Are you looking to replace your old kitchen faucet with the new one? This little guide will help you. Depending on which type of new faucet you want to install, you can do it yourself without spending a dime on faucet installation services. Plus, if you haven’t purchased a new faucet, you can choose the easiest-to-install model to make the replacement process as fast as possible.
1. Remove the existing faucet
While the old proverb says, “It’s easier to pull down than to build,” it’s important to remove your old faucet carefully – especially if you’re not going to replace the sink. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start with turning off the water valves and turning on the faucet to ease pressure in the water lines. If appropriate, consider turning off power to the waste disposal.
- Before you disconnect the supply lines, take a photo of the plumbing configuration. You might need it as a reference.
- While disconnecting the supply lines, use a little bowl under the connections for water.
- Loosen and take off the nuts that hold your faucet with the help of a basin wrench. You might need someone’s help here to keep the faucet in place while you remove it.
- Take off the faucet and clean sealant or/and grime from the surface of the sink.
2. Install a new faucet
Unless you bought some high-tech faucet, you can install a new faucet with your family member’s or friend’s help. Keep in mind that it’s critical to follow the installation instructions the manufacturer provides. The following tips are general and might not apply to certain faucets.
- Put the trim ring, plastic gasket, or rubber over the faucet holes and install the deck plate. When it comes to using plumber’s putty or caulk in gasket installation read the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Fix faucet lines into the holes and set nuts and washers under the sink. Ensure you remove excess plumber’s putty or caulk used for the trim ring or gasket installation under the sink.
- Tack on the quick connect hose to the service or supply pipe in case you have a pull-down faucet. Attach the weight while pulling down on the hose, ensuring there’s enough space for the weight to hang freely under the sink.
- Use the plumber’s tape to connect the supply lines. Avoid over-tightening the connections of the supply lines.
- Slowly turn on the water to see if there are any leaks. If necessary tighten the supply line connections.
- Remove the faucet’s aerator and gradually turn on the water. Allow water to run for several minutes in order to clear the supply lines. Check for any possible leaks and make any necessary readjustments.
- Finally, turn off the faucet and displace the aerator.
The Easiest Kitchen Faucet to Install
Each type of kitchen faucet has its own installation method. If you haven’t purchased a new kitchen faucet yet, you might want to know the easiest kitchen faucet to install. Oftentimes, people buy faucets that they can’t install. There are faucets that require special skills, so if you’re tight on cash and you want to replace your old faucet yourself, make sure you buy a single handle kitchen faucet.
Check our review post here about the best kitchen faucets for hard water.
A single hole kitchen faucet is usually easy to install as well, but it depends on the faucet you choose. In most cases, this type of faucet is straightforward and simple to operate. Many people buy a kitchen faucet with a side sprayer. Even though this faucet is more hygienic to use compared to other faucets, it’s not easy to install it. This faucet requires a few holes for installation and there’s a high risk of water splashing.
Pull-out kitchen faucets are all the rage right now as it’s considered to be one of the most versatile kitchen faucets today. It’s good for cooking and cleaning and provides full flexibility in the kitchen. This type of kitchen faucets isn’t difficult to install if you’ve ever replaced the faucets.
Pull-down kitchen faucets are used for big sinks since they can access the hard-to-reach spots while washing. The pull-down faucets are easy to install, yet it still requires some effort and skills.
People trying to save more space in the kitchen opt for the wall-mounted kitchen faucets. But it’s probably the hardest kitchen faucet to install. This faucet requires certain remodeling of your kitchen wall near the sink for the installation to be completed.
So, the next time you choose a new kitchen faucet for you and you don’t plan to opt for professional installation services, buy the easiest faucet to install. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also save your nerves and time.
