Whether you want to improve the look of your kitchen or simply upgrade your faucet, it’s easy to do it yourself. Start by turning off the water supply valves underneath the sink and removing any old parts.
Stainless steel, bronze and matte black finishes hide fingerprints and blend well with most kitchen layouts and decor. Explore options at Home Depot.
Get the Right Tools
Replacing a kitchen faucet can be an easy do-it-yourself project, especially if you choose the same make and model as the old one. But it’s still plumbing, and there’s plenty of room for error that can cost you time and money. To help you avoid costly mistakes, have a plan and get the right tools for the job.
Step 1 – Shut Off the Water
Before you begin any work, it’s important to shut off the electricity and water supply to the sink. You’ll find the valves under your sink; simply turn them clockwise to shut off the water. You should also remove anything you’re not going to use while working and keep a pan or towels handy to catch drips.
If you’re replacing an older faucet, it’s a good idea to buy new stainless steel-sleeved supply tubes (Photo 9) that will give you years of rupture-free service. These flexible tubes will allow you to route the lines around obstructions without kinking.
You should also purchase a basin wrench ($15; Photo 4), a long-handled tool that makes it easier to reach and tighten the fasteners that clamp old faucet assemblies to the sink. This wrench’s spring-loaded jaws pivot to allow you to loosen or tighten nuts in cramped spaces.
When installing a new faucet, always wrap the threads of the faucet with plumber’s tape before screwing the two together; this will prevent leaks down the line. Also, don’t forget to put a rubber washer on the bottom of the new faucet nut; this will help prevent leaks at the base.
When it comes to assembling the new faucet, read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. If you have any doubts, call a local plumber for advice, and make sure they’re good, or at-least similar in adequacy with the Las Vegas plumbers. In addition, if you encounter any signs of corrosion or damage during your installation, it’s probably best to abort the project and seek professional help. Otherwise, you may void your warranty or run the risk of future leaks and other problems. This is an especially important consideration if you’re considering a high-end faucet that has a warranty that may be voided by improper or amateur installation.
Measure Your Sink
It may seem like a simple task, but measuring out your sink accurately is critical. Accurate length, width, and depth measurements allow you to shop for a new sink that fits your existing space seamlessly. The dimensions you record will also help you coordinate your sink with other kitchen elements to enhance both form and function.
Before you can begin measuring your sink, make sure it’s completely clean and empty. It’s best to use a tape measure with inches as well as centimeters, and choose one that can display both measurement units simultaneously. If possible, double-check all of your measurements to eliminate errors. Take your time when taking these measurements, and don’t forget to measure at the very back and front of the sink.
The first step in measuring your sink is determining what type of sink you have. Most homes have either undermount sinks, farmhouse sinks, or drop-in sinks. Undermount sinks are installed beneath the countertops, and they’re covered by the countertop rim, while farmhouse sinks have a deep basin with an exposed front that’s raised up from the cabinets. Drop-in sinks have a shallower basin, and they sit on top of the cabinet flange.
When comparing these three types of sinks, you’ll notice that the size and shape vary greatly. This is because some of these sinks are made for different installation types. Once you know which sink you have, you can choose a faucet that’s perfectly suited for it.
Measure the overall width of your current sink by placing your tape measure along the bottom of the cabinet and stretching it from the left to right edge. You can then subtract approximately 4 inches from the total width and 1 inch from the depth to figure out your sink’s width. The most common standard sink size is 24 inches from back to front.
If you have an undermount sink, be sure to consider the dimensions of the mounting hardware and lip as well. This will determine how large of a sink you can install, and it’s important that your new sink basin won’t run into the rough drain outlets or other plumbing. For this reason, it’s a good idea to leave a little extra room around the edges of your sink basin and on the countertops.
Choose the Right Faucet
The kitchen faucet is one of the most used tools in any home. From prepping spaghetti for dinner to bathing the kids or watering the plants, a quality faucet is essential. But it’s also a focal point for the sink area design and an opportunity to express your personal style.
The first step in selecting the right faucet is to understand the different types available. There are many factors to consider, including the faucet mount (sink or countertop), the number of holes in your sink or counter, and the handle configuration.
Once you know what your options are, start by evaluating the features you’d like to have in your new faucet. You can narrow your selection by considering the faucet height, the amount of water flow and temperature control you want and whether you need a sprayer. Once you’ve considered these factors, it’s time to choose the finish and color.
Kitchen faucets come in an array of finishes, from the classic chrome to bronze with a traditional oil-rubbed appearance, to the sleek modern look of black. The best color match depends on the rest of your kitchen décor and other fixtures and appliances. For example, if you have stainless steel appliances, you may want to match them as closely as possible with your faucet.
Some people prefer to stick with one color throughout their kitchen, while others find a mixture of styles and colors works well for them. There are also a variety of handles and spout designs to consider. For instance, some prefer a lever handle for easy water flow and control. Others prefer a touchless faucet for convenience and cleanliness.
You should also consider the amount of water pressure you need for your kitchen tasks. If you have low water pressure, it’s possible to find a high-quality faucet with a powerful pump that delivers sufficient water volume for your needs.
Before you buy, read the manufacturer’s specifications and customer reviews. This will help you compare the performance of various products and select the one that meets your needs while maintaining a safe level of water pressure.
Prepare for the Job
Whether you’re looking for a simple design refresh or the finishing touch to a complete kitchen transformation, a new faucet can make all the difference. With the right tools and knowledge, it’s possible to do a faucet installation yourself instead of hiring a plumber.
Before you start, it’s important to have a checklist. This way you can be sure you’ve got everything you need before getting started and can avoid stepping on a screw or other tool that might get lost in the process.
Shut off the water supply valves under the sink. This will prevent any potential leaks while you work, and makes it easy to identify if there’s a water blockage in the line.
Remove the faucet aerator and set it aside. Aerators mix air into the water stream to reduce splashing, but removing them temporarily allows you to flush out residue and sediment from the supply lines.
Consider how many faucet holes you need to accommodate the faucet style. Most sinks are designed with one or two faucet hole configurations, so if you’re replacing an existing faucet, it’s important to match the number of holes in your sink and faucet configuration. Some extra features, such as a side sprayer, may require an additional hole in the faucet base, sink apron or drilled into the countertop.
Before you begin, double check that your new faucet has all of the necessary parts and is free from any damage. It’s also a good idea to have a small container on hand to catch any drips or spills. Finally, take a moment to turn on the faucet and test out the water flow. Feel around all the connections to see if there are any leaks, and tighten as needed.
Once your new faucet is installed, it’s important to give it a few minutes to run before you use it. The initial water flow helps to clear out any debris that may have collected in the lines and gives you a chance to test for leaks. If you notice any leaking, shut off the water and tighten the connections. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, as many different types of faucets have unique installation procedures.