Can I install a Delta kitchen faucet myself? Yes, with the right tools and by following these steps, you can successfully install a Delta kitchen faucet. This guide will walk you through the entire process of Delta kitchen faucet installation, from preparing your workspace to testing your new faucet. Whether you’re installing a brand-new faucet or replacing Delta kitchen faucet with a newer model, this detailed guide will help make the job smooth and straightforward.
Tools You’ll Need for Delta Kitchen Faucet Installation
Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and supplies. Having everything ready will save you time and frustration during the installation.
Essential Tools:
- Adjustable wrench
- Basin wrench (highly recommended for tight spaces)
- Screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead)
- Plumber’s putty or silicone sealant
- Teflon tape (pipe thread tape)
- Bucket or container (to catch water)
- Rags or old towels
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- Flashlight or work light
Optional but Helpful Tools:
- Utility knife
- Wire brush (for cleaning threads)
- Pliers
- Hose cutter (if you need to trim supply lines)
Step 1: Preparing Your Workspace and Shutting Off Water
Proper preparation is key to a successful installation. This involves clearing the area under your sink and, most importantly, shutting off the water supply.
Clearing the Area:
- Remove everything from beneath your sink. This includes cleaning supplies, trash bins, and any other items.
- Place a bucket or container directly under the existing water supply lines. This will catch any residual water when you disconnect them.
- Lay down some old towels or rags to absorb spills and keep the area dry.
Shutting Off the Water:
- Locate the hot and cold water shut-off valves. These are typically found under your sink, connected to the pipes coming from the wall.
- Turn the handles of both valves clockwise until they are fully closed.
- Once the valves are closed, turn on your old faucet to release any remaining water pressure in the lines and to confirm that the water is indeed shut off. Let the water run until it stops dripping.
Step 2: Removing Your Old Kitchen Faucet
If you are replacing Delta kitchen faucet, the first step is to remove the old unit. This usually involves disconnecting the water lines and then unfastening the faucet from the sink or countertop.
Disconnecting the Water Lines
- Using your adjustable wrench, carefully loosen the nuts that connect the existing water supply lines to the shut-off valves. Remember that the left valve is for hot water (usually red), and the right valve is for cold water (usually blue).
- As you loosen the nuts, place your bucket underneath to catch any drips.
- Once the lines are disconnected from the valves, disconnect them from the underside of your old faucet.
Detaching the Faucet Body
- Look for the mounting nuts or screws that secure the old faucet to your sink or countertop from underneath. These can be in awkward places, which is where a basin wrench is incredibly useful.
- Use your basin wrench or adjustable wrench to loosen and remove these nuts or screws.
- Once all connections are undone, lift the old faucet assembly straight up and out from the top of the sink or countertop.
Cleaning the Mounting Area
- After removing the old faucet, you’ll likely find a ring of old putty or sealant around the base.
- Use a putty knife or a utility knife to carefully scrape away all the old sealant.
- Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth. Ensure the surface is dry and free of debris before installing the new faucet. This is a crucial step for proper sealing Delta faucet base later.
Step 3: Preparing the New Delta Faucet
Now it’s time to get your new Delta faucet ready for installation. This usually involves assembling some parts and preparing for connection to the water supply.
Assembling the Faucet (If Necessary)
- Many Delta kitchen faucets come partially assembled, but some might require minor assembly. Refer to your specific Delta faucet model’s instruction manual.
- This might include attaching the spout, the handle(s), or the sprayer.
Installing the Delta Faucet Base Plate (If Applicable)
- Some Delta kitchen faucets come with a base plate, also known as an escutcheon plate. This is used to cover extra holes in a sink or countertop, especially when transitioning from a faucet with more holes to one with fewer.
- If your faucet includes a base plate, you’ll typically place it on the sink or countertop first.
- Many Delta faucets have a rubber gasket or O-ring that fits onto the underside of the base plate or directly onto the faucet body to create a watertight seal. Ensure this gasket is properly seated.
