How to Replace a Kitchen Sink Faucet

Thinking of making a sink repair in Cincinnati? Most new kitchen faucets feature single-handle control levers and washerless designs, says Mr. Rooter, your most referred Cincinnati plumber. They rarely require maintenance. More expensive designer styles offer added features, like colorful enameled finishes, detachable spray nozzles, or even digital temperature readouts.

Connect the faucet to hot and cold water lines with easy-to-install flexible supply tubes made from vinyl or braided steel. Where local codes allow, use plastic piping for drain hookups. Plastic is inexpensive and easy to install.

Mr. Rooter Tip of the Week

Tip #1 Apply a 1/4-inch bead of plumber's putty or silicone caulk around base of faucet. Apply putty around base of sprayer mount.

Tip #2 Insert faucet and sprayer tailpieces into sink openings. Screw mounting nuts onto tailpieces and tighten them securely, using channel-type pliers or a basin wrench.

Tip #3 Connect supply tubes to faucet tailpieces, using channel-type pliers. Attach sprayer hose to hose stub-out.

Tip #4 Connect left supply tube to the hot water shutoff valve, using channel-type pliers.

Tip #5 Attach the right supply tube to the cold water shutoff valve, using channel-type pliers.

Tip #6 Install sink strainer, attach the tailpiece to the strainer and then attach the trap arm to the drain stub-out.

Tip #7 Attach the trap bend to the trap arm. Beveled side of washers should face trap bend.

Tip #8 Tighten all nuts with channel-type pliers. 

PLUMBING TRADE SECRETS: A wide selection of extensions and angle fittings let you easily plumb any sink configuration. Manufacturers offer kits that contain all the fittings needed for attaching a food disposer or dishwasher to the sink drain system.

Have more questions? Call a Cincinnati plumber from Mr Rooter of Greater Cincinnati at Call us!