3 Easy Steps: How to Remove a Kitchen Faucet * bigfinish.com

Embarking on a kitchen remodel or encountering a leaky faucet can necessitate the daunting task of removing your existing kitchen faucet. While this may appear intimidating, fear not! With the right tools and a step-by-step guide, you can confidently tackle this plumbing project and restore your kitchen’s functionality.

Before commencing, ensure you have gathered the necessary tools: an adjustable wrench, a basin wrench (optional), a screwdriver, and a bucket to collect water. Gather these essential items and prepare your workspace by clearing the area around the sink and placing a towel beneath it to absorb any water spillage.

Next, turn off the water supply valves located beneath the sink to prevent water from flowing during the removal process. Once the valves are closed, open the faucet handle to release any remaining water pressure. Now, grab an adjustable wrench and loosen the nuts securing the water supply lines to the faucet. Use caution when handling the lines to avoid kinking or damaging them.

Removing the Old Faucet Handle

Disassembling a Single-Handle Faucet

Single-handle faucets have a single lever that controls both hot and cold water. To remove a single-handle faucet, follow these steps:

Turn off the water supply and disconnect the water lines from the faucet: Locate the shut-off valves for the hot and cold water supply lines under the sink. Turn the valves clockwise to close them, stopping water from flowing into the faucet.
Remove the aerator (optional): Some faucets have an aerator, which is located at the tip of the spout. To remove the aerator, gently unscrew it by hand. If it’s stuck, you can wrap it with a cloth and use pliers to loosen it.
Undo the retaining nut: Using an adjustable wrench, loosen the retaining nut that secures the handle to the faucet body. The nut is usually located at the base of the handle, under a cap or collar.
Pull off the handle: Once the retaining nut has been loosened, pull the handle straight up to remove it from the faucet body.
Remove the cartridge: After removing the handle, use a pair of pliers to grasp the cartridge (a cylindrical, plastic or metal component) and pull it straight up to remove it from the faucet body.

Disassembling a Two-Handle Faucet

Two-handle faucets have two handles, one for hot water and one for cold water. To remove a two-handle faucet, follow these steps:

Turn off the water supply: Locate the shutoff valves for the hot and cold water supply lines under the sink. Turn the valves clockwise to close them, stopping water from flowing into the faucet.
Remove the handles: Using a screwdriver or Allen wrench, remove the set screws that are located under the handles. Once the screws are removed, pull the handles straight up to remove them from the faucet body.
Remove the packing nuts: Use a wrench to loosen the packing nuts that are located around the base of the faucet handles. Once the nuts have been loosened, remove them by hand.
Remove the old faucet: Once the handles and packing nuts have been removed, the old faucet can be removed by unscrewing the mounting nuts that attach it to the sink.

Shutting Off the Water Supply

Before you start working on your kitchen faucet, you need to shut off the water supply. This will prevent water from spraying everywhere and make the job a lot easier.

Most kitchens have two shut-off valves under the sink, one for the hot water and one for the cold water. These valves are usually located near the base of the faucet, where the water supply lines connect to the faucet.

Things You’ll Need:

Tool	Description
Adjustable wrench	To turn off the shut-off valves
Flashlight	To see under the sink
Bucket	To catch any water that spills out

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Locate the shut-off valves under the sink.
Turn the valves clockwise until they are completely closed. You should feel resistance as you turn the valves.
If there is any residual water in the lines, open the faucet to drain it out.
Check to make sure that the water is completely off by turning the faucet back on. If there is no water flow, then the water supply is successfully shut off.

Disconnecting the Supply Lines

The next step is to disconnect the supply lines. These are the lines that connect the faucet to the water supply. To disconnect them, you’ll need a wrench or pliers.

For compression fittings:

Step	Instructions
1	Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2	Locate the compression nuts that connect the supply lines to the faucet.
3	Using a wrench or pliers, loosen the compression nuts by turning them counterclockwise.
4	Pull the supply lines away from the faucet.

For ball valve fittings:

Step	Instructions
1	Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2	Locate the ball valves that are connected to the supply lines.
3	Using a wrench or pliers, turn the ball valves clockwise to shut off the water flow.
4	Loosen the nuts that connect the supply lines to the ball valves.
5	Pull the supply lines away from the ball valves.

