How to change the faucet
How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet - Beginner's Guide
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to change a kitchen faucet yourself in less than an hour with just a few simple tools!
Updating our 80's kitchen has been an ongoing process, from painting the kitchen cabinets to covering the countertops with contact paper. Now I'm finally switching out the faucet! In this tutorial, I'll show you how to change a kitchen faucet to give your sink a whole new look!
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Purchases made through these links may earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you. I received free product from Spectrum Brands for this post, but all opinions are my own.
Our old sink faucet was really short, making it difficult to fill a big pot when there were any dishes in the sink. And the soap dispenser has been broken since the day we moved in!
When Pfister asked if I would like to try out their brand new Miri faucet with above-the-sink installation, I jumped for joy! The less time I have to spend contorted under the sink, the better!
How to Remove a Kitchen Faucet
Before you install your shiny new faucet, you need to wrestle out the old one. Here's how!
Clear Out Under the Sink
You're going to be spending some time laying on your back inside the sink cabinet, so clear out everything inside first. I took this opportunity to get rid of a lot of cleaning supplies that we had duplicates of, or that we didn't really need. Then lay an old towel over the bottom of the cabinet so you're not laying in chemical residue while you work!
Turn Off the Water and Disconnect the Hose
The first thing you need to do is turn off the water. There should be two pipes coming out of the wall for hot and cold water with shut off valves on the front or top. The right one is usually cold and the left one is hot.
If you have one pipe with a splitter like this one, it sends cold water both to the faucet and another location like a refrigerator. You only have to turn off the one that goes to the faucet, so trace the destination of each pipe to figure out the correct one. Turn the knobs clockwise until they're tightly closed.
Once the water is shut off, disconnect the hose that runs to the faucet. Be sure to have a bucket handy to catch any water that leaks out!
Loosen the Nut under the Faucet
Take a look at the underside of your sink where the faucet is connected. There should be a nut that holds a U shaped brace against the sink. Before you try wrestling it off, give it a quick squirt of Liquid Wrench penetrating oil first. This will help loosen the nut, so you won't struggle with it for hours!
Most guides say to use a basin wrench to unscrew the nut, but I've never had great luck with them. They tend to slip, and it's so hard to get it into the right position! Instead, I use this handy faucet wrench tool. It may be a little more expensive, but it makes the job so.much.easier!
The beauty of this tool is that it allows you to unscrew the nut straight on, instead of from the side. The hollow body fits around all the faucet tubing so you can get right up to the nut to unscrew it.
Clean the Holes in the Sink
Once you've removed that stubborn nut, pull out the faucet from the top. Be prepared to be grossed out by all the gunk underneath! Don't worry, that's a black foam seal that has disintegrated, not mold!
The old foam seal was stuck to the sink, but I carefully scraped it away with a putty knife. A Magic Eraser took care of the rest.
With the sink holes cleaned up, it's time to install the new kitchen faucet!
How to Install a Kitchen Faucet
After all the hassle of removing the old faucet, installing the new one couldn't have been easier! This kit comes with everything you need, and it's ready to go in just a few minutes.
Install the Deck Plate (optional)
Some faucets can be used with either a three hole or a single hole kitchen sink. The included deckplate covers up the extra holes, which are typically used for separate hot and cold temperature knobs. If you have a single hole sink, you don't need this piece.
The TiteSeal deckplate has a built-in seal, so you don't have to mess with putty or silicone! It may be loose now, but once the faucet is in place, the entire unit becomes watertight.
Drop the Faucet Tubes through the Hole
Gather all the tubes hanging down from the bottom of the spout body, and drop everything down through the center hole. Make sure the metal bracket you can see on the left side is vertical.
Secure the Faucet to the Sink
Once everything is through the hole, check under your sink to make sure the bracket is now horizontal.
Now here's the cool part: Instead of struggling with a basin wrench or faucet wrench tool, this model tightens from above! Insert the Pfister Top Pfit tool into the faucet body and start turning clockwise. It takes a minute or so to crank that horizontal brace all the way up to the underside of the sink. You'll know you're close when you start to feel tension.
Once the tool can't turn anymore, remove it from the faucet base.
Then drop the hose from the faucet neck down through the faucet body, then click the neck into place.
Connect the Faucet Supply Lines
All the water lines are included with the Miri faucet, so you don't have to reuse the ones you removed earlier.