- The faucet will then pass through the holes in the base plate and into the sink mounting holes.
Applying Plumber’s Putty or Sealant
- For a secure and watertight seal, you’ll need to apply plumber’s putty or silicone sealant around the base of the new faucet or the base plate.
- Roll a rope of plumber’s putty about ½ inch thick.
- Place this rope evenly around the underside of the faucet base or base plate where it will contact the sink or countertop. If using silicone sealant, apply a thin, continuous bead.
- Sealing Delta faucet base correctly is vital to prevent water leaks.
Step 4: Mounting the Delta Kitchen Faucet
This is where the faucet starts taking its place on your sink or countertop.
Positioning the Faucet
- Carefully insert the faucet shanks (the threaded pipes extending from the faucet base) through the mounting holes in your sink or countertop.
- If you used a base plate, ensure the faucet shanks pass through the corresponding holes in the base plate as well.
- Gently push the faucet down so that the putty or sealant forms a good seal against the surface.
Securing the Faucet
- From underneath the sink, you’ll find the Delta faucet mounting hardware. This typically includes washers and mounting nuts that screw onto the faucet shanks.
- Slide any provided washers onto the shanks.
- Thread the mounting nuts onto the shanks. Hand-tighten them first.
- Use your basin wrench or adjustable wrench to tighten the nuts securely. Be careful not to overtighten, as this could damage the sink or countertop. The faucet should feel stable and not wobble.
Step 5: Connecting the Delta Faucet Water Lines
This step involves connecting Delta faucet water lines to your home’s water supply. This is a critical part of Delta faucet plumbing.
Connecting Supply Lines to Shut-Off Valves
- Your new Delta faucet will come with its own supply lines, or you may need to purchase new flexible braided stainless steel supply lines. It’s generally recommended to use new ones for a reliable connection.
- For each supply line, wrap Teflon tape (pipe thread tape) around the threads of the shut-off valve. Wrap it in the direction that you will be tightening the nut – usually clockwise. Wrap it about 3-5 times.
- How to connect supply lines to Delta faucet involves attaching the other end of these lines to the faucet’s inlet shanks.
- Connect the cold water supply line (usually marked blue or on the left) to the cold water shut-off valve.
- Connect the hot water supply line (usually marked red or on the right) to the hot water shut-off valve.
- Hand-tighten the nuts onto the shut-off valves.
Connecting Supply Lines to the Faucet
- If your faucet does not have integrated supply lines, you will connect the flexible lines to the threaded inlets on the underside of the faucet.
- Hand-tighten these connections.
Tightening All Connections
- Using your adjustable wrench, tighten all the supply line connections at both the shut-off valves and the faucet.
- Tighten them about a quarter to half a turn past hand-tight. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can strip threads or damage the fittings.
Step 6: Installing the Delta Faucet Handle(s) and Sprayer (If Applicable)
Many Delta faucets have separate handles and sprayers that need to be installed.
Delta Faucet Handle Installation
- For single-handle faucets, the handle typically attaches to a stem or cartridge that protrudes from the faucet body.
- Slide the handle onto the stem. There might be a set screw on the back or underside of the handle that needs to be tightened with an Allen wrench (often included with the faucet) or a small screwdriver to secure the handle in place.
- For two-handle faucets, each handle will attach similarly to its respective hot and cold stems.
Connecting the Sprayer Hose
- If your faucet has a pull-out or pull-down sprayer, you’ll need to connect the sprayer hose.
- Locate the outlet port for the sprayer hose on the faucet body.
- Connect the sprayer hose to this port, usually with a quick-connect fitting or a threaded connection. Ensure it’s securely fastened.
- Attach the counterweight to the sprayer hose underneath the sink according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This helps the sprayer retract smoothly.
Step 7: Testing the Delta Kitchen Faucet
This is the moment of truth! It’s time to check for leaks and ensure everything is working correctly.
