Can you take off a kitchen faucet yourself? Absolutely! With the right tools and a little patience, removing your old kitchen faucet is a manageable DIY project for most homeowners. This guide will walk you through each step, making the process clear and simple.
Gathering Your Essential Tools
Before you start, having all your tools ready will make the job much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Adjustable Wrench: This is your primary tool for loosening nuts and fittings.
- Basin Wrench: This specialized wrench is designed to reach those awkward nuts under the sink. It’s a real lifesaver for faucet removal.
- Plumber’s Tape (PTFE Tape): Useful for sealing threaded connections when installing a new faucet, but not directly for removal.
- Bucket or Towels: To catch any residual water when you disconnect water supply.
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from drips or debris.
- Gloves: Keep your hands clean and offer a better grip.
- Screwdriver (Phillips and Flathead): You might need these for certain handle types or mounting screws.
- Penetrating Oil (Optional): For stubborn, corroded nuts.
Step 1: Preparing Your Workspace and Safety First
Safety and preparation are key to a successful DIY project. Let’s get everything ready.
Turn Off the Water Supply
This is the most crucial first step. You need to disconnect water supply to prevent flooding.
- Locate Shut-Off Valves: Look under your sink for two small valves, usually one for hot water and one for cold water. They are typically connected to the pipes coming from the wall.
- Turn Off Valves: Turn the handles of both valves clockwise until they are snug. Don’t overtighten.
- Test: Turn on the faucet to release any remaining water pressure and confirm that the water is indeed off. Water should stop flowing after a few seconds. If it doesn’t, you may need to shut off the main water supply to your house.
Clear the Under-Sink Area
Remove everything from the cabinet beneath your sink. This gives you plenty of room to work and prevents items from getting wet or damaged.
Protect Your Drains
Place a towel or plug in your sink drains. This will prevent small parts or debris from accidentally falling down the drain.
Step 2: Removing the Faucet Handle(s)
Most kitchen faucets have handles that can be removed separately. The method varies depending on the faucet design.
For Lever-Style Handles
- Find the Set Screw: Look for a small screw, often located on the underside or back of the handle. Sometimes, there’s a small decorative cap that needs to be pried off first to reveal the screw.
- Loosen the Set Screw: Use an Allen wrench or a small screwdriver to loosen this screw. You don’t need to remove it completely, just loosen it enough so the handle can slide off.
- Remove the Handle: Gently pull the handle straight up or off. If it’s stuck, a gentle wiggle might help.
For Knob-Style Handles
- Remove Decorative Cap: These often have a small decorative cap on top, usually marked with “H” or “C.” You can carefully pry this off with a flathead screwdriver or a utility knife.
- Unscrew the Handle Screw: Beneath the cap, you’ll find a screw holding the handle in place. Use a screwdriver to remove this screw.
- Remove the Handle: Pull the handle straight up.
For Touch-Activated or Sensor Faucets
These may have more complex handle mechanisms or electronic components. Consult your faucet’s manual if possible. Often, the handle removal is similar to lever-style, but there might be additional wiring to consider. You’ll want to remove faucet handle carefully to avoid damaging any internal electronics.
Step 3: Detaching the Supply Lines
Now, it’s time to disconnect the water supply lines from the faucet itself.
- Locate Supply Line Connections: These are the flexible hoses or rigid pipes that run from the shut-off valves to the faucet shanks.
- Prepare for Water: Place your bucket or towels directly underneath these connections, as there will still be some water in the lines.
- Loosen the Nuts: Use your adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts that connect the supply lines to the faucet shanks. Turn the nuts counter-clockwise.
- Detach Lines: Once loosened, carefully pull the supply lines away from the faucet.
- Repeat for Both Lines: Do this for both the hot and cold water supply lines. You’ve now successfully detach supply lines.
Step 4: Unscrewing the Faucet Base
This is often the trickiest part, as the nuts holding the faucet in place are usually in a cramped space under the sink. This is where your basin wrench is invaluable.
Using a Basin Wrench
A basin wrench has a long shaft with a U-shaped jaw at one end. This allows you to reach up and around the pipes and sink basin to access the mounting nuts.
- Position the Basin Wrench: Insert the jaw of the basin wrench around the large nut that secures the faucet to the sink.
- Loosen the Nut: Grip the nut firmly with the wrench and turn it counter-clockwise. This might require some force, especially if the nuts are old or corroded.
- Remove the Nut: Continue unscrewing until the nut is completely off the faucet shank.
- Repeat for All Nuts: Most faucets are secured by one or two large nuts. Some might also have smaller mounting screws or clips that need to be removed. Inspect carefully to unscrew faucet base and all securing components.
- Dealing with Stubborn Nuts: If a nut is very difficult to loosen, a little penetrating oil applied and left for a few minutes can help. You might also try gently tapping the nut with the wrench to break any corrosion.
Alternative Methods (If No Basin Wrench)
If you don’t have a basin wrench, you might try an adjustable wrench or socket wrench, but reaching the nuts will be significantly harder. Sometimes, if there’s enough clearance, a deep socket wrench can work.