Connect the red supply line to the hot water line on the left, and the black one to the cold water line on the right. I recommend wrapping the threads with Teflon tape before using an adjustable wrench to tighten the connections. The video below shows you how to apply Teflon tape correctly for a secure fit.
https://youtu.be/Rg_yFELOfjsVideo can't be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Everything You Need to Know About TEFLON Tape (PTFE) | GOT2LEARN (https://youtu.be/Rg_yFELOfjs)
Connect the Spray Head Line
The braided spray head line combines the hot and cold water together and delivers it to the faucet. Before you connect it, thread the end through the donut shaped weight first. This weight pulls the sprayer head back into position when you're done using it!
Connect the braided spray head line together with a click, then tighten the nut.
You can clip the Top Pfit tool to the sprayer line or cold water line so you have it on hand if you ever need to tighten or remove the faucet.
Test for Leaks
Turn on the faucet and allow it to run for a minute or so to test for leaks. Feel around all the connections to see if any water is seeping out, and tighten if necessary. Check again a few times over the next 48 hours to make sure everything is working properly. If it's all dry, you're done!
As you can see, it's not hard to replace a kitchen faucet yourself! With the money you save by not hiring it out, you can buy a gorgeous kitchen faucet like this one instead!
The pull-out nozzle makes cleaning up easy, and it clicks back into place firmly so it doesn't fall out when you're not using it!
I didn't even realize until I took this picture that the instant hot water spout matches the curve of the new faucet exactly!
Replacing your faucet doesn't have to be a big chore, and it can make a HUGE difference in your kitchen!
If you have an extra hole in your sink, consider installing a kitchen sink soap dispenser while you're at it! It's a quick and easy project, especially if you already have the tools on hand from replacing the faucet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Hire a Plumber to Replace a Faucet?
Nope! You can replace a faucet yourself without having to hire a plumber. It should take you less than an hour with a few basic tools, such as a basin wrench. The same techniques apply to both kitchen and bathroom faucets.
If you truly feel uncomfortable installing the faucet yourself, a plumber will typically charge $150 or more to complete the task. If there is additional plumbing work that needs to be done, such as rerouting or reworking the pipes under the sink, plan on spending more for the parts and labor involved.
A general handyman should be able to remove the old faucet and install a new one for you as well. Typically, a handyman will be less expensive than a licensed plumber.
How do I Choose the Right Faucet?
There are a few things to consider when choosing the right faucet for your kitchen or bathroom.
Height
The lower height of my old kitchen faucet drove me nuts! It was too short to fit a large pot underneath, so filling or washing them was quite the chore.
A taller kitchen faucet gives you more clearance for these larger items.
But in our upstairs bathroom, I had the opposite problem! The medicine cabinet couldn't open with a tall faucet in place, so I had to search for something much shorter than the standard height.
Finish
Consider the metal finish of the rest of the room when choosing a finish for your new faucet. Look at the door and drawer handles on the cabinets, and choose a complementary color.
You may also want to think about how the faucet finish will handle water spots and fingerprints. Some feature a spot resistant coating, so the faucet stays looking clean longer!
Number of Holes in the Sink Deck
Take a look under your sink before you shop for a new faucet. If there's a deck plate installed under the faucet neck, there's a good chance there's more than one hole hidden underneath. It's better to know what you're dealing with now to avoid any surprises during installation.
You can use a single hole faucet in a three hole sink, but you can't use a three hole faucet in a single hole sink. Three hole faucets will have separate hot and cold handles to adjust the temperature. Single hole faucets will have a handle on the side of the faucet neck to turn on the water and mix the hot and cold water.
Check out these other easy home improvement projects!
How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet (DIY)
Updated: Nov. 20, 2019
Lots of useful tips and step-by-step advice on how to install a new kitchen faucet, including how to avoid common problems.
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Family Handyman
The toughest part of replacing a kitchen faucet is removing the old one. Unexpected problems always pop up—corroded pipes, difficult-to-reach nuts and poor access to fittings. Otherwise, installing a new kitchen faucet isn’t tough at all.
Actually, the directions that come with your new faucet are probably all you’ll need to do that part of the job. Barring unforeseen problems, you could be washing up under the faucet in an hour or so. In this article walk you through a basic replacement process and tell you how to get through those tough parts.
By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine
- Time
- Complexity
- Cost
- A full day
- Intermediate
- $101–250
Pick up key parts at the hardware store before you start
How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet Photo 1: Remove the drain lines from the faucet
Disconnect the drain lines and P-traps if they block your access to the faucet and water supply pipes. (Place a bucket or coffee can under the P-trap to dump residual water after you pull it free.)
