There are many reasons why you may consider replacing a kitchen faucet. One the faucet may be old and worn out. Instead of multiple repairs, replacing the faucet with a new one will save you time, money, and energy. You may also consider replacing your old kitchen faucet because you would want to give your kitchen an elegant and unique look to your kitchen décor. Today there are many kitchen faucets from different brand available in different designs that are more alluring than the simple stainless steel faucets.
Identifying the type of faucet you have is a crucial step before you can replace it. Because there are three types of kitchen faucets in the market. They are- pull out kitchen faucet, pull down kitchen faucet and touchless kitchen faucet. Furthermore, it is essential to know the type of the faucet you have so that you can purchase a model that will fit in the preexisting base. This article will give you the main types of faucets and tips to help you replace them.
Ball Faucet
Ball faucet was the first types of the washer. These faucets are easy to identify as they come with a single handle that moves over a rounded ball cap above the faucet spout base.
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
The cartridge faucets are available in two types. The single handle and the double handle. The single handle cartridge faucet is similar to the ball faucet, but they are quite different in how they look and how they feel when being operated. Unlike the ball faucet that you turn on by pushing back, this cartridge faucet up/down motion will adjust the volume of water while the right/left motion adjust the temperature. Additionally, the double handle is similar to the compression washer faucets although they feel different in the way they operate.
Regardless of the type of the kitchen faucet that you would want to replace, the below guide will highlight the crucial steps involved to help you remove the old faucet and replace it with a new one.
Before you get started, you need to have all the essential tools and materials that are necessary for you to complete the job. Here are some of the tools that you 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.
