Installation of Single Lever Kitchen Faucet
Single lever kitchen faucets were first pioneered in the 1950s. These faucets allow the user to control the temperature of the water coming out of the tap with a single lever, rather than the two taps used in other faucet installations. Single lever kitchen faucets are also easier to operate in situations when you might have soapy or greasy hands, which make them perfect for the kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Single lever kitchen faucet
- Rags
- Cleaner
- Water supply hoses (2)
- Pliers
- Adjustable wrench
- Silicone caulk
- Caulk gun
- Sharp knife
- Plumber's tape
Instructions
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1
Turn off the water for the kitchen faucet. This is usually located on the wall underneath the sink. There will be two water supply valves - one for the hot and one for the cold water supply. Turn off both of these by rotating the knobs clockwise.
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2
Use the rags and cleaner to wipe off the kitchen countertop around the faucet mounting holes to help ensure a tight seal.
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3
Turn the single lever kitchen faucet over so you can access the bottom where the water supply inlets are. Insert a tube of silicone caulk into your caulk gun. Trim off the nozzle to the 1/4 inch mark. Apply a thin bead of silicone caulk along the bottom edge of the kitchen faucet.
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4
Mount the kitchen faucet on the countertop. Ensure that the water inlets are aligned properly with the holes on the counter, then press the kitchen faucet in place to ensure a tight bond with the silicone.
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5
Position yourself underneath the sink. Thread the faucet retaining nuts onto the water inlets until they are flush with the bottom of the sink. Tighten with the pliers.
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6
Wrap the thread on the inlets on the single lever faucet with plumber's tape. Do the same for the threads on the water supply valves.
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7
Attach the metal coupling at one end of the water supply hoses to the water supply inlet. Tighten with the adjustable wrench. Thread the larger, plastic end onto the water inlets on the bottom of the faucet. Do this for both the hot and cold water supply valves.
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8
Restore the water supply by rotating the water supply valves counterclockwise.
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9
Open the tap in the faucet and allow the water to run. Check the water supply hoses beneath the sink for leaks. Tighten if necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't try to wipe away any excess silicone caulk. Allow it to dry and then cut away with a sharp knife.
An alternative to silicone caulk is plumber's putty.
Don't overtighten any of the nuts or couplings; this could strip the threads.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit faucet image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