Loosening the Mounting Nut

Once you have accessed the mounting nut beneath the sink, you need to loosen it to detach the faucet from the sink. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to do it effectively:

Check for a Tool: Determine the type of tool you need to loosen the mounting nut. It can be a wrench, an adjustable wrench, or a socket wrench.
Use a Basin Wrench: If you have a basin wrench, it is the most convenient tool for the job. Place the open end of the wrench over the mounting nut and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
Tight Spaces: For tight spaces where a basin wrench won’t fit, use an adjustable wrench. Carefully adjust the wrench to fit the nut and turn it counterclockwise.
Additional Leverage: If you encounter difficulty loosening the nut by hand, wrap a cloth around the wrench to increase your grip and apply more leverage. Turn the wrench slowly and steadily, avoiding excessive force that could damage the nut or surrounding components.

TIP: If the mounting nut is particularly stubborn, you can apply penetrating oil to it and let it sit for a few minutes before attempting to loosen it. This lubricant can help break down any rust or corrosion that may be hindering its removal.

Tool	Description
Basin Wrench	专门用于松开水槽下方紧固件的专用工具。
Adjustable Wrench	一种多功能工具，可调节到各种尺寸以适应不同的螺母和螺栓。
Socket Wrench	使用可互换插座的工具，可根据螺母或螺栓的尺寸进行更换。

Removing the Faucet

Once you’ve gathered your tools and turned off the water supply, here’s how to remove your old kitchen faucet:

Disconnect the supply lines: Under the sink, locate the two supply lines (one for hot water, one for cold) that are connected to the faucet. Use a wrench to loosen the nuts that hold them in place and disconnect them from the faucet.
Remove the mounting screws: On the top of the sink or counter, locate the two mounting screws that hold the faucet in place. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws.
Lift out the faucet: Once the supply lines and mounting screws are removed, you can lift the faucet straight up and out of the sink or counter.
Clean the surface: Before installing the new faucet, take a moment to clean the surface of the sink or counter where the faucet will be mounted. This will help ensure a good seal and prevent leaks.
Apply plumber’s putty: To create a watertight seal around the base of the new faucet, apply a thin layer of plumber’s putty to the underside of the mounting flange. Do not over-apply the putty, as it can create a mess and hinder the faucet’s performance.

Tool	Use
Adjustable wrench	Loosen the nuts on the supply lines
Screwdriver	Remove the mounting screws
Plumber’s putty	Create a watertight seal around the base of the faucet

Installing the New Faucet

1. Remove the aerator: Unscrew the aerator from the end of the faucet spout using a wrench or pliers.
2. Disconnect the water supply lines: Use a wrench to loosen the nuts that connect the water supply lines to the bottom of the faucet.
3. Remove the mounting nuts: Use a wrench to loosen the mounting nuts that hold the faucet in place.
4. Pull the faucet up and out: Pull the faucet up and out of the sinkhole.
5. Clean the sinkhole: Remove any old sealant or debris from the sinkhole.
6. Install the new faucet base:
– Apply a bead of sealant around the base of the new faucet.
– Insert the faucet into the sinkhole and tighten the mounting nuts.
– Connect the water supply lines to the bottom of the faucet and tighten the nuts.
– Reinstall the aerator.
7. Test the faucet: Turn on the water and check for any leaks. If there are any leaks, tighten the connections as needed.
8. Finishing touches: Wipe down the faucet with a clean cloth to remove any fingerprints or smudges.

Tightening the Mounting Nut

Now that the faucet is loose, you’ll need to tighten the mounting nut to secure it in place. Here’s how:

Locate the Mounting Nut

The mounting nut is usually located at the base of the faucet, where it connects to the sink or countertop. It’s typically a large, round nut made of plastic or metal.
Hand-Tighten the Nut

Start by hand-tightening the nut as much as possible. Grip the nut firmly and turn it clockwise until you feel it getting snug.
Use a Wrench to Tighten Further

Once you can’t tighten the nut any further by hand, use a wrench to apply additional torque. Turn the wrench in small increments, alternating between the left and right sides of the nut to ensure even tightening.
Avoid Over-Tightening

It’s important not to over-tighten the mounting nut, as this can damage the faucet or the sink. Continue tightening until the nut feels secure, but don’t force it.
Check for Leaks

After tightening the mounting nut, turn on the water to check for any leaks. If you notice any leaks, you may need to adjust the position of the faucet or the washer before retightening the nut.
Use a Lock Nut

Some faucets come with a separate lock nut that helps prevent the mounting nut from loosening over time. If your faucet has a lock nut, tighten it against the mounting nut using a wrench.