Chances are, you’ll need to make more than one trip to the hardware store for parts to learn how to replace a kitchen faucet, but to give yourself a fighting shot at completing the job with one-stop shopping, consult this list.
We’ll show you how to remove a kitchen faucet with the steps in this article.
- Shutoff valves Before you shop for your new faucet (see “Selecting a Faucet” at the end of this how to replace a kitchen faucet article), take a look under the sink and make sure that there are shutoff valves feeding the faucet. If you don’t have shutoff valves, add them. If you have them, confirm that they’re in working order by turning on the hot and cold water at the faucet and shutting off the valves. If the faucet still drips, install new ones. Most likely you have 1/2-in. copper supply pipes. If so, add easy-to-install solderless “compression fitting” valves (Photos 9 and 10) to your shopping list. But if not, buy whichever valve type is compatible with your pipes.
- Supply tubes: Next, measure the existing supply tubes and buy new stainless steel–sleeved supply tubes (Photo 9). They’re designed to give rupture-free service for years and can be routed around obstacles without kinking.
- Basin wrench: Also buy a basin wrench ($15; Photo 4). This weird little wrench is made specifically for removing and installing those hard-to-reach fasteners that clamp older faucet assemblies to the sink. (Newer faucets have plastic Wing-Nuts that can usually be loosened and tightened by hand.) A basin wrench’s spring-loaded jaws pivot so you can either loosen or tighten nuts in tight spaces.
If you need to remove drain lines to access the faucet, get a pipe wrench or slip-joint pliers (Photo 1). For cutting copper tubes, buy a conventional tubing cutter. But if your copper supply lines are within a few inches of the back of the cabinet, buy a special mini tube cutter (Photo 3). You’ll also need a set of open-end wrenches for disconnecting and hooking up the water lines.
Before disconnecting the drain lines, take a snapshot or make a sketch of the layout to help you put it all back together.
How to Remove a Kitchen Sink TIP:
Plan on replacing your faucet during store hours.
Chances are better than 50/50 you’ll need at least one more part for this how to replace a kitchen faucet project.
How to Remove a Kitchen Sink TIP:
Prop up a scrap of plywood on some 1-qt. paint cans in front of the cabinet. You’ll be much more comfortable lying under the sink during this how to replace a kitchen faucet project. Otherwise, the edge of the cabinet would be digging into your back
Gain access and remove the old faucet
Photo 2: Disconnect the garbage disposer
Unplug the garbage disposer, or shut off the circuit breaker in the main service panel if the disposer is directly wired. Disconnect the dishwasher discharge line and place a 1-gal. paint can under the garbage disposer with some rags on top to cushion the disposer when it drops free. Release the disposer by tapping the retaining ring with a hammer in a counterclockwise direction.
Close-up of Photo 2
Tap the retaining ring to loosen it.
Photo 3: Cut the water supply lines, if you’re replacing the valves
Shut off the water below the sink if you have valves, or shut off the main water supply valve if your old faucet is plumbed directly without valves.
Open the kitchen faucet and another lower faucet to bleed off any pressure and to drain the water. If you’re installing or replacing valves, cut the water lines directly below the fittings with a tube cutter or hacksaw.
Photo 4: Loosen the tailpiece nuts with a basin wrench
Reach up behind the sink, fit the basin wrench jaws onto the tailpiece nuts and turn counterclockwise to loosen. Then disconnect the spray nozzle hose, remove the faucet and clean the sink area under the old faucet flange.
Close-up of Photo 4
Fit the basin wrench jaws around the lock nuts.
After you pull out all of the cleansers, buckets and old vases from under the sink, go ahead and lie under there and see if you can easily access the faucet. If so, go right to Photo 3. If not, it’s time to start dismantling the things blocking your path.
Most likely, the main obstacles will be the pipes and P-traps that drain the sinks. Don’t be afraid to pull them out, but more important, don’t be afraid to replace them with new ones.
If you have older, chrome-plated drain lines, the pipe walls may be so corroded that they’ll crush in the jaws of a pipe wrench or slip-joint pliers. After you remove them, throw all the parts in a box for matching them exactly at the store later. If you have plastic drain parts, be careful during removal—you’ll probably be able to reuse them.
