There are several reasons why you might contemplate replacing your kitchen faucet. One common reason is that the current faucet has become old and worn out. Rather than repeatedly repairing it, opting for a new faucet can save you time, money, and effort.
Additionally, you may desire to enhance your kitchen's aesthetic appeal by introducing an elegant and distinctive faucet that complements your décor. Nowadays, there is a wide range of kitchen faucets available from various brands, featuring captivating designs that surpass the simplicity of standard stainless steel faucets.
Type of Faucet and Their Replacement Procedure
Before proceeding with the replacement, it is vital to identify the type of faucet you currently have. In the market, there are three primary types of kitchen faucets: pull-out kitchen faucets, pull-down kitchen faucets, and touchless kitchen faucets.
Understanding the specific type of faucet you possess is crucial as it enables you to select a replacement model that will seamlessly fit into the existing base. This article will provide you with detailed information about these main faucet types and offer valuable tips to assist you in successfully replacing them.
Ball Faucet
The ball faucet was one of the initial types of washer-based faucets. These faucets can be easily recognized due to their single handle, which smoothly moves over a rounded ball cap positioned above the base of the faucet spout.
Compression Faucet
The compression faucets are probably the newest faucets available and are usually used together with utility sinks in modern homes. These faucets usually have a separate cold, and hot water handles. They also require the user to tighten the handle down to close the water flow.
Disc Faucet
Ceramic disks are also innovations that have been included in latest faucets. They are easy to identify as they feature a single lever that lies over a wide cylindrical body.
Cartridge Faucet
Cartridge faucets are offered in two distinct types: single handle and double handle. The single handle cartridge faucet shares some similarities with the ball faucet, but it differs in appearance and operation. Unlike the ball faucet, which is activated by pushing back, the single handle cartridge faucet adjusts the water volume with an up/down motion and the temperature with a right/left motion.
On the other hand, the double handle cartridge faucet bears resemblance to compression washer faucets, although the way they are operated feels distinct.
No matter which type of kitchen faucet you intend to replace, the following guide will outline the important steps to assist you in removing the old faucet and installing a new one.
To begin, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials readily available to successfully complete the task. Here are some of the essential tools you will need:
Replacing a Kitchen Faucet: Procedure
1. Read the manual
The faucet that you intend to replace the old one with usually has the installation manual. Reading the instructions on the manual is crucial to ensure that the installation goes smoother.
2. Disconnect water supply and remove the supply lines
Start by disconnecting the water supply to the faucet. You can do this by turning off the cold and hot water shut off valves that are normally located under the sink. To relieve any pressure, open the faucet.
3. Remove the old faucet
Before installing the new faucet, you need to remove the old one first. Here you will need n adjustable wrench and a pair of locking pliers to disconnect the old faucet from the supply lines. If you find that the gasket and the supply lines are worn out, consider replacing them with supply lines that are flexible.
The next step is to remove the faucet from the sink. Use a socket wrench or a basin wrench to remove the nut that holds the tailpiece of the faucet in place. After removing the nut, pull out the faucet and clean the old faucet residue.
4. Install the escutcheon cover
The escutcheon cover helps in enhancing the look of the new faucet. To make sure that it stays in place and remains watertight, use epoxy plumbers putty to the bottom of the cover.
5. Installing the new Faucet
The next step is to install the new faucet. To do this makes sure that you have installed the entire gasket that is needed on the base of the faucet. Installing the faucet is simple. You simply need to attach the parts that go to the underside of the basin to secure it in place.
6. Reattaching the supply lines
Once the faucet is installed, reattach the supply lines and ensure that the connections are tight to avoid any leaks. Clear any installing residue and turn on the water supply.
7. Check for leaks and enjoy
Check for any leaks and if any make sure that, you tighten the water supply connection and any other part that may be leaking. When you find there is no leak you can enjoy using your new faucet.
Conclusion
Repairing and replacing your kitchen faucet is simple when you have the relevant information. We hope that this guide will help you save time, money and give you peace of mind knowing that you can tackle most of the common problems with kitchen faucets with ease.
