If you’re thinking about installing a new kitchen faucet for your kitchen sink your first task is to remove the old faucet. The removal does take some mechanical ability but it’s made a lot easier if you have the right tools.

The one special tool you’ll need is a basin wrench which allows you to reach the mounting nuts and supply nuts. They aren’t very expensive, under $30.  Another tool that comes in handy is an adjustable wrench and a water-pump pliers. For some jobs a tubing cutter or hack saw may be needed. You’ll also need some kind of light under the sink – a flashlight will do. And while you’re at the hardware store get some stainless plumber’s putty and pipe-thread sealant.

Before you actually begin, clean out the cabinet and inspect the area where you will be working.  Notice the  two water supply lines running from the floor or lower wall to the faucet. If they aren’t marked to show hot and cold, then turn on the hot water and touch the lines to feel which one gets warm.  Mark that line and make your work easier when you install the new faucet.

Block the drain opening with a cloth and have a pail on hand to catch any water. I sometimes position towels so that the edge of the cabinet doesn’t dig into my back as I work.

Turn off the water at the two shut off valves under the sink by turning the crank near the bottom of both water supply lines. Turn these clockwise by hand until they come to a complete stop. That shuts off the water supply. Turn the faucet on to let the water drain out of the pipes. Be sure the water is off completely.

You unhook the water supply lines by finding the connecting nuts where the supply lines meet the faucet tubes. Apply penetrating oil to the tailpiece mounting nuts and the supply-tube coupling nuts. Wait about 15 minutes for the oil to work then remove the coupling nuts with a basin wrench or water-pump pliers.

Put an empty pail under the connection to catch any left over water in the lines. Hold the upper nuts with an adjustable wrench and loosen the lower nuts with adjustable pliers. Use oil or spray lubricant to break up any corrosion on the nuts you can’t loosen. Use the adjustable pliers to loosen the nuts at the valve end and remove these lines completely.

Take off the sprayer by first loosening the spray hose under the sprayer handle or under the faucet. Again, use the adjustable pliers to remove the connector nuts on either end of the hose.

Locate the mounting nuts and remove them. They’re usually underneath the back end of the sink on either side of the faucet base. They will be either one-piece plastic nuts with fins for turning by hand or they’ll be small metal hex nuts over metal caps. Completely remove these and clear the area.

Pull the old faucet away from the sink.  If it’s stuck, apply pressure to the spigot alternating back and forth until it breaks away. There may be a rubber gasket under the faucet base. Remove  that and thoroughly clean the entire area around the three holes.

Clean the threads of the water supply connectors with steel wool. Remove the old plumbers putting without scratching especially if you have a stainless steel And get ready to install a new faucet.

A few tips:

• Only use the pipe wrenches on pipes because the teeth can damage fixtures and chrome nuts.
• You may need a blow torch if the old faucet has a soldered end.
• Consider wearing protective glasses while working.

These steps will get you started so you can replace the old faucet with a new one.

To your success.
Rocco

Rocco, Call ATH
Whether you live in West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills or Shelby Township Michigan, ATH recognizes that your time is valuable. Our service is highly regarded for keeping appointments, maintaining work schedules, and doing the job right the first time. If you live in Oakland or Macomb counties Michigan and need the services of a well referenced handyman, call Rocco at 248 -978-7527