Step 5: Removing the Old Faucet
Once all nuts and connections are free, you can lift the old faucet out.
- Lift from Above: Go back to the top of the sink. Gently wiggle the faucet to loosen it further.
- Pull Up Slowly: Lift the faucet straight up and out of the mounting holes in the sink.
- Check for Stuck Components: If the faucet doesn’t come out easily, check again underneath the sink to ensure all nuts and mounting hardware have been removed. Sometimes, old plumber’s putty or caulk can make it stick.
- Lift Off Old Faucet: Carefully lift off old faucet and set it aside.
Step 6: Cleaning the Sink Surface
Before you install a new faucet, it’s essential to clean the area thoroughly.
- Remove Old Putty and Caulk: Use a plastic scraper or putty knife to scrape away any old plumber’s putty, caulk, or adhesive residue from around the faucet holes.
- Clean Thoroughly: Use a mild household cleaner and a cloth to wipe down the sink surface where the old faucet was mounted. This ensures a clean, smooth surface for the new faucet.
- Dry the Area: Make sure the sink surface is completely dry. A clean surface is crucial for a good seal with the new faucet. Take this opportunity to clean sink surface for a fresh start.
Step 7: Installing the New Faucet (Brief Overview)
While this guide focuses on removal, a brief mention of installation helps complete the process.
- Prepare the New Faucet: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembling any parts of the new faucet before mounting.
- Apply Sealant: Apply a bead of plumber’s putty or silicone caulk around the base of the new faucet or to the underside of the deck plate, as per the instructions, to create a watertight seal.
- Position the New Faucet: Carefully place the new faucet into the mounting holes in the sink.
- Secure from Below: From underneath the sink, install the mounting hardware (nuts, washers, etc.) that came with the new faucet. Ensure it’s snug but don’t overtighten yet. You’ll want to install new faucet correctly.
- Connect Supply Lines: Attach the new supply lines to the faucet shanks and the shut-off valves. Tighten connections securely, but again, avoid over-tightening.
Step 8: Testing for Leaks
This is the final, and very important, step to ensure your work is sound.
- Turn Water Back On: Slowly open the hot and cold water shut-off valves under the sink by turning them counter-clockwise.
- Check Connections: Immediately check all the connections you made for any drips or leaks. Pay close attention to where the supply lines connect to both the faucet and the valves.
- Turn On Faucet: Turn on the new faucet, both hot and cold, and let the water run for a minute.
- Inspect Again: While the water is running and after it’s turned off, meticulously inspect all connections and the base of the faucet for any signs of water. Use a dry paper towel to wipe down connections – it makes small drips easier to spot.
- Final Tightening: If you find any minor leaks, try tightening the connection a quarter turn at a time until the leak stops. If a leak persists, you may need to test for leaks again after slightly loosening and re-tightening the fitting, or check the condition of the supply line washer.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Stubborn Nuts: Corroded nuts are a common problem. Penetrating oil is your best friend here. Gentle tapping can also help break the bond. In extreme cases, you might need a nut splitter, but this is rare for faucet nuts.
- Leaking After Installation: If you test for leaks and find them, ensure all connections are properly seated and tightened. Check that supply line washers are in place and not damaged.
- Faucet Won’t Budge: After removing all fasteners, sometimes old caulk or sealant can hold the faucet in place. A gentle tap on the faucet from above or a careful application of a putty knife around the base can help break the seal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long does it take to remove a kitchen faucet?
A1: For most DIYers, removing a kitchen faucet typically takes between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the faucet type, how accessible the connections are, and whether any parts are corroded or difficult to loosen.
Q2: What if I can’t find the shut-off valves under the sink?
A2: If you cannot locate the shut-off valves under your sink, you will need to turn off the main water supply to your house. This valve is usually located in the basement, utility room, or near your water meter. Remember to turn off the main supply before you begin and turn it back on only after all connections are secure.
Q3: Do I need a plumber to replace my kitchen faucet?
A3: Not necessarily. As this guide shows, removing and replacing a kitchen faucet is a common DIY task. However, if you are uncomfortable with plumbing work, encounter unexpected difficulties, or are worried about causing water damage, hiring a professional plumber is always a good option.
Q4: What is plumber’s putty used for?
A4: Plumber’s putty is a pliable compound used to create a watertight seal around plumbing fixtures, such as the base of a faucet or a drain flange. It’s pressed into place and helps prevent water from leaking onto the countertop or cabinet below. It’s typically used when installing, not removing, a faucet.
Q5: Can I reuse my old supply lines?
A5: It is generally recommended to replace old supply lines when replacing a faucet. Over time, the rubber or plastic within supply lines can degrade, making them prone to leaks or bursting. New supply lines are inexpensive and provide greater peace of mind.
Conclusion
Taking off a kitchen faucet might seem daunting, but by following these steps, you can successfully complete this task. Remember to prepare your workspace, disconnect water supply safely, use the right tools like a basin wrench, and meticulously test for leaks after installation. With a little effort, you’ll have your old faucet removed and be ready to install new faucet to refresh your kitchen.