Sometimes a garbage disposer can be a 20-lb. roadblock. Don’t be discouraged—it’s easier than you think to remove it and then reinstall it after the faucet is in (Photo 2). Unplug it and pull it out of the cabinet to get it out of the way. If it’s hard-wired, shut off the circuit breaker that controls the disposer, disconnect the disposer from the sink and set it aside inside the cabinet with the electrical cable still attached.
The first step in removing the old faucet is to disconnect the water supply lines (Photo 3). If there are no shutoff valves and the water pipes are hooked up directly to the faucet supply lines, or if you’re replacing defective valves, turn off the main water supply valve to the house and cut off the pipes (Photo 3) below the connections with a hacksaw or tube cutter.
Make sure new valves are closed before turning the water back on to the house. Once the water lines are disconnected, use the basin wrench to loosen the old faucet and remove it (Photo 4).
Sometimes, in spite of all your best efforts, it’s simply impossible to loosen the old faucet nuts. Calm down! Try soaking the threads with penetrating oil and try again. If that doesn’t do it, it’s time to pull out all the stops and pull the sink so you can get at the nuts. It’s not that tough to do. Loosen the screws on the bottom of the sink rim for a clamp-down sink, or cut the caulk between a drop-in sink and countertop with a utility knife and lift out the sink. Then you’ll be able to go after those nuts with a locking pliers or a pipe wrench to free the old faucet.
TIP:
If you’re replacing the kitchen sink along with a new faucet, install the faucet before setting the sink into the countertop.
Now install the new faucet
Photo 5: Place the flange over the faucet opening
Follow any manufacturer’s preassembly instructions and place the optional flange (see Photo 8) over the faucet opening.
Finger-tighten the flange nuts underneath the sink and check the alignment of the flange, faucet and sink hole from above.
Photo 6: Tighten the faucet mounting nut.
Check the operation of the faucet and handle to confirm you’re not putting it in backward, and thread the feeder lines through the flange and sink holes. Then slip on the faucet washer, and thread on and tighten the faucet-mounting nut from below, gently spreading the faucet supply tubes if necessary to gain tool clearance (sometimes manufacturers provide a special tool for this).
Photo 7: Tighten the flange nut
Hand-tighten, then snug up the flange nuts with an open-end wrench. You can only turn the wrench about a one-sixth revolution at a time.
Photo 8: Attach the spray hose to the faucet supply tube.
Thread the spray nozzle line through the faucet body, then thread the spray hose fitting onto the faucet supply tube and tighten it. Pull the nozzle out of the faucet to make sure the hose under the sink operates freely, then attach the counterweight following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Photo 9: Mark the supply lines where you want to cut them
Tighten the new valves onto the supply tubes and mark the feeder lines just above the compression nuts on the valves for cut-off.
Photo 10: Connect the supply tube to the supply lines.
Clean the copper tubing with fine sandpaper, then slip the nut, compression ring and valve body over the pipe and tighten. Close the valve, turn on the main water valve and check for leaks. Place a bucket under the faucet and turn the faucet on to check for leaks. Reassemble the garbage disposer, P-traps and drain lines.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions to mount the new faucet, then remount the sink (with the new faucet) and hook up the water lines as we show in this how to replace a kitchen faucet project.
TIP
With most faucets, only three of the four holes are covered, so you’ll either need to get a blank insert or use the extra hole for a liquid soap or instant hot water dispenser. Plan to do the installation while you’re under the sink with everything torn apart.
If you have a leaking faucet, consult this article on how to fix a leaky faucet.
Selecting a faucet
When you’re buying a faucet (as with most other things), you get what you pay for. Faucets that cost less than $100 may be made of chrome-plated plastic arts with seals and valves that wear. They’re OK for light-duty use but won’t stand up long in a frequently used kitchen sink. Faucets that cost more than $100 generally have solid brass bodies with durable plating and washerless controls that’ll give leak-free service for many, many years. Some even come with a lifetime warranty. Quality continues to improve up to about $200. Spend more than $200 and you’re mostly paying for style and finish. Stick with brand name projects so replacement parts will be easier to find—in the unlikely event you’ll ever need them.
Required Tools for this how to replace a kitchen faucet Project
Have the necessary tools for this how to replace a kitchen faucet DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
- 4-in-1 screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Hammer
- Handsaw
- Pipe wrench
- Slip joint pliers
- Tube cutter
- Wrench set
Basin wrench
Required Materials for this how to replace a kitchen faucet Project
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time for this how to replace a kitchen faucet. Here’s a list.
