How to Install a New Kitchen Faucet
When a homeowner is considering replacing a kitchen faucet, they might ask themselves, "Do I need a professional to do the work, or can I do it myself?" The answer to this question depends on the type of faucet you choose and the condition of the sink and counter area where the faucet will be installed. There are three types of faucets you can choose from when replacing your kitchen faucet. Each has a different difficulty level of installation. - A conventional faucet typically has three or four holes that go through the sink or counter. This type of faucet is the easiest to install because you don't have to work with a plumber's hook-up system. - A deck-mount faucet is designed to be installed on a sink or counter that has a large hole in it to accept the faucet's deck plate. The hole usually is covered with a plate that you remove to install the faucet. - A plumber's faucet is designed to go on a sink or counter that was not built with a hole large enough to accept the faucet's hook-up system. This type of faucet usually comes with a hook-up system and a mounting plate that you install in the hole.
Choosing the Right Replacement Faucet
When replacing a kitchen faucet, you'll need to select a new model that's compatible with the sink or counter. When you're at the store, don't automatically choose the faucet that's most expensive. Instead, you should pay attention to the dimensions of your sink or counter to make sure that the faucet you choose will fit properly. Most importantly, you'll also need to choose a model that has the proper hook-up system for the type of sink or counter you have. If you're replacing an old faucet that has a plumbing hook-up system, you'll need to find a new model that has a different system. You may also need to purchase a mounting plate to go with the faucet.
Preparing for the Installation
Faucet installation is much easier when you plan ahead and have all the necessary parts and tools on hand. Here are a few items you should consider purchasing before installing your new faucet.
A new faucet - There are many different types of faucets to choose from, so it's important to select one that will meet both your needs and your budget.
Tools - Before beginning the installation, take a look at the faucet's instructions to make sure you have everything you need. If you don't have what you need, you might want to purchase a kit that contains all of the necessary components.
Materials - If your sink or countertop is made of a material other than wood, you'll need the correct materials to secure the faucet to the sink or counter.
A friend - If you're installing a new deck-mount or plumber's faucet, you may want to have a friend help you. This way, you'll have an extra hand to hold parts and tools.
Installing the New Faucet
There are a few steps you'll need to take before installing your new faucet. First, turn off the water supply to the sink where you want to install the faucet. You can do this by shutting off the main water valve or by shutting off the shutoff valve for the sink. Next, remove the old faucet. Use a screwdriver to remove any screws that hold the faucet in place. Finally, if your new faucet came with mounting brackets, place the brackets on the sink or counter. This is where a friend can be especially helpful. Before you attach the faucet, make sure that you have the correct parts. Then, insert the faucet into the mounting brackets. Use the included screws to secure the faucet to the brackets. If you're installing a deck-mount or plumber's faucet, be sure to use the correct screws to attach the faucet to the mounting plate.
