The Right Tap: DIY Kitchen Faucet Installation Guide
Let’s face it, kitchen renovations aren’t that affordable. Between purchasing appliances and hiring a professional to do the job, the final bill can be outrageously expensive. Thankfully, you can undertake certain tasks yourself that don’t require advanced plumbing skills. Whether you’re looking to replace a broken or old-looking faucet fixture or looking to install a brand new one, you should know that this is entirely within your reach.
To help you take on this project, we’ve put together a useful DIY guide, outlining some important considerations and steps to follow for a successful kitchen faucet-installation. Get ready to become your own handyman!
Prior to Installation
Before you start messing around with random tools under the sink, there are a few things to keep in mind for an optimal and trouble-free installation.
Mounting Holes – Kitchen faucets come in a variety of configurations, generally with one to three holes. Depending on your countertop layout, make sure you purchase a fixture that has the same number of exploitable holes as your current configuration. You don’t want to hire an expert to cut additional ones, so it’s best to do with what you have.
Faucet Types – Faucets are typically single-handled, which means you only have one lever to adjust the water output and temperature. They’re better and more convenient compared to dual-handled ones, which are trickier to install. When it comes to selecting a model, Abby Fuller from Kitchen Faucet Center says that kitchen sink faucets that are activated with motion sensors are growing in popularity; this is a great extra to invest in as you’ll be saving a lot of water with it. An in-depth review of several options is also available on their website and can help you make a decision.
Mounting Types – Deck-mounted faucets are the most common mounting type, where the fixture directly sits on top of your sink or countertop. This is the most manageable layout for DIY replacement or installation. If your faucet is wall-mounted, then you might want to solicit the services of a plumber.
Essential Tools
Any home improvement project requires you to have the adequate tools in order to conduct the process efficiently and without any mishaps. Here are some essentials to equip yourself with before starting:
A Pipe Wrench: This will allow you to disconnect and reconnect water supply lines.
An Adjustable/Basin Wrench: This is useful for reaching hard-to-access places under your sink, and unscrew nuts and bolts.
A Screwdriver: This will allow you to screw in your new fixture and make sure it holds in place.
Supply Lines: You should take this opportunity to purchase new supply lines and replace your old ones to prevent leaks.
A Flashlight: You should use a powerful flashlight to be able to see in the darkness of your under-sink area.
If you find that you don’t have these available in your home, it might be time for a shopping trip to the supply store!
The Installation Process
The first thing you’ll need to do is turn off the water supply from the valves. Turn on your faucet to evacuate any remaining water and depressurize the system prior to disassembling. As with any attempted plumbing job, this is important so as to not get water everywhere. Next, go ahead and disconnect the water supply lines from the faucet underneath your sink. You’ll want to use your adjustable wrench to unscrew those bolts in order to remove the old faucet. Now that the fixture is unfastened, you can remove the faucet (from the top of the counter). All you need to do is carefully lift it from where it sits.
Before you can start installing your new fixture, consider doing a thorough cleaning of the area to mount your new appliance onto a clean and germ-free environment. This will prevent premature damages due to dirt and rust.
After that, you’ll first need to apply a thin layer of plumbing putty that surrounds the underside of your faucet fixture. This will ensure a watertight seal and protect the structural integrity of your sink. Use the nuts and bolts that come with your new faucet kit to screw it in place. It’s best to tighten them with your fingers first to ensure correct placement before using your wrench. Don’t go overboard with the tightening. Finally, clean the area from any extra putting, and reconnect the supply lines using your pipe wrench. Tighten them well to avoid water leakage.
Now that everything is in its proper place, turn the water back on, and test out your new faucet. You’re all good to go! All in all, this home improvement procedure isn’t rocket science. With the right tools and adequate precautions, you’ll be able to carry the procedure out expertly and save yourself hundreds of dollars in the process. Don’t hesitate to consult additional guides with pictures or instructional videos to see how it’s properly done.