- 150-grit sandpaper
- Braided stainless steel supply tubes
- New faucet
- P-trap
- Shut-off valves
Originally Published: November 20, 2019
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how to replace it with a new one
This question may arise at a completely inopportune moment, when it is impossible or expensive to call a plumber. Replacing a mixer with your own hands is not particularly difficult with a shallow immersion in the topic and brief preparation.
Advice! First you need to turn off the water supply. Do not be lazy before removing the old faucet, check on it how securely the water is blocked - this will save you from injury. nine0008 |
How to remove the faucet
Faucets do not shine with a special variety and there are only two types:
- Wall mounted,
- Tabletop.
The device is also represented by two types:
- Two separate revolving taps for water supply (colloquially "herringbone"),
- One lever that can be lifted and rotated to the side, it both regulates the water temperature and controls the water flow (more/less). nine0018
Usually, a limited set of materials is used for the manufacture of plumbing fixtures: ceramics, bronze, brass and silumin. Ceramics and bronze are rare. They are usually taken for the implementation of some "antique" design solutions.
Advice! A mixer made of silumin is cheaper, but quickly fails. It is better to purchase a brass mixer. |
How to unscrew the kitchen faucet
For replacement, in addition to theory, you will need tools and accessories. Usually, all sorts of small things (nuts, screws, hoses, and so on) are already offered together with the mixer and are included in the installation kit.
You can also find instructions there. From the tools you will need wrenches - adjustable (one), wrenches (10 by 12 and 13 by 14), end wrenches (with the same values as wrenches), as well as tape (PTFE) and a brush, preferably wire.
| Advice! For the convenience of work, it is better to get a flashlight in advance - a miniature one in your hand or on your head. This will make it easier for you to work in the dark under the sink. |
Dismantling steps
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- Remove connecting hoses.
- They are secured with nuts and can be removed with an adjustable wrench. The fittings that secure the hoses themselves must be removed with a wrench.
- Remove connecting hoses.
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- Remove the faucet from the sink.
- It is usually secured with nuts and washer. Use socket wrench. As a rule, fasteners are located directly under the sink.
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- If you are facing a desktop model.
- There will be no flexible connection - the mixer will be fixed directly on the sleeves coming from the central line. You won’t get access to the pipes themselves - they are in the wall, on the surface there are only threaded ends. nine0062
- Remove the nuts and then dismantle the instrument.
Now that we figured out how to remove the faucet, let's move on to replacing it.
How to install mixer
In addition to the type and diameter of the thread on the connection to the pipe, in the purchased set, you need to pay attention to flexible hoses.
We are interested in their length and quality. The standard set usually comes with 300 mm hoses, and, as a rule, this length is not enough. They may need to be replaced with longer ones. nine0003
After installation, make sure that the hose does not hang "in tension", it should sag a little. You should have a margin of about 80 mm. It is also not necessary to wind endless rings - when water flows through the hose, it will begin to vibrate, and the vibration destroys the rubber tube, which is hidden by the braid. Wear will be very strong. Eventually the tube will fray and start leaking.
By the way, carefully check the condition of the metal braid on the hoses. If you are a supporter of the idea that it is better to spend money once and then not suffer, you should take corrugated stainless steel hoses. nine0003
It is also possible to supply water to the tap using a metal or plastic pipe, but it is better not to carry out such an operation on your own - it is much more difficult to perform.
The second thing you should pay attention to is the type and diameter of the thread on the pipe connection.
| Advice! Stores in case of defects, change the product or return the money for it. Do not rush to get rid of the sales receipt - it may come in handy. nine0008 |
How to attach the faucet to the sink
Before attaching the mixer to the sink, all outlets must be cleaned. If the faucet has been used for a long time, you will almost certainly find rust or scale flakes there. The thread on the pipe itself must also be checked to ensure that there is no sealing material left.
All this work is best done with a metal brush, which we called in the list of tools necessary for working on changing the mixer. And it is better to clean the landing site of the mixer with a rag. We install flexible hoses on the mixer - for hot and cold water.
nine0003
As a rule, the faucet is color-coded, respectively, red and blue. First tighten the hoses by hand and add 3-4 turns with a wrench. Do not overdo it - a show of strength is not needed here. Do not forget about the rubber gaskets that are worn on the tubular fittings.