Turning the Water Back On
- Slowly turn the cold water shut-off valve counter-clockwise to open it.
- Then, slowly turn the hot water shut-off valve counter-clockwise to open it.
- As you open the valves, listen for any hissing sounds that might indicate a leak.
Checking for Leaks
- With the water supply turned back on, carefully inspect all the connections you made underneath the sink:
- Connections at the shut-off valves.
- Connections to the faucet inlets.
- Connections for the sprayer hose (if applicable).
- Use your flashlight to get a clear view. Feel around the connections with your hand to detect any moisture.
- If you notice any drips or leaks, immediately shut off the water supply again and re-tighten the problematic connection. You might need to add more Teflon tape or re-seat a washer.
Testing Faucet Operation
- Once you’re confident there are no leaks, turn on the faucet.
- Test both the hot and cold water flow.
- Operate the handle(s) to ensure they move smoothly and control the water temperature correctly.
- If you have a sprayer, test its function, including the spray pattern and the retraction mechanism.
- Let the water run for a minute or two to flush out any debris that might have entered the lines during installation.
- Testing Delta kitchen faucet is the final step to ensure a successful installation.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful work, you might encounter a few hiccups. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Leaking at supply line connections | Loose fitting or missing/improperly applied Teflon tape | Shut off water, re-tighten the connection. If still leaking, remove, reapply Teflon tape to the valve threads, and re-tighten. |
| Leaking around the faucet base | Insufficient or improperly applied plumber’s putty/sealant | Shut off water, remove the faucet, clean the old putty, reapply fresh putty or sealant evenly around the base, and re-tighten the mounting nuts. |
| Low water pressure | Clogged aerator, kinked supply line, or partially closed valve | Check and clean the aerator (unscrew it from the faucet spout). Ensure supply lines are not kinked. Confirm shut-off valves are fully open. |
| Sprayer not retracting properly | Obstruction under the sink, or counterweight issues | Check for anything blocking the hose under the sink. Ensure the counterweight is attached correctly and not snagged on anything. |
| Handle is loose | Set screw not tightened | Locate the set screw on the handle (often on the back or underside) and tighten it with the appropriate tool (Allen wrench or screwdriver). |
Frequently Asked Questions About Delta Kitchen Faucet Installation
Q1: How long does it typically take to install a Delta kitchen faucet?
A: For an experienced DIYer, it can take about 1 to 2 hours. If it’s your first time, it might take 2 to 4 hours, especially if you encounter unexpected issues or need to remove a stubborn old faucet.
Q2: Do I need to shut off the water to replace a Delta kitchen faucet?
A: Yes, absolutely. You must shut off the hot and cold water supply valves under the sink before you begin disconnecting any plumbing.
Q3: What’s the difference between plumber’s putty and silicone sealant for sealing a faucet base?
A: Plumber’s putty is a pliable compound that creates a watertight seal. It’s ideal for sealing the base of faucets to porcelain or stainless steel sinks. Silicone sealant is a more permanent, flexible sealant that can be used in similar situations, and is often preferred for granite or quartz countertops. Always check your faucet’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Q4: Can I reuse my old supply lines when installing a new Delta kitchen faucet?
A: While it might be possible, it’s highly recommended to replace old supply lines with new ones. Old lines can become brittle or develop unseen wear, increasing the risk of leaks. New flexible braided stainless steel supply lines are inexpensive and provide a more reliable connection.
Q5: What is a basin wrench, and why is it so helpful for faucet installation?
A: A basin wrench is a specialized tool with a long, pivoting head designed to reach nuts and fittings in tight, awkward spaces, such as those found under a sink where faucets are mounted. It makes loosening and tightening mounting nuts significantly easier compared to a standard wrench.
By following these detailed steps, you can confidently tackle the Delta kitchen faucet installation process yourself. Remember to read your specific Delta faucet’s instruction manual for any model-specific guidance, and don’t hesitate to take your time and double-check your work. Enjoy your new, functional kitchen faucet!