Drip, drip, drip! Leaky faucets can drive you nuts and keep you awake. Upgrading your kitchen faucet is a moderately easy job for the average do-it-yourself-er.
Know Your Sink
How many holes are provided for the faucet hardware? Some sinks have one hole. Others have three holes, four inches apart, and others have three holes, eight inches apart. Match your new faucet to the holes in your sink. Although, you can install caps over preexisting holes if you find a sink you love, but, it may not be the look you want. Anytime you work under the sink, keep a good flashlight handy for lighting the dark places.
Removal and Installation
Before you do anything, turn off the water supply. Open the faucet valves, both hot and cold, and drain the remaining water. Remove the old faucet by disconnecting the water supply lines and retaining nuts. Keep a cut off tool handy if the retaining nuts refuse to come off with standard tools. If space is limited, it may be easier to disconnect the supply lines at the shut off valve and remove them after you lift the faucet assembly out of the sink.
When installing a new faucet, read the manufacturer’s instructions. Different style faucets require extra steps to connect water supply lines. Clean all surfaces with mineral spirits to remove any rust or discoloration. Usually, a new faucet will come with a gasket that is placed between the sink and the hardware. If you need to, connect the supply lines before you install the faucet. Replace the faucet, then connect the supply lines to the cut off valve. Install the retaining nuts to hold the assembly in place. Turn on the water and check for leaks. Remove the aerator and screen from the spout before you run the water to clean out any manufacturing debris left in the faucet assembly.
New Innovations in Kitchen Faucets
Today there are hundreds of different styles of faucets. Some have a valve that opens with just a touch. Some are equipped with sprayers built into the spout. Others have a single pull valve. Whatever faucet tickles your fancy, shop at PlumbTile.com to find your favorite.