How to Install Two-Handle Kitchen Faucet
The final phase of a kitchen faucet replacement is installing the new faucet. Kitchen faucets are available at hardware stores in kits that include all the necessary hardware. Most faucet kits come with instructions, but there are times when those directions can be hard to understand. Anyone who is handy can install a two-handled kitchen faucet in an hour. All it takes is a few hand tools and some patience. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Putty knife
- Kitchen faucet kit
- Plumber's putty
- Wrench set
- Plumber's tape
Instructions
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1
Clean the top of the sink where the faucet will be installed. Remove any old putty by carefully scraping it away with a putty knife. If your kit has an escutcheon, apply plumber's putty to the bottom and set it over the faucet holes on the top of the sink. The escutcheon is the decorative trim panel that sits between the sink and the faucet.
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2
Set the faucet shank and handle shanks into the holes at the top of the sink. The shanks are connection points for the retaining nuts and water lines. Go under the sink and slide a washer over each shank followed by the retaining nut for each shank. Use a wrench to tighten the retaining nuts. This secures the faucet to the sink.
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3
Wrap plumber's tape around the threads of the hot- and cold-water handles. The plumber's tape will keep water from leaking around the connection threads.
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4
Thread the hot-water supply line to the hot-water handle inlet on your new faucet. Use wrench to tighten the supply line to the faucet. Repeat the process for the cold-water line.
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5
Go back to the top of the sink and install the spout. You will slide the sleeve assembly over the spout and insert the spout into the faucet assembly. Use a wrench to tighten the retaining bolt securing the spout to the faucet assembly. Slide the sleeve down and thread it to the faucet assembly.
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6
Turn on the water supply to the faucet by turning each water shut-off valve counterclockwise to open the valve. You have one valve for hot water and one valve for cold water. Turn the hot- and cold-water faucet handles on and allow to run for a minute to flush out the system. Check under the sink for leaks at the water supply connections and tighten the connections as necessary.
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