How to attach the faucet to the sink
If the sink is removed from the sink, it is better to put the faucet on the sink first, and then transfer the entire structure. Once the hoses are attached to the faucet, install it on the sink by inserting the hoses into the appropriate holes in the sink. Gently lower the mixer onto the canvas. nine0003
We move under the sink and find the lower part of the mixer, put the sealing washer and pull it to the canvas with nuts - also not very tight. If you immediately tighten the nuts tightly, the mixer body cannot be moved. As soon as you make sure that the device is clearly in the center of the mounting hole, tighten it until it stops.
After the faucet is fixed on the sink, flexible hoses are connected to the lines through which water flows.
Please note that the union nuts are already equipped with rubber gaskets. Put the nuts on the end of the pipes, screw along the threads and add 3-4 turns with a gas (adjustable) wrench. nine0003
Switch on mixer
Before you turn on the mixer, you need to check whether we managed to achieve tightness - start the pressure test. To do this, the valves located on the mixer itself must be tightly closed, and the valves on the highways, on the contrary, must be opened. Within half an hour, observe if there are any leaks at the installation connections or in the mixer itself. If after this time the water has not gone, we can assume that the installation is completed.
| Advice! Many modern faucets are equipped with a special strainer - a filter. Scientifically speaking, an aerator. |
After you have installed a new mixer, let the water run for 10-15 minutes so that it can take out scale, oxides, rust that have accumulated during operation in the main pipelines.
After that, put the filter and see how effective it works. If the filter is installed correctly, the jet should be solid, dense. If it is not fitted, water will splash out to the sides. nine0003
Do-it-yourself bathroom faucet replacement
Any homeowner will need to replace the faucet in the bathroom sooner or later - the wear and tear of such equipment is very high. This is possible if you clearly follow the instructions to perform all actions scrupulously, slowly.
When do you need a replacement and when do you need a repair?
If the mixer has the following defects, it is either impossible to repair it or unreasonably expensive (it’s easier to buy a new one):
- Hull cracked. With cheap faucet models, this happens very often. Need a replacement.
- The body is corroded from the inside. This means that a corrosion-resistant compound was used as the material that went to the mixer. Also needs replacement.
- The thread on the nut at the point of attachment to the pipe is broken, or the nut has simply burst.
Most likely, these are the consequences of careless installation or mechanical impact on the mixer. nine0021 - Valve gasket.
- Cartridge in a half-turn or lever faucet.
- Same keys,
- Pliers,
- Sealing material for threaded connections.
- control knob;
- spout through which water passes;
- aerator through which the jet exits;
- cartridge that responds to the mixing of two different water streams: cold and hot.
- water control valves;
- spout through which a mixed jet moves;
- aerator through which the jet exits;
- water mixing mechanism (box), which can be of two types - screw or ceramic.
- wrenches with different geometric parameters;
- screwdrivers with corresponding shapes and sizes of tips; nine0018
- , if necessary, gas and adjustable wrenches;
- pliers;
- electric drill - if you need to cut a faucet hole in the sink.
- seals to seal connections and prevent leaks;
- silicone sealant;
- flashlight for illumination;
- container into which water can be drained;
- rags.
- Unscrew and separate the siphon from the basin.
- Disconnecting the hoses that carry water from the water supply.
- Removing the sink from the countertop.
- Unwinding fasteners - washers or studs from the sink.
For example, a person fell and hit the mixer.
It is not always necessary to completely replace the mixer. If the water just flows in a thin stream, the problem is most likely in the inside of the faucet, and you only need to replace the consumables - these are:
In the second case, you may suddenly find a small metal ball with holes instead of a ceramic cartridge. In this case, you need to pay attention to the polymer insert that surrounds the ball - most likely, it is torn. nine0003
How to choose a crane and get started
The most popular, cheap material is made from the same alloy of silicon and aluminum - that is, silumin, a material that, in addition to being cheap and light, is distinguished by low corrosion resistance.
Most likely, the use of such material in the mixer will lead to the fact that one far from perfect day the tap will burst, and water will flood the neighbors.
Preference should be given to a mixer made of brass or stainless steel. Heavy, reliable, but expensive. nine0003
How to remove the bathroom faucet
You should decide where the mixer will be installed, and with the type of locking mechanism. In addition to the two types of faucets used in the kitchen and listed above, there is also a third type for the bathroom - installed on the side of the washbasin.
Usually this option is used if a shower cabin is installed instead of the usual bath. The type of locking mechanism in faucets mounted in bathrooms does not differ from kitchen ones - the same "herringbones" or levers. nine0003
Lever taps are considered a more advanced model, but there is one subtlety here: as we have already said, there is a ceramic cartridge inside this design, inside which two streams of water - hot and cold - are mixed.
