| Pull-Out Faucet Installation |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-704 |
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Q: I'd like to replace my kitchen faucet with one of those newer pullout models. Is this a difficult installation, and can I do it myself? A: (Sharon Hanby-Robie, DIY home-remodeling expert) Pull-out faucets are space-savers since they replace those three-piece units that crowd the back of a kitchen sink and also because their pull-out feature (figure A) eliminates separate spray-hose. With modern faucets and accessories, this job is much easier than it used to be. Expect it to take a couple of hours or so. Here are the steps for installation as shown in our demonstration. - First, shut off the water supply -- usually located just beneath the sink (figure B) -- and open the faucet to drain off any remaining water.
- Use an adjustable wrench (or for difficult areas, a basin wrench) to disconnect the water supply at both the faucet and the water source (figure C).
- With the supply lines disconnected, loosen and remove the lock nuts that secure the faucet to the sink. If these have become stiff or rusted, use some penetrating oil to help loosen them.
- Once the lines are disconnected and the lock nuts are removed, carefully lift out the old faucet (figure D). You may need to use a putty-knife to clean any residue that was left beneath the old faucet fixture.
- Important: If you're installing a one-piece unit such as the one shown in our demonstration, the base of the new unit will cover the holes at the back of the sink that were used to accommodate the old faucet. If, however, you are installing a traditional faucet that is a three-piece units with two separate handles, you'll need to measure the distance between the holes at the back of your sink before selecting a replacement faucet. On some sinks, the holes are 3 inches apart; on others they are 5 inches apart.
- Following the manufacturer's instructions, you can now begin assembling the new faucet. Feed the supply lines down through the hole at the back of the sink, and position the new faucet (figure E).
- Underneath the sink, screw the single mounting nut onto the faucet tailpiece and tighten using a basin wrench (figure F).
- Connect the base of the sprayer hose to the faucet tailpiece.
- Re-attach the supply tubes to the faucet tailpiece and shut-off valves (figure G). Tighten the coupling nuts securely using an adjustable wrench.
- Re-attach the supply tubes to the shut-off valves. Note that the hot-water connection is on the left (figure H), and the cold is on the right.
- Hand-tighten each nut first, then tighten each one securely using a wrench (figure I).
- Attach the weight (included with the kit) to the sprayer hose (figure J) to keep it from becoming tangled during use.
- With all connections made, turn on the water supply at the shut-off valve, and test the faucet to ensure that it works properly (figure K).
- If the hole from the old sprayer hose is left exposed, you have a couple of options for concealing it. Most kits come with a chrome cap that can simply be used to cover the hole. Another option is to install a soap dispenser made specifically to fit into the standard-sized hole.
RESOURCES :
Plumbing for Dummies
Model: 0764551744
Author: Gene and Katie Hamilton
1999; Out of Print
IDG Books Worldwide, Inc. (An International Data Group Company)
Foster City, CA 94404
Do-It-Yourself Plumbing
Model: 0060101229
Author: Max Alth
Sterling Publishing, 1987
Out of Print
Installing and Repairing Plumbing Fixtures
Model: 1561580759
Author: Peter Hemp
1994
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
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