Calling a plumber to install a faucet in the kitchen is expensive. Doing it yourself is easy (one of the easiest and most basic things about plumbing jobs). By doing the work alone, only the water will go down, not your money. Start with Step 1 below to learn how to install a kitchen faucet.
Steps
Step 1. Close the hot and cold water lines
- The shut-off valves (there should be 2) should be under the sink. They are very rarely found elsewhere, such as in the basement or in a locker.
- Usually turning the valves clockwise will close them. If you want you can just keep the faucet on while you close them to be really safe. U
- Be very gentle, especially if it's been a long time since the tubes were last moved.
Step 2. Open the existing faucet
- This will lower the pressure in the pipes to let you check and make sure they are closed.
- If the faucet has 2 controls make sure they are both empty before continuing. It means turning both handles or, in the case of a single handle, turning it completely on both sides to empty the pipes.
Step 3. Unplug the existing faucet from the sink
- Unscrew the nut holding it in place. It is usually located directly below where the faucet attaches to the sink. Sometimes this type of die is recognized because it does not look like a normal die especially if the sink is modern enough (it looks more like a target or a clock).
- If the nuts are over the sink, remove the handles and plates. This way you will have access to the dice.
Step 4. Clean the sink surface
- Make sure the new piece is installed on a clean surface.
- Remove dirt and grout as needed.
- For this it is best to use a spatula
- Remove mold and rust to prevent them from creating problems with your new appliance.
Step 5. Put some new putty on the new plate
- If the new faucet has a rubber or plastic gasket, instead of putting the grout hook it into the appropriate holes on the sink.
- If the faucet has no plate or gaskets, put plumber's putty on the bottom edge of the plate.
- Put the putty in the groove of the sheet and press it lightly to set it in place.
Step 6. Place the new plate and the tap
- Make sure all holes match.
- If you change the way you mount the faucet you may need to drill new holes to fit the pieces (move from one mounting point to two, for example).
- Follow the factory instructions to prepare the plate and tap. This usually means mounting two bolts on the plate.
- Sometimes the tap must be mounted after the plate, sometimes both must be mounted at the same time.
Step 7. Install washers and mounting parts
- This usually means locking each of the bolts holding the plate with a nut and washer, along with the nut and washer holding the tap in the center.
- Make sure you follow the factory instructions.
- Use your hands to tighten the dice.
- Check that the plate and tap are in the right place.
- Use a wrench to tighten the nuts all the way. Be careful not to over-tighten.
Step 8. Clean
- Remove any excess grout from the sink and faucet base.
- Use a spatula or small knife.
- If the connection is not strong enough you may want to seal everything with insulation or the like at a later time.
Step 9. Attach the water pipes
- Use your hands to connect the hoses to the faucet.
- Tighten all the way with a key.
- If the water pipes look old or cracked, replace them.
Step 10. Open the pipes
- Make sure the tap is turned off.
- Check the pipes and tap for leaks.
- Check again with the tap running.
- If you find a leak, check each step to make sure you did it right. Some connections work better or need plumber's tape.
- If there are still leaks contact the faucet manufacturer or a professional plumber for help.
- If there are no leaks, you are done.
Advice
- Plumber's putty keeps water away from the drawer under the sink.
- Be careful not to over tighten the nuts or hoses when installing the faucet.
- Handles and plates can be removed using a screwdriver or Allen key.
- Some hot and cold water pipes need electrical tape around the threaded parts. If that's the case, wind the tape counterclockwise.
- Check for leaks from the new tap periodically. It will help you avoid damage.
