It would be very expensive if you had to call a plumber just to install a kitchen faucet. You can install it yourself; actually this job is very easy (one of the easiest and most basic plumbing jobs). Thus, you do not have to spend deeply. Get started with Step 1 below.
Step
Step 1. Turn off the hot and cold water pipes
- Pipe faucets (there will be 2) are usually located under the sink. Sometimes, these faucets are located elsewhere, for example in the basement or warehouse.
- Usually, the water flow will stop when you turn the pipe faucet clockwise. When closing the pipe faucet, you can leave the kitchen faucet open to make sure the water flow has completely stopped.
- Just take it slow, especially if the pipe faucet has not been moved for a long time.
Step 2. Open the kitchen faucet
- This way, you release the pressure from the water line and can ensure that the line is completely closed.
- If there are two faucets, make sure the water in both faucets is completely exhausted by opening both faucets. If the faucet you are using is a type with a head that can be pulled left or right, pull it in both directions until it "sticks" to drain the water in the drain.
Step 3. Remove the existing kitchen faucet
- Remove the bolts that attach the faucet to the sink. Usually located under the sink, right where the faucet is connected to the sink. These bolts are generally easy to spot because they don't look like ordinary bolts if your sink is fairly modern. These bolts will look more like archery targets or clocks.
- If the bolt is located above the sink, remove the faucet handle and seat plate underneath to access the bolt.
Step 4. Clean the sink surface
- Make sure the new faucet is installed on a clean surface.
- Remove any existing putty and dirt.
- This work is easiest to do with a putty knife.
- Make sure you also remove mildew and rust, so that the new faucet won't be a problem later.
Step 5. Place the new putty on the faucet holder
- If your faucet came with a rubber or plastic mount instead of putty, screw it into the correct hole first.
- If your faucet didn't come with a mounting plate or rubber mount, put some putty on the faucet mount holder.
- Place the putty into the groove of the faucet seat, then press gently.
Step 6. Install the new mounting plate and faucet
- Make sure all the holes you have taken care of.
- If you change the way the faucet sits, you may need to drill new holes for the new mounting kit. For example, if you want to move from one sitting position to another.
- Follow the faucet manufacturer's instructions on how to prepare the mounting plate and install the proper faucet. Usually, you will need to install two bolts on the mounting plate.
- Sometimes, the faucet is installed after the mounting plate. There is also a faucet that must be installed together with the mounting plate.
Step 7. Install the cover ring and faucet holder
- You will need to tighten each bolt pressing on the mounting plate with a nut and a cover ring. In addition, you will also need to tighten the faucet in the center with a nut and a shutoff ring.
- Follow the faucet manufacturer's instructions.
- Use your hands to tighten the nuts.
- Make sure the seat plate and faucet are in the correct place.
- Use pliers to tighten the nut more tightly. Be careful not to get too tight.
Step 8. Clean your work area
- Remove any remaining plumbing putty from the bottom of the sink and faucet surfaces.
- Use a putty knife or a "kater" knife.
- If the connection between the faucet and the stand is not strong enough, you can seal the area further with putty or other seal.
Step 9. Reconnect the water pipe
- Use your hands to tighten the water pipe on the water pipe receiver on the faucet.
- Tighten again with a wrench.
- If the water pipe looks old or brittle, replace it as well.
Step 10. Restart the water flow
- Make sure the kitchen faucet is in the off position.
- Pay attention to whether the water pipes and kitchen faucets have leaks.
- With the faucet on, see if there are any leaks.
- If there is a leak, repeat the steps you have taken. Make sure you do the steps correctly. There is a connection between the pipe and the faucet which does require plumbing tape.
- If it still leaks, contact the faucet manufacturer or plumber.
- If there are no leaks, your work is done.
Tips
- With plumbing putty, water won't get into the cupboard under the sink.
- Be careful not to tighten the nuts or pipe taps too tightly.
- Faucet handles and mounting plates can usually be removed with a plus screwdriver or an L wrench.
- There are cold or warm water pipes that need plumbing tape at the ends. If your pipe is of this type, apply plumbing tape at the end, counterclockwise.
- If you frequently re-check your new faucet, you can minimize water damage.
