Best way to replace a kitchen faucet? Hire someone or DIY?
[removed]
Posted Nov 4, 2015, 4:06 PM UTC
310
You in a condo? What you'd save DIY isn't worth the risk of screwing something up and flooding the unit below you.
2
I agree. If you don't own the place and don't have much experience, don't risk it. If you do own the place and you're feeling brave, you'll need a crescent wrench (a wrench set is ideal) and possibly some plumbers tape. Should take an hour tops.
1
It's plumbing, not rocket science. The worst that could really happen is that the new fitting doesn't seal right, which you would notice as a (small) leak as soon as you turn the supply valve back on. In which case you turn the valve off again, reapply plumber's tape and try again.
1
Yeah, I'm renting. Just messaged the landlord and he is suggesting to just tighten it. But it is tighten and the thing leaks a little stream. Not doing anything will definitely make things worse very quickly. And we can't practically eat or use the kitchen because we can't use water or wash anything.
1
There are two shutoff valves (hot on the left, cold on the right) under your sink. Those will be either oval-shaped multi-turn valves or quarter-turn ball valves. Make sure those work. As long as they're not dripping or spraying water when they're turned off then all the work "downstream" that you'd be doing will be safe and dry until the moment of truth. And you can always shut them off again until your work is perfect.
Between the the shutoff valves and the faucet, you can buy inexpensive braided stainless lines that have a quick/click connector that is absolutely reliable and doesn't even need a wrench. I would avoid copper lines and the fussy connectors they use, but that's just my experience.
Put aside a couple of hours and give it a shot. It will be satisfying and you'll learn something. Take a photo of a few things above and below the sink and head to Home Depot with specific fitting questions. Worst case, you get halfway through the job and then you call a handyman to the rescue.
2
Yes, those hot and old valves are closed now and are not leaking. I really like the idea of those quick click connectors so that my only adjusting would be screwing the base right?
I was thinking in trying to take off the whole thing and taking it to home depot to make sure I have the exact fitting.
So no fancy tools that might do the job easier?
Thanks!
1
You might need some plumber's putty (cheap, about $6 for a small tub and sadly you'll only use a pinch) to seal the bottom of the faucet to the top of the sink, but models vary so just read the installation instructions.
Sounds like you're not replacing the sink or drain, which is easy enough but usually requires a "larger" wrench. So I can't think of any fancy tools needed. Have fun!
1
Hi, I completed it. I bought a $80 replacement at Home Depot. The extra things I bought were a couple of 1/2 inch metal hoses, that white tape sealant (instead of the putty) that goes around the connector's thread. A small silicone tube to seal the base of the faucet with the sink and a small wrench (because there is no space for anything bigger).
Water will still spill from the old hoses so maybe put some paper towels at the bottom to catch that. And as a precaution I suggest closing the house's main water intake.
Thanks.
2
its pretty simple I can walk you through it if you'd like.
I am doing mine later today
I'm hoping most models have standard dimensions although this thing looks old. And is hard to reach in there. I hope at least I'm able to reach whatever screws or fasteners so I can get them loose. Thanks.