The problem is that in most Russian cities the water is very bad. The metal impurities contained in it quickly corrode ceramics, and water begins to leak.
Therefore, if the water supply does not have special filters, it is better to give preference to a conventional valve mixer - it is practically not afraid of mechanical pollution. nine0003
How to install a faucet in the bathroom
We need tools:
For accuracy, you should take electrical tape or simple tape. They are glued to chrome parts so as not to scratch them during operation. In principle, you can do without electrical tape or adhesive tape.
| Advice! Think about what sealing material to take. We recommend linen thread. FUM tape, with ease of installation, has a lot of disadvantages. First of all, it is demanding on the thread: rust or deformation is unacceptable. |
Professional plumbers usually use tow or special plumbing linen.
But for a person who does not do such work every day, it is problematic to deal with such materials - you can not report or, worse, shift. Both will have dire consequences. nine0003
Removing the bathroom faucet
Turn off the valve on the water supply, open the taps on the mixer all the way - this will help relieve excess pressure. Cover the tub or sink with an old thick blanket. If tools or parts fall during work, this will help to avoid damage to the enamel.
Plug the drain with a rubber stopper so that any small parts do not accidentally fall there. Take a wrench and unscrew the nuts located on the eccentrics. In about 80% of cases, this is difficult to do due to years of lime deposits - the nuts stick. nine0003
As a softener, you can take a special liquid that dissolves rust and similar elements. Or if the tapes go to the store for kerosene. Remove the nuts from the removed mixer and put it in a bucket - some water may remain in it. As a final step, it is necessary to inspect the eccentrics and decide what condition they are in - whether stripping will be enough, or a complete replacement will be required.
In any case, it is necessary to change the sealing material on the “pipe-eccentric” section. nine0003
Installing a new bathroom faucet
If you decide to leave the eccentrics in place, thoroughly clean the threads with a wire brush. If necessary, set the eccentrics to the desired position. Apply a sealant to the threads, taking into account that the nut will go further and will spread it along the threads.
Wrap the nuts of the new mixer with electrical tape to prevent damage - it can be removed after work. Tighten the nuts first by hand, then tighten with a wrench - 2-3 turns. Further installation steps depend on which mixer model you have: whether it is attached directly to the pipe (that is, wall or floor models) or connected to the water supply using flexible hoses. nine0003
If you are dealing with flexible piping, use a drill to make a hole in the side of the bathroom according to the diameter of the faucet, install the gasket, put the faucet on top.
The crane itself is attached with a special washer. Don't forget to pre-install the gasket as well. Connect the flexible hoses from the faucet side to the pipe side. There is no need to wind any materials - there are already gaskets in the factory nuts.
Work carefully, especially when tightening the nuts. With too much force, they can burst. At the end of the installation, the same crimping is carried out as when installing the mixer in the kitchen. nine0003
How to drill an artificial stone sink
Such sinks have recently become fashionable among people with a delicate taste. This is a serious question, which is worth paying attention to, because although this material is called a stone, in its properties it is more similar to plastic.
Outwardly, it is a polymer mixed with stone chips in different consistency.
Practice shows that the most common drill and cutter (diameter 35 mm) is best suited for work. Be very careful when working with a drill and first make sure that the design does not provide for special cast plugs that need to be knocked out - this option is also possible.
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| Advice! Carefully study the instructions supplied by the mixer manufacturer. |
How to change the faucet in the kitchen with your own hands in 3 steps
Many people are afraid to dismantle the old one and install a new faucet in the kitchen. But if you get acquainted with the replacement process in detail, it becomes clear that this is a simple task that everyone can do. You just need to strictly follow all the recommendations, and you won’t have to call a plumber. nine0003
It is interesting to know: What does a kitchen faucet consist of: a device of 5 different models
So, just three steps separate the kitchen from a brand new faucet: choosing a faucet, preparing tools and, in fact, the replacement itself. Go!
Choosing a faucet
Before replacing a faucet in the kitchen, you need to be smart about buying a new one in terms of comfort.
