieces. Thread the mounting nuts onto the tailpieces and tighten them using the basin wrench or the special wrench provided with the faucet. Wipe away any excess plumber’s putty that may have squeezed out around the base.
Connecting Supply Lines
If your new faucet comes with flexible supply lines, simply connect them to the shut-off valves. For rigid supply lines, use a bending spring to shape them without kinking, as Trethewey demonstrated. Apply Teflon tape to the threads of the supply line connections. Hand-tighten the nuts connecting the supply lines to the shut-off valves and faucet, then use two open-end wrenches to tighten them fully.
Installing Additional Components
Modern faucets often come with additional components such as spray hoses, weights, or soap dispensers. Installing these correctly ensures the full functionality of your new faucet.
- Connect the spray hose to the underside of the faucet using the provided spring clip.
- Attach the weight to the hose at the correct point to assist in retracting the spray hose.
- Install any additional accessories, such as soap dispensers, that came with the faucet.
Finalizing the New Faucet Installation
After the new faucet is in place and connected, there are a few final steps to make sure everything is working correctly.
Test for leaks by slowly turning on the water supply at the shut-off valves. Check all connections for leaks, including the supply line connections and the base of the faucet. If you notice any leaks, tighten the connections further or reapply Teflon tape as needed.
Once all connections are secure and there are no leaks, check the water flow and pressure. Turn on both hot and cold water to ensure the faucet operates smoothly and delivers a steady flow of water.
Troubleshooting Common Issues With Faucets
Even with careful installation, you may encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and solutions:
- Faucet wobbles: Check that the mounting nuts are sufficiently tightened.
- Leaks at connections: Tighten connections or reapply Teflon tape.
- Low water pressure: Check for kinked supply lines or debris in the aerator.
Maintaining Your New Faucet
Proper maintenance of your new faucet can extend its lifespan and keep it looking and functioning like new.
- Aerator maintenance: Remove and clean the aerator periodically to maintain consistent water flow.
- Checking for leaks: Periodically inspect all connections for leaks and tighten them if necessary.
- Regular cleaning: Clean the faucet regularly with mild soap and water to prevent mineral buildup and maintain its finish.
Our Conclusion
Replacing an old faucet is a manageable DIY project that can significantly improve your kitchen or bathroom’s functionality and appearance. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can successfully install a new faucet and enjoy the benefits of an updated fixture in your home.
