How to Install Kitchen Sink Fixtures

Installing kitchen sink fixtures will have you on your back.

Installing a faucet into a new sink that has not been installed is simple, but replacing the faucet in an existing sink can be challenging. You have to lie on your back and work around supply lines from underneath the sink, and you do not have easy access to the retaining nuts. When installing kitchen sink fixtures, whether it's a single-handled faucet or a two-handled faucet, be prepared to be on your back for a while.

Things You'll Need

• Thread seal tape
• Adjustable wrench
• Plumber's putty
• Flexible supply lines

Instructions

Single-Handled Faucets

1. Install the faucet into the sink or counter. Thread the copper supply lines of the single-handled faucet through the center hole of the sink/countertop. The two plastic-threaded nipples attach to the faucet base plate through the remaining holes to the left and right of the center hole.

2. Secure the faucet to the sink/countertop. From beneath the sink, install retaining nuts onto the two plastic threaded nipples. The retaining nuts are included with the installation hardware provided with the faucet. Turn the retaining nuts clockwise and hand-tighten them onto the threaded nipples. Thread the copper supply lines through the remaining retaining nut and hand-tighten onto the threads located at the base of the fixture.

3. Install the flexible supply lines onto the copper supply lines. Wrap the threads on the copper supply lines with thread seal tape and attach the flexible supply line onto the copper supply lines. Twist the compression coupling onto the flexible lines clockwise and tighten with an adjustable wrench.

4. Attach the flexible supply lines onto the water supply valve. Wrap thread seal tape around the threads on the supply line valves and attach the flexible supply lines to the valves in the same manner you installed the flexible lines onto the copper supply lines.

5. Install the sprayer attachment, if your faucet comes with one. Roll a length of plumber's putty to about ¼ inch thick and place it around the hole in the sink/countertop, then install the sprayer base. Insert the sprayer hose into the base and install it onto the sprayer connection on the faucet. The sprayer connection is on the underside of the faucet along with the rest of the supply lines. Wrap thread seal tape around the thread on the sprayer connection before you install the sprayer hose. Tighten with an adjustable wrench.

Two-Handled Installation

1. Attach the flexible supply lines onto the stems beneath the faucet handles before installing the faucet into the sink. Wrap thread seal tape around the threads on the hot and cold water stems. Attach the flexible supply lines onto the stems by turning the compression couplings clockwise with an adjustable wrench.

2. Thread the supply lines into the holes to the right and left of the center hole. From beneath the sink, insert the plastic threaded nipple through the center hole. Thread the supply lines through the retaining nuts and tighten the retaining nuts onto the threads around the stem housing, holding the faucet into place. Attach the remaining retainer nut onto the center nipple of the faucet.

3. Attach the supply lines onto the water supply valves. Wrap thread seal tape around the threads on the supply valves and attach the supply lines onto the valves. Tighten the supply lines, using an adjustable wrench. Make sure you attach the hot supply line onto the hot water supply valve and the cold water line onto the cold water valve.

4. Install the sprayer attachment, if your faucet comes with one. Roll a length of plumber's putty to about ¼ inch thick and place it around the hole in the sink/countertop, then install the sprayer base. Insert the sprayer hose into the base and install it onto the sprayer connection on the faucet. The sprayer connection is on the underside of the faucet beneath the water outlet. Wrap thread seal tape around the thread on the sprayer connection before you install the sprayer hose. Tighten with an adjustable wrench.

References

• Home Tips: How to Install a Kitchen Faucet
• Bob Vila: How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet
• The Natural Handyman: How to Install a Faucet