Devices differ in type and have their own design features. Today you can purchase three of their options: with two valves or traditional (such is the Franke Neptune Clear Water mixer), compact lever with one handle and contactless. The latter have built-in sensors that work on infrared sensors, regulate the temperature and water pressure using special programs. To increase, decrease the jet or change the temperature, you need to reprogram the mixer every time. nine0003
It will be useful to know: Touch-sensitive kitchen faucet - answers to 2 questions: how it works and how to choose
Therefore, in kitchens, simpler controls are installed: traditional two-valve or single-lever instances.
Single-lever mixer
In this type of devices, one lever-handle is responsible for switching the temperature and changing the strength of the outgoing jet. An example is the Franke Novara-Plus storm kitchen faucet. To understand how to replace a faucet in the kitchen, you should familiarize yourself with its structure and principle of operation.
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The configuration of this device includes:
Water from the plumbing system rises through the hoses to the cartridge located inside the housing, mixes, and is directed to the aerator through the spout. This is the simplest principle of adjustment with a single knob. The cartridge has two ceramic plates and three holes at the bottom. Through two of them, water is supplied from the water supply, and through the third - mixed water enters the spout. In such devices, the accuracy of adjustment and the high quality of the cartridge are important. nine0003
Read also: How to change the cartridge in the kitchen faucet: 6 steps
Two-valve models
This type of device, like the Franke Neptune Clear Water model, is considered a classic.
They work due to the axle box located in the middle of the body. To answer the question of how to change the bushing faucet in the kitchen, you need to understand its structure.
Device configuration includes:
Screw controls water pressure by means of circular revolutions and pressure of a special gasket by a worm screw. For the required jet force, turn the valve around the axis by 360 degrees. The second (ceramic) works according to the method of combining holes in cermet discs. When they do not match, the water stops flowing. Ceramic have a semi-rotary mechanism - the valve turns on and shuts off the water, moving 180 degrees around the axis. nine0003
What you need for the job: a list of tools
Any repair cannot be carried out without special tools and materials.
No matter how much you want to change the faucet in the kitchen with the help of pliers alone, this is an impossible task.
To replace any of the above faucets, you will need a whole set of irreplaceable items:
Another important point is the length of the hoses that come with a faucet like Franke Novara-Plus Vanilla with an exhaust hose. They should not be stretched or, on the contrary, hang freely after installation. Often, manufacturers supply too short hoses with a faucet - 30-40 centimeters in length. Then you need to buy new ones of the appropriate length. nine0003
Also, in addition to the tap and tools, you will need:
Having all the necessary tools and supplies, you can get to work.
How to change the faucet in the kitchen with your own hands
The answer to the question "How to replace the faucet in the kitchen with your own hands?", is to strictly follow the sequence of actions. Each type of device has features of dismantling and installation. Whatever model is chosen, they cannot be neglected and the sequence of actions cannot be changed. nine0003
How to remove an old kitchen faucet
The first thing to do is to shut off the water pipes. Then open the taps, make sure that the water is no longer flowing, put a bucket under the siphon and proceed to further work.
Disassembly is as follows:
For this stage of work, you will need the appropriate tools, a container to drain the remaining water and rags.
Assembling a new faucet
In order to understand how to replace an old kitchen faucet and install a new one, such as a Schock Aquaquadro faucet, it is important to understand the type of faucet fitting. The mixer can be fixed with studs or nuts. In the first case, you need to put on the sealing ring, release the studs from the brass nuts and screw them into the body of the device. For this, there are two holes at the bottom. In the second version, a seal is also put on in a special recess at the bottom of the valve body - a rubber ring. nine0003
For the correct assembly of the crane, you should also read the instructions, check the package for the presence of the necessary elements of the system.
Mounting on the sink
Before you replace the faucet in the kitchen yourself, you need to consider how it is attached to the sink. Installation takes place in five stages, but has significant differences in the sequence of actions:
In any case, after all the steps described above, the sink is mounted on the countertop.
Useful article: How to properly position the sink in the kitchen: 4 options
Connecting the hoses and the siphon
Next, connect the hoses to the pipes: left - to hot, right - to cold. At the same time, their tension and strong bends should not be allowed - this leads to a decrease in the operational period. In order not to break the seal, do not pinch and twist the mount. We install the old or new siphon back under the sink. We connect the corrugated hose to the sewer pipe. We check the tightness and reliability of all joints. nine0003
You may be interested in: Kitchen faucet hose: how to choose, types + 2 installation steps
Function test
If the system is working, the next step is to locate potential leaks. We run a hand or a dry rag along the attachment points. If they are dry, the installation was successful. In case of leakage, the problem should be eliminated by slightly tightening the connecting elements.
