Do you want to install a kitchen faucet yourself, but you're not sure what tasks await you? Before you pick up the phone and call a plumber, check out our guide! Thanks to it, you will learn what tools and materials you will need for installing the faucet, how to prepare the plumbing, and what steps are involved in replacing an old faucet with a new one. It turns out that installing the fixture yourself is not as complicated as it seems. Read on to learn all the practical tips and find out how to install a faucet for your sink!
How to Install a New Sink Faucet?
Are you wondering how to connect the faucet in your home? First of all, before you start installing the kitchen faucet, you need to gather the necessary equipment. In this case, an adjustable wrench is essential. You should also have Teflon tape, rubber washers, mounting screws, and flexible supply hoses. Before purchasing a new faucet, check the plumbing installation, including the size of the drain, the thread size of the angle valve, and the spacing of the holes in the sink.
Before you start working, remember to turn off the main valve to cut off the water supply. This way, you will prevent leaks while unscrewing the faucet or during the installation of the new one. Make sure you know where the main valve is and the cutoff valves for hot and cold water!
Replacing the Faucet – Dismantling the Old Faucet
Are you facing the task of dismantling your kitchen faucet or will you be installing a new standing washbasin faucet? It’s worth knowing all the steps to ensure the renovation work proceeds correctly and efficiently. The dismantling of the sink faucet begins with unscrewing the supply hoses from the ends of the plumbing system. An adjustable wrench should be used to gently unscrew the nuts connecting the hoses to the valves. Next, you need to loosen the screws that secure the fixture to the sink or kitchen countertop.
Once all mounting elements are unscrewed, the faucet should come out easily. Make sure that all parts, such as seals and washers, have been removed. Know that the old fixture should be taken to a collection point for large waste, and ensure to clean the opening in the sink thoroughly. This is very important for installing a new fixture, as this action ensures proper fitting of the faucet.
Installation of the Faucet – What You Should Know?
- Preparing the hole and installing the base of the kitchen faucet: Before placing the brand-new faucet in the correct spot, pay attention to ensure that the hole is of the appropriate diameter and fits the equipment you purchased. Before the faucet base, you should only place a rubber washer to ensure tightness and protect the surface of the countertop from damage.
- Securing the kitchen faucet: After placing the faucet on the countertop, it should be firmly secured using the mounting screws included in the installation kit. These elements should be tightened evenly to avoid tilting the faucet and ensure its stable mounting.
Remember not to tighten the screws too much, as it may damage the sink or countertop and cause leaks. Tighten them simply until you feel a distinct resistance. - Connecting the flexible supply hoses: The next step is to connect the fixture to the plumbing. It’s important to connect the hoses correctly to the appropriate valves – cold water to the cold water valve and hot water to the hot water valve. The pipes should be hand-tightened and then tightened with an adjustable wrench to ensure maximum sealing. Remember, the flexible hoses of the faucet must fit the pipe ends; otherwise, you could have water where you don't want it, such as on the floor.
- Securing additional elements: If the purchased bathroom fixture is equipped with a pull-out spout, it should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. In the case of wall-mounted faucets, the body of the faucet must be attached to the wall using the appropriate screws and dowels. It’s important to check that all connections are sealed and stable.
Checking for Installation Leaks and Testing After the Faucet Is Installed
After completing the faucet installation, before putting away your tools, you should check for leaks in the installation thoroughly. To do this, slowly turn on the main water valve and the cutoff valves, and then check if the water flows through the fixture without leaks. If there are any leaks, you must immediately turn off the valves and adjust the connections.
Testing the faucet also means checking if the water flow is steady and there are no pressure issues. A well-installed fixture should provide a smooth flow of both cold and hot water.
Maintenance and Care for Your Kitchen Wall Faucet
Do you want to enjoy your new kitchen faucet for a long time? Remember to regularly maintain it. This means systematically cleaning the body and spout from limescale, which affects the aesthetics and functionality of the faucet. Mild cleaning agents and soft cloths are usually recommended for cleaning. Otherwise, scratches may occur on their surface.
What Types of Kitchen Faucets Are There and How to Choose the Right One for Your Sink?
Choosing the right kitchen faucet affects both the convenience of use and the aesthetics of the room. Manufacturers offer various types that differ in style, functionality, and installation method. Among the most popular types are standing faucets, wall-mounted ones, those with a pull-out spout, and models with built-in water filters.
Popular Kitchen Faucets
- Standing faucets: This is the most popular type mounted directly on the sink. Standing models are characterized by simple installation and are available in various styles – from classic to modern. When choosing this type of faucet, pay attention to the height of the body and the reach of the spout to provide a comfortable space for washing dishes and filling tall pots. Mexen offers a wide selection of standing faucets, including models with a pull-out spout, which greatly simplifies kitchen work.
- Wall-mounted faucets: This type of faucet is ideal for kitchens where the plumbing is already run through the wall. The installation of a wall-mounted faucet may be slightly more complicated than for the standing variant, as it requires precise matching to the water connections. Mexen offers models of wall-mounted faucets with different spacing, making their installation easier.
Replacing the Faucet in Your Sink – Also Check Out Modern Models!
In recent years, faucets with built-in water filters have been gaining increasing popularity. This type of solution allows you to obtain clean water straight from the tap. It is not only convenient but also beneficial for health. On the market, there are modern kitchen fixtures with built-in filters that are extremely easy to self-install and maintain in good condition. Moreover, their appearance can be adjusted to fit the style prevailing in the house.
Replacing Your Old Faucet? Opt for Modernity!
A water filter is just one enhancement available on the market. Currently, you can easily purchase practical models with a thermostat. They provide precisely set water temperature, which is particularly useful in the kitchen. Thanks to this solution, you can avoid accidentally burning yourself with hot water while saving energy by maintaining a constant temperature in the faucet. Modern kitchen faucets with a thermostat are perfect for minimalist interiors, as they add style and elegance.
How to Choose the Right Faucet for Your Kitchen?
When selecting a kitchen faucet, there are several important factors to consider, including the style of the room, the type of sink, and the individual needs of the users.
A kitchen faucet should first and foremost be perfectly matched to the furnishings of the interior. In classic kitchens, faucets with traditional designs work well, while in modern ones, simple models with a minimalist shape are preferred. In both cases, it can be a standing or wall-mounted variant.
Installing a Faucet That Matches Your Style
It’s worth knowing that contemporary manufacturers of bathroom fixtures, such as Mexen, also offer variants made of brass or stainless steel. Among our proposals, you can find high-quality metal faucets that will successfully withstand many years of use, providing excellent resistance to corrosion and mechanical damage.
However, in the case of single or double bowl sinks, different types of faucets are required. Therefore, during faucet installation, always ensure its height is suitable for the sink. This way, you will provide yourself with adequate space for washing dishes. It’s also worth checking the reach of the spout and its ability to rotate so that using the sink is seamless.
Installing a kitchen faucet follows its own rules – so check what else you need to know!
Two key variables are:
- Plumbing installation and its parameters: Before purchasing a kitchen faucet, check the specifications of the plumbing installation, especially whether it is adapted to install the chosen model. The spacing of the cutoff valves, the diameter of the angle valve thread, and the main water valve are primarily significant.
- Installation manual: Before starting work, be sure to read the manual thoroughly and find out how to install the chosen faucet in the sink; it’s a seemingly obvious thing, but we “tend” to forget such obviousness.