One of the contributors of stress around the house is the sight of leaking water, particularly in the kitchen. Some homeowners may not allow repairs right away because it might not be included in the monthly or daily budget. However, this can eventually cost them a lot more if they wait for another month or so. Hence, leaks should be given priority also because it may lead to larger bills in the end.
Basically, kitchen faucets can get heavily used on a day to day basis. Even on a normal swiveling of the head from one side to the other, it can loosen the tap when not fastened properly. As a result, it will cause the unit to get unstable leading to the shifting around the edge of the sink.
However, this task commonly require two people in order to reach the fasteners and holding the faucet steadily together. Adding adhesives to the threads of the fasteners can also be an option or it can be practical to install lock washers on top of the nut to tighten it.
Take note that a loose faucet can interfere with the movement of turning it on or off in an efficient manner. Since the water lines can rupture over time due to the loose base, it will eventually cause leaks. By tightening the components though, it will enable the reduction of irritation or stress that comes with loosely installed kitchen faucets.
If your kitchen sink faucet is acting similarly, this can be remedied by acting on it promptly. Otherwise, leaks can escalate which could lead to additional expenses. Thus, you need to have a set of tools such as a flashlight, hex head wrench, flathead screwdriver and an adjustable crescent wrench to make the job a success. Here are some steps that you can follow in order to get your kitchen sink faucet up and running in no time.
1. Turn the Water Supply Off
Try to remove the objects inside the sink cabinet that should interfere with your mobility in reaching the supply valves. These valves should be located at the back. Once done, you can now turn the valves clockwise in order to close the water supply off.
2. Check the Sink Faucet Handle
Notice the handle as you can find a decorative cap snapped on top or a setscrew with recessed hex head on the base of it. This will matter because the next step depends on it.
3. Removing the Handle
Use a hex head wrench that should fit exactly into the setscrew. Then, you need to turn the setscrews in a clockwise motion until it will tighten. Try to lift the handle onto the opening position if you can’t access the setscrews on a downward or closing position.
4. Missing Hex Head Setscrew
If you can’t find a hex head setscrew around, you can apply masking tape around the caps of the faucet handles. Just don’t allow the tape to wrap around the edges of the cap.
5. Removing the Cap
Use the flathead screwdriver to slide under the cap’s edge. Try to lift it gently using the screwdriver so that you can remove it from the faucet handle. Once again, tighten the setscrew on a clockwise motion. This is located below the cap. You can now push the decorative cap on the opening once the handle is tightened. If you have two handles to deal with, try to remove the cap and tighten its screw and replace it accordingly. Remember to remove the masking tape from above the handle.
6. Test the Faucet
After performing the previous steps, you can now test the new installation. Simply turn on the valves in order to allow water to flow into the faucet. If leaks still occur, try to re-install the cap or the handle using the steps done previously.
If the problem is no longer on your kitchen sink faucet, you can check for the base if necessary. You can follow these steps to deal with this problem once and for all.
7. Turning the Water Supply Off
Make sure that you have cleared all the objects from the sink cabinet. These objects should obstruct your view and your ability to get near the supply valves that should be located around the cabinet. After this, you can turn off the water supply that should provide water to your faucet. Simply slide your back into the cabinet to do this.
8. Removing the Supply Lines
Check the base of the faucet by aiming a flashlight into it. After determining the base, you can use an adjustable wrench and set it in accordance with the size of the nut of the water supply hose that should be holding the lines going into the inlets of the base. Try to loosen and then remove the supply lines by way of turning the nuts on a counterclockwise direction using your adjusted wrench.
9. Tightening the Nuts
Use a basin wrench and slide it up to the nuts holding the sink’s base. Turn the nuts in a clockwise direction using the basin wrench to tighten. You can now tighten the base nut of the second faucet.
10. Checking for Leaks
If you think that you have done everything right, it is time to check your installation. Simply reconnect the water lines so that you can turn the water supply valves back on. This will determine if you have indeed done it correctly.
Remember that this task can be done if you only have the right tools for the job. If you doubt that you can complete this task, you can always ask for assistance regarding this matter. If possible, try to research first before doing difficult repairs around your house. Otherwise, you will only be doing more harm than good. Likewise, it is important to use components from the same manufacturer if necessary. This will ensure that you will get the exact same sizes that should fit your kitchen sink faucet.
