Over time, the pipes that bring water to the kitchen faucet wear out or may leak; if so, you need to replace them. Depending on how the system is mounted, there may be three pipes under the sink: one for hot water, one for cold water and one for the pull-out shower. These pipes can rupture or leak as they age and replacing them is a perfect DIY job. By doing the repair yourself, you can save money because you don't have to call a plumber and at the same time reduce your bill.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Workspace
Step 1. Clean the area
Remove everything under the sink, including detergents, trash can, soaps, and other items you store in that area. Once the workspace is cleared, spread out an old towel to protect the surface from water in case the pipes, joints, or other items leak.
This feature allows you to work with less difficulty and protect objects from water
Step 2. Close the water valve
It should be your first concern when starting any plumbing job; if you do not close the supply, you will not be able to replace the tube. Close the valve by turning it to the right (clockwise).
To find the valve, just follow the pipes that lead from the tap to the system; near the connection there should be a device for shutting off hot and cold water
Step 3. Drain the excess water from the pipes
In this way, you avoid wetting all the surfaces when you take them apart; just open the hot and cold water tap and the pull-out shower until no more liquid flows.
This simple operation eliminates residual water and reduces the pressure in the pipes
Part 2 of 3: Replace the Hose
Step 1. Disconnect the tubing from the implant
This is the flexible conduit that connects the plumbing system to the tap. It could be rubber, flexible metal, or even rigid metal. There should be two separate pipes, one for cold water and one for hot water, so be sure to disassemble the one you need to change.
- It is normal for a little water to drip when you disconnect the pipes, put a container under the sink to collect the excess.
- To disconnect the pipe, loosen the nut that connects it to the main pipe; you may need an adjustable wrench for this.
- To loosen the nut, turn it to the left (counterclockwise).
- Once it is no longer tightened, you can unscrew it completely by hand.
- If you can't tell the cold water pipe from the hot water pipe, the latter is usually on the left.
Step 2. Disconnect the hose from the tap
Follow its length to the point where it plugs into the tap; when you find the retaining nut, loosen it using a sink wrench and turn it to the left (counterclockwise) to unscrew it.
- Once it is no longer tightened, proceed manually.
- When this nut has also been released, you can remove the tube.
- It is important to use the sink wrench, as it allows you to work on hard-to-reach nuts that are under the sink. As its handle rotates, the jaws of the key also turn, allowing you to loosen the small parts from a more comfortable position.
Step 3. Purchase a replacement tube of the same size
It would be better to buy it after having disassembled the original; this way, you can take the model to the hardware store and get the right piece.
It does not need to be aesthetically identical, but it is essential that it is as long as the old one, the diameter and joints must be identical
Step 4. Dry the threads and cover them with tape
Use a rag to remove the water residues accumulated on the joints of the tap and the main pipe of the system. Once they are dry and clean, wrap them with Teflon tape for plumbing, taking care that it does not extend over the edge of the pipe.
The thread tape lubricates the joints and allows for greater adherence, so that you have less difficulty in attaching the new pipe and thus avoid any leaks
Step 5. Attach the hose to the faucet
Take it under the sink and screw the end to the attachment from which you removed the original one. Screw the nut by hand by turning it to the right (clockwise) until you can tighten it any further.
- Then tighten it with the wrench for the sink, turning it for a quarter of a turn; do not overdo it, however, to avoid damaging the thread.
- Make sure you have joined the right end, because the diameter of the joint that attaches to the main duct is different from the one that fits into the tap.
Step 6. Join the tubing to the implant
When the end of the tap is well placed, you can join the other to the main pipe; screw the nut by hand (turning it to the right) and finish tightening it with the adjustable wrench.
Do not proceed more than a quarter turn, otherwise you can damage the joint
Step 7. Open the faucet and check the hose
Return the valve to its original position by turning it to the left (counterclockwise) and open the tap to let the water flow; while it is open, inspect the hose for leaks or other problems.
After opening the valve and the faucet, you need to wait a few seconds for the water to flow, it may even spray for a minute
Part 3 of 3: Replace the Removable Shower Hose
Step 1. Detach the hose from the main duct
Use an adjustable wrench and loosen the fixing nut by turning it to the left (counterclockwise); once loosened, finish unscrewing it by hand.
- If there is no nut, it could be a different type of graft; if there is a gray button at the joint, press it to detach the tube.
- You may also be faced with a pressure joint; in this case, hold the ring firmly, gently push the tube towards the junction to release it and then pull it out.
Step 2. Remove the weight
Each tube of the pull-out showers is equipped with a weight that allows a quick re-insertion and that you must remove before disassembling the duct.
Some weights are simply removed from one end of the tube, others are equipped with a click system; for all other models, remove the screws holding the two sides together and detach them from the tube
Step 3. Pull out the duct and disassemble it
Once the ballast has been removed, you can pull the shower and remove the entire hose from the tap; then separate it from the shower to be able to replace it.
For this operation use a wrench to loosen the nut; hold the latter still to unscrew the shower
Step 4. Purchase a replacement
To make sure it is identical in model and size to the original one, take the old one to the hardware store. There are three main types of hose couplings: threaded ones with locking nut, quick release ones that come with a button to connect and disconnect them, and finally push-fit ones that don't need nuts or buttons.
If you want to buy the replacement in advance, but are not sure which model you need, you can get a universal one equipped with different joints and adapters
Step 5. Connect the replacement to the faucet
Use a clean rag or cloth to dry and clean the threads and joints of both the hose and the faucet; wrap them with Teflon tape to lubricate the connections and ensure a perfect fit. Insert the hose into the shower, hold the nut firmly and screw the shower itself; when finished, tighten the nut a quarter of a turn to the right (clockwise).
The thread is located on the "male" end which engages in the other element
Step 6. Install the hose, shower head and sinker
Slide the duct into the tap hole; once inserted completely, fix the shower in its seat and connect the ballast again by inserting it on the new hose.
If it is a ballast that needs to be screwed, join the two sides around the tube and screw them together
Step 7. Join the hose to the main duct
If the joints are threaded, fit one into the other and tighten them by turning the nut clockwise (to the right); then finish tightening with the wrench, continuing for a quarter of a turn.
- If the hoses are quick release, insert the "male" end into the "female" end until you hear a "click".
- If the joints are press fit, hold the ring firmly and push the tube into the coupling.
Step 8. Open the valve and inspect the pipe
Then turn on the tap and let the water run by checking under the sink to make sure there are no problems.