Tightening Chart

The following chart provides general guidelines for tightening torque based on faucet type:

<table>
  <tr>
    <th>Faucet Type</th>
    <th>Tightening Torque</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Single-Handle Faucet</td>
    <td>18-25 ft-lbs</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Two-Handle Faucet</td>
    <td>20-30 ft-lbs</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Pull-Out Faucet</td>
    <td>25-35 ft-lbs</td>
  </tr>
</table>

Reconnecting the Supply Lines

The final step of faucet replacement is reconnecting the supply lines. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Inspect the Washers:

Retrieve the rubber washers from the old supply lines and inspect them for wear or damage. If they are compromised, replace them with new ones.

2. Apply Plumber’s Tape:

Wrap clockwise approximately five complete turns of plumber’s tape around the male threads of each supply line.

3. Attach the Lines to the Faucet:

Align the cold water line with the blue or left-handed port on the faucet and the hot water line with the red or right-handed port. Hand-tighten each line until snug.

4. Use a Wrench:

Securely tighten the connections with a wrench, but avoid overtightening, as this could damage the lines or fittings.

5. Tighten the Nuts:

Locate the nuts that hold the faucet in place on the underside of the sink. Tighten them using a wrench or basin wrench until snug but not overly tight.

6. Turn On the Water:

Turn on the water supply valves under the sink. Slowly open the faucet and check for any leaks around the connections or the base of the faucet.

7. Test the Water Temperature:

Run both hot and cold water simultaneously to ensure they are flowing properly and that the temperature is correct. If the water is too hot or too cold, adjust the temperature at the water heater.

8. Inspect for Leaks:

Carefully inspect all the connections under the sink for leaks. If any leaks are found, retighten the connections or consult a licensed plumber for assistance.

Turning on the Water Supply

Once you have the faucet disassembled and the supply lines disconnected, it’s time to turn on the water supply to flush out any remaining water or debris from the lines. This is an important step to prevent water damage or leaks when you install the new faucet.

Step 9: Turn on the Water Supply

Here are the detailed steps for turning on the water supply:

Locate the water shut-off valves under the sink. There will be two valves, one for hot water and one for cold water.
Turn the valves counterclockwise to open them fully. You should hear water flowing through the pipes.
Run the water for a few minutes to flush out any debris or sediment from the lines.
Check for any leaks or drips around the valves or supply lines. If you notice any leaks, turn off the water supply immediately and tighten the connections.
Once you have confirmed that there are no leaks, turn off the water supply valves again.

Valve Type	Open Valve	Close Valve
Gate Valve	Turn handle counterclockwise	Turn handle clockwise
Ball Valve	Turn handle parallel to pipe	Turn handle perpendicular to pipe

Reinstalling the Faucet Handle

10. Step-by-Step Guide to Reinstallation

Align the Handle: Position the handle over the stem and rotate it clockwise until it aligns with the desired position.
Secure the Screw: Tighten the screw located under the handle using a screwdriver. Ensure it is snug but avoid overtightening.
Test the Handle: Turn the handle to check if it operates smoothly without any leaks or resistance.
Reattach the Escutcheon (if Applicable): If the faucet has an escutcheon plate, slip it over the handle base and secure it with the provided screws.
Inspect for Leaks: Turn on the water supply and observe the faucet for any leaks. If leaks occur, retighten the handle screw or check for damaged O-rings.
Set the Handle Position: Once the handle is secured, set it to the desired water temperature or flow rate.
Cap the Faucet: If the faucet has a removable cap, place it over the handle and tighten it to prevent dust or debris from entering the mechanism.
Clean the Faucet: Wipe down the faucet with a damp cloth to remove any fingerprints or residue.
Enjoy Your Renovated Faucet: Your kitchen faucet is now fully functional and ready to use.
Additional Tips:

Use a flashlight to inspect the under-sink area for leaks.
Refer to the faucet manufacturer’s instructions for any specific guidance.
If you encounter difficulties or persistent leaks, contact a licensed plumber for assistance.

How to Take Out a Kitchen Faucet

Removing your kitchen faucet is a relatively straightforward project that you can do yourself. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Turn off the water supply to your faucet. You will usually find the shut-off valves under the sink.
Open the faucet to release any remaining water in the line.
Disconnect the water supply lines from the faucet. You can do this by using a wrench to loosen the nuts that hold the lines in place.
Loosen the mounting nuts that hold the faucet in place. These nuts are usually located under the sink.
Pull the faucet up and out of the sink.

Once you have removed your old faucet, you can install the new one by following the steps in reverse order.

3 Easy Steps: How to Remove a Kitchen Faucet