Kitchen Fixture Installation and Replacement

Kitchen Fixture Installation and Replacement

At some point in your adventure into homeownership, you will come across the kitchen fixture that needs replacing. The typical kitchen fixture takes a lot of abuse daily, causing it to wear down quickly. You don’t have to be a plumber to change the fixture yourself, and you just have to have a general knowledge of how to do it.

In this article, you will learn the tools needed and the steps to take when you decide to change your worn-out kitchen fixture. If you decide that you do not want to attempt it on your own, we know just the right Santa Cruz plumbing professionals to do the job for you.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you take on any project on your own, you need to make sure you know what materials you need to complete the project. You also need to make sure you have the tools to complete it. There is nothing more infuriating than starting to work on a project and not have everything you need.

Kitchen Fixture Installation and Replacement Toolbelt

Here are the tools you will need when installing or replacing your kitchen fixture:

• Basin Wrench
  • A basin wrench is also called a sink wrench, which is a plumbing tool. It is used to turn fasteners in confined spaces that would be difficult to reach with a traditional wrench.
• Adjustable Wrenches
  • An adjustable wrench is also referred to as an adjustable crescent wrench, is used to help loosen or tighten a nut or bolt. It is comprised of an adjustable “jaw” that can move to accommodate the size of the nut or bolt.
• Small Bucket
  • A bucket is a round metal or plastic container with a handle attached to the side and often used for holding or catching water.
• Putty Knife
  • A putty knife is often used for scraping excess dried materials or spreading pliable substances.

Kitchen Fixture Installation and Replacement Materials

Here are the materials you will need to successfully install or replace your kitchen fixture:

• Kitchen Faucet
  • A kitchen faucet is a spout that attaches to the sink and allows water to flow out of it. Updating a kitchen faucet can change the look of a kitchen for little cost.
• Supply Lines
  • A faucet supply line is the piece of tubing that goes from the faucet to the water spout. It attaches to the valve discharge port to the faucet intake port.
• Silicone Caulk
  • Silicone caulk is a type of sealant that is used as a solution for many household jobs. Caulk sealants are highly resistant to temperature, water, weather, and chemicals. It is a versatile sealant that can be used for indoor or outdoor projects.
• Plumber’s Tape
  • Plumber’s tape is also referred to as Teflon tape. It is used to create a watertight seal at pipe joints and threaded points. Plumber’s tape is often used to help prevent pipes from sticking together when you may need to disassemble them later on.

Steps To Replacing a Kitchen Fixture

Before you purchase a new fixture, you need to check to see what type of faucet set-up your sink has. The reason this is important is that a one-hole faucet can be installed on a 3- or 4-hole sink with the installation of a deck plate, but not vice versa.

Remove the Old Faucet

• Turn off the water valves that are located under the sink. Turn on the old faucet to relieve the pressure and built up water in the lines. If you have a garbage disposal, turn the power off to it.
• If you worry that you may not be able to remember the way the faucet was assembled, take a picture of how it is configured before taking it apart for reference.
• Use the small bucket that was listed on your tool list to catch any water that may be left in the lines as you disconnect them.
• Have another person help you by holding on to the faucet above the sink while you use a basin wrench to loosen the nuts holding the faucet so that you can remove them.
• Remove the faucet from the sink and clean up any remaining dirt, grime, or sealant that was left behind when it was removed.

Installing the New Faucet

Keep in mind that all faucets are not made the same. Refer to the manual that comes with the faucet if you are unsure of application measures.

• Place the rubber gasket or trim ring that comes with the faucet over the holes on the sink, aligning them with the holes for the sink. Use caulk to secure down the deck plate and gasket.
• Feed the lines for the faucet through the holes, as indicated in the manual.
• Underneath the sink, install the washers and nuts. At this time, you can also remove any caulk that may have gone through to the underside of the sink.
• For the faucets that use the pull-down feature, attach the quick connect hose to the supply pipe. Pull down on the hose to attach the weight designated for it.
• Connect to the water supply lines. Use the plumber’s tape to create a watertight seal.
• Turn the water on slowly to check for leaks. Tighten the connection if you notice any leaking.
• Remove the aerator from the faucet and allow the water to run freely for a few minutes to run the line. Once you are sure the lines are clear and there are no leaks, you can reassemble the aerator in the faucet.

When In Doubt, Call a Professional

Plumbing issues are not something that everyone can handle on their own. Watching a video on how to do something is not always the same as physically doing it. Before you start the project, or if you find yourself overwhelmed during installation, calling a professional plumber in might be the only way to ensure a job done right.

Anytime Plumbing is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week for all of your plumbing needs. When you find yourself overwhelmed by what you thought was an easy project, our experts can step in and help finish the job for you. If you need help replacing that old and worn out kitchen fixture, call Anytime Plumbing for help today.