Can I remove an old kitchen faucet myself? Yes, you can! Removing an old kitchen faucet is a manageable DIY project for most homeowners. This guide will walk you through each step, making the process straightforward.
Replacing an old, leaky, or outdated kitchen faucet can significantly update your kitchen’s look and functionality. While calling a plumber is an option, you can successfully tackle this task yourself with a few basic tools and a bit of patience. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know for a smooth kitchen faucet replacement, from shutting off the water to detaching the old fixture. We’ll make sure you know exactly how to handle the under sink faucet removal process and safely disconnect water supply faucet connections.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and materials. Having everything ready will prevent interruptions and make the job much easier.
Essential Tools
- Adjustable Wrench (or two): For loosening and tightening nuts and fittings.
- Basin Wrench: This specialized tool is a lifesaver for reaching tight spots under the sink to loosen the faucet mounting nut.
- Screwdriver Set (Phillips and flathead): You might need these for some mounting brackets or supply line connections.
- Bucket or Towels: To catch any residual water when disconnecting the supply lines.
- Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes from falling debris or splashing water.
- Gloves: To keep your hands clean and provide a better grip.
- Flashlight or Headlamp: Essential for seeing clearly in the cramped space under the sink.
- Putty Knife or Scraper: For plumber’s putty removal and scraping away old sealant.
- Penetrating Oil (like WD-40): Helpful for loosening stubborn or corroded fittings.
- Utility Knife or Box Cutter: For cutting through old caulk or sealant around the faucet base.
Helpful Materials
- Replacement Faucet: Ensure you have your new faucet ready to go.
- New Supply Lines: It’s often a good idea to replace old supply lines when installing a new faucet.
- Plumber’s Tape (PTFE tape): For creating watertight seals on threaded connections.
- Rag or Sponge: For cleaning up water and messes.
- Trash Bag: For disposing of old parts and debris.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Your Old Kitchen Faucet
Let’s get started with the actual removal process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a safe and effective removal.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
This is the most crucial first step. You absolutely must shut off the water before attempting to disconnect water supply faucet lines.
- Locate Shut-Off Valves: Look under your sink for two shut-off valves. One is for hot water, and the other is for cold water. These are typically small knobs or handles connected to the pipes coming out of the wall.
- Identify Hot and Cold: The hot water shut-off valve is usually on the left, and the cold water shut-off valve is on the right, corresponding to the faucet handles.
- Turn Off the Valves: Turn the handles clockwise until they are snug. Do not overtighten, as you could damage them.
- Test the Water: Turn on the old faucet handles (both hot and cold) to release any remaining water pressure in the lines and confirm that the water is indeed off. Let the water run until it stops completely.
Important Note on Shut-Off Valves:
If you can’t find individual shut-off valves under your sink, or if they appear old, corroded, or won’t turn, you will need to turn off the main water supply to your house. This valve is usually located in your basement, crawl space, garage, or near your water meter. After turning off the main supply, open the faucet at the lowest point in your house (like a basement sink or outdoor spigot) to drain the remaining water from the pipes.
Step 2: Disconnect the Water Supply Lines
Once the water is off, you can disconnect the flexible hoses that connect your shut-off valves to the faucet.
- Place a Bucket: Position a bucket or a thick layer of towels directly under the connections to catch any residual water.
- Loosen the Supply Lines: Using your adjustable wrench, carefully loosen the nuts connecting the supply lines to the hot water shut off valve and the cold water shut off valve. Turn the nuts counter-clockwise. Be prepared for a small amount of water to drip out.
- Disconnect from Faucet: The other end of the supply lines connects to the faucet shanks under the sink. You’ll use your wrench to loosen these connections as well.
Dealing with Stubborn Connections:
If the supply line fittings are corroded or stuck, apply a penetrating oil and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before trying to loosen them again. Gentle tapping with the wrench can also help break the corrosion seal.
Step 3: Disconnect the Sprayer Hose (If Applicable)
If your faucet has a pull-out or side sprayer, you’ll need to disconnect its hose.
- Locate Sprayer Hose Connection: Under the sink, trace the sprayer hose. It usually connects to a diverter valve, which is part of the main faucet assembly.
- Disconnect: This connection is typically a threaded fitting. Use your adjustable wrench to unscrew it. Some sprayers may have a quick-connect fitting that you can release by pressing a tab.
- Weight Attachment: If there’s a weight attached to the sprayer hose for retraction, remove it now.
Step 4: Detach the Faucet Mounting Nut(s)
This is where the basin wrench truly shines. The faucet is secured to the sink or countertop from underneath by one or more mounting nuts.
- Identify the Mounting Nut(s): Look up under the sink where the faucet shanks extend through the countertop. You’ll see large nuts (often plastic or metal) holding the faucet in place. These are your faucet mounting nut or nuts. Some faucets have one large nut, while others have two smaller nuts, especially if they have separate hot and cold handles.
- Use the Basin Wrench: Position the jaw of the basin wrench around the nut. The long handle of the basin wrench allows you to reach and turn these nuts even in the tightest spaces.
- Loosen the Nut(s): Turn the nut(s) counter-clockwise to loosen them. This can be the most challenging part of the under sink faucet removal due to limited space and potentially corroded fittings. You might need to work the wrench back and forth.
- Soften Corroded Nuts: If the nuts are very tight or corroded, spray them with penetrating oil and let it sit for a while. You might also try gently tapping the nut with the wrench handle.
Considerations for Different Faucet Types:
- Single-Handle Faucets: Typically have one large mounting nut or a mounting bracket with screws.
- Two-Handle Faucets: Usually have separate nuts for each handle’s shank, or a bracket that secures both.
Step 5: Remove the Old Faucet
With the mounting nuts loosened and removed, the faucet should now be free.
