Kitchen Faucets
Kitchen faucets are something that we have and just don’t notice that much – until they break down or start leaking. Most kitchen faucets match the décor of your kitchen – some are exquisite, some are plain, all are necessary. You wouldn’t get much done in your kitchen without your faucet. It wouldn’t be good if it began having issues and you had to fix it.
You don’t necessarily need to call a plumber to replace your faucet unless you really want to. The work is easy, and almost anyone can do it independently. You could save the money that it costs for a plumber and do all the work on your own.
There are many different types that you could look for that would fit your décor. You can buy a kitchen faucet anywhere from a home improvement store to a fancy design studio. You can find just the right one for your kitchen.
This article will give you some tips and tricks for installing a faucet. It will help you decide if this is a job you want to take on yourself or a plumber to handle it. You can also do more research to find some videos that may help you.
- Choosing a New Faucet – The first thing you need to do is to buy a new one that fits your space. You need to check to see which configuration is best for you. You will want to see what your configuration looks like before you begin. You must also see what material is best for you – cast iron, copper, stainless steel, or something cheaper.
- Get the Right Tools for the Job –You must ensure you have the right tools for the job: https://www.plbg.com/forum/read.php?1,250253. For starters, you must have an adjustable wrench, basin wrench, screwdriver set, Teflon or plumber’s tape, large bowl or bucket, towel, and safety equipment. You want to be safe while doing the job, so don’t forget to have safety equipment. These are just the basic tools you must have on hand.
- Turn of Water Supply – Find the main water source and turn off the water to your sink. You can also turn the water at the source under your sink to prevent water from dripping when you are working. Ensure both valves are turned completely off so you don’t have water dripping. You don’t want to have a big mess to clean up.
- Turn on the Old Faucet – There will usually be pressure built up in the system that must be released. You will release the pressure from the water just by turning the water off. You can release the rest of the pressure by turning the faucet on after you have shut off the water. This will prevent the water from dripping as you work.
- Remove the Old One – When you have released all the pressure, it is time to remove the old one. You will use the screwdriver and the adjustable wrench. First loosen the faucet from the fixture. Ensure you remove all the connections – then gently remove the faucet from the fixture.
- Clean Around the Sink—Once you have removed the faucet from the fixture, you need to clean up all around it. Use a green product that is non-abrasive to clean the sink. This will help ensure that your sink won’t be damaged during installation, and you don’t want to replace it.
- Install New One—There are usually just a few steps to installing the new one. First, you will put the faucet into place using a washer and a nut. Next, you will tighten your nut with the adjustable wrench and connect the water supply. After that, you will apply the plumber’s putty to make sure that there are no leaks and wait for the putty to dry—about two or three hours.
- Check for Water Leaks – Once you have let the putty dry, you can turn the water back on at the main valve. Don’t forget to turn the valve under the sink on. If you have any leaks, you can use your plumber’s tape or Teflon to tape them up – you can see examples here. Check the faucet out carefully to ensure it hasn’t been damaged.
- Check Both Hot and Cold Streams –Try both hot and cold streams to ensure they work. Check the pressure of the water, too. If there is not enough pressure, you can check two things. The first is to make sure that you have turned the valves on – even a little way will hurt your pressure.Your faucet may also have a filter to keep contaminants from your drinking water. You can remove this carefully and clean it thoroughly. After that, you can replace the filter to see if your pressure improves.
- Clean Your Area – When everything works as it should, clean up your area. Use a microfiber cloth or paper towels and a green, non-abrasive cleaner to wipe around your new faucet and the sink. Once you are done, you can pat yourself on the back – you have installed your faucet.
Conclusion
Replacing a faucet for your sink is not that difficult of a project. Most homeowners can do this job independently without needing to call a plumber. Anyone can follow a few simple steps, even the most inexperienced person.
You can replace it with any other faucet that fits your specifications. Check the number of handles, the arch of the faucet itself, and other features that might interfere with the installation. Remember that cast iron or copper is best, followed by copper and stainless steel. Plastic is the least expensive product, but it doesn’t last nearly as long as the other materials.