- Lift the Faucet: Gently pull the faucet upwards from the top of the sink. It might be a bit stiff due to old sealant.
- Breaking the Seal: If the faucet doesn’t lift easily, there might be old plumber’s putty or caulk adhering it to the sink. Use a utility knife or putty knife to carefully cut around the base of the faucet on the sink surface. Be cautious not to scratch your countertop or sink.
- Lift and Remove: Once the seal is broken, lift the faucet straight up and out.
Step 6: Clean the Mounting Surface
After removing the old faucet, you’ll likely find residual plumber’s putty removal and old caulk or sealant on the sink surface.
- Scrape Away Residue: Use a putty knife or scraper to gently remove all traces of old plumber’s putty, caulk, or adhesive from the sink’s mounting holes.
- Clean Thoroughly: Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth and then dry it thoroughly. A clean surface is essential for a good seal with your new faucet and its faucet base gasket.
What About the Old Faucet Base Gasket?
The old faucet’s faucet base gasket will also need to be removed from the sink. It may be stuck to the sink or to the faucet itself. Scrape it off gently, and then clean the area.
Step 7: Inspect the Plumbing
While you’re under the sink, take a moment to inspect the exposed plumbing.
- Check Shut-Off Valves: Ensure the hot water shut off valve and cold water shut off valve are in good working condition and don’t show signs of leaks or corrosion. If they look bad, now is the time to replace them.
- Examine Supply Lines: Check the condition of the old supply lines if you are not replacing them. Look for any signs of cracking, kinking, or corrosion.
- Inspect Faucet Shanks: Look at the faucet shanks that protrude through the sink. These are where the supply lines connect. Ensure they are in good condition.
Dealing with Old Faucet Plumbing and Fittings
Sometimes, you’ll encounter issues with the old faucet plumbing. This could include:
- Corroded Brass Faucet Fittings: Over time, brass faucet fittings can corrode and become difficult to remove. Penetrating oil and a good quality wrench are your best friends here. Sometimes, gentle heat from a hairdryer can help expand the metal slightly, making it easier to loosen.
- Stuck Supply Lines: If the supply lines are rusted onto the faucet shanks, you might need to use more force or even cut the supply line if you’re replacing it anyway.
- Damaged Pipes: In rare cases, the pipes coming from the wall might be damaged. If you notice any leaks or corrosion on the pipes themselves (not just the valves or fittings), it might be best to call a plumber.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions people have when removing an old kitchen faucet:
Q1: Do I need a special tool to remove a kitchen faucet?
A1: The most helpful specialized tool is a basin wrench. It’s designed to reach and turn the nuts holding the faucet in place under the sink, which are often in very tight spaces. While you might be able to use an adjustable wrench in some cases, a basin wrench makes the job significantly easier and less frustrating.
Q2: What if my shut-off valves are old and won’t turn?
A2: If your shut-off valves are old, corroded, or simply won’t turn, you’ll need to shut off the main water supply to your house. Locate the main shut-off valve (usually in your basement, crawl space, or near the water meter) and turn it clockwise to close. Remember to open a faucet at the lowest point in your home to drain the remaining water from the pipes. It’s also a good idea to replace old, uncooperative shut-off valves when you have the main water off.
Q3: How do I deal with a lot of plumber’s putty or caulk?
A3: After removing the mounting nuts, the old faucet might be stuck to the sink with old plumber’s putty or caulk. Use a putty knife or a scraper to gently break the seal around the base of the faucet from the top. For plumber’s putty removal from the sink surface after the faucet is out, a putty knife or scraper works well. You might need to use a plastic scraper to avoid scratching delicate surfaces. For stubborn residue, you can try a citrus-based cleaner or Goo Gone.
Q4: My faucet fittings are really corroded. What can I do?
A4: Corroded fittings, especially brass faucet fittings, can be tough. First, try applying a penetrating oil (like WD-40) to the threads and let it soak for at least 15-30 minutes. Reapply if necessary. Gentle tapping on the fitting with the handle of your wrench can sometimes help break the corrosion seal. If the fitting is on a supply line that you are replacing anyway, you might consider using a pipe wrench for extra grip, or even carefully cutting the line if it’s absolutely necessary and safe to do so.
Q5: What’s the difference between plumber’s putty and a faucet base gasket?
A5: A faucet base gasket is a rubber or silicone seal that sits between the faucet and the sink to prevent water from leaking underneath. Plumber’s putty is a soft, pliable sealant that is often used to fill small gaps and create a watertight seal around fixtures like drains and faucets, especially where a gasket might not be sufficient or is used in conjunction with one. When installing a new faucet, you’ll typically use the provided faucet base gasket and sometimes plumber’s putty as directed by the manufacturer.
Q6: Can I reuse my old supply lines?
A6: While you can sometimes reuse old supply lines, it’s generally recommended to replace them when installing a new faucet. Old supply lines can become brittle, kinked, or develop internal leaks over time, and replacing them is an inexpensive way to prevent future problems and ensure a good connection for your new faucet.
Q7: How long does it usually take to remove a kitchen faucet?
A7: For a DIYer tackling it for the first time, the removal process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The time can vary depending on how accessible the fittings are, how corroded they are, and whether you run into any unexpected issues.
Conclusion
Removing an old kitchen faucet is a rewarding DIY task that can be accomplished with the right tools and a methodical approach. By carefully following these steps, prioritizing safety, and being prepared for minor challenges, you can successfully disconnect your old faucet and prepare your sink for a beautiful new one. This guide to under sink faucet removal should give you the confidence to tackle this common home improvement project. Remember to always turn off the water supply before starting and have a bucket ready for any residual water. Good luck with your kitchen faucet replacement!