Guide to Removing and Replacing Kitchen Faucet Supply Tubes and Faucet Installation

Your kitchen faucet is a crucial component in your daily routine, but over time it may show signs of wear and tear, such as leaking or malfunctioning. If you're considering replacing your kitchen faucet, it's important to understand the steps involved in removing the old faucet and installing a new one, including dealing with the supply tubes.

Overview of Kitchen Faucet Supply Tubes

The supply tubes play a vital role in your kitchen faucet's functionality. These tubes connect the hot and cold water lines from your plumbing system to the faucet, ensuring a steady flow of water for all your cooking and cleaning needs. When the tubes are removed, the faucet will no longer function, so understanding the process is crucial.

Important Considerations for Removing Supply Tubes

Before you start the process of removing the supply tubes, there are a few essential steps to consider for safety and functionality:

Purpose of Supply Tubes

The primary purpose of the supply tubes is to deliver water from the plumbing system to your faucet. This ensures that you have a constant and reliable supply of hot and cold water. When you remove the supply tubes, the faucet will not function unless the tubes are reattached or replaced with new ones.

Safety Precautions

Always ensure that the water supply is turned off before attempting to remove the supply tubes. This action prevents water damage or leaks. Place a bucket or towel underneath the faucet to catch any residual water.

Tools Needed

To remove the supply tubes, you may need a variety of tools, including a wrench or pliers to loosen the connections. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fittings.

Reinstallation and Installation of Faucet

If you plan to replace the supply tubes or the faucet itself, ensure that the replacement parts are compatible with your plumbing setup. Follow the specific installation instructions provided with your new faucet or consult the manufacturer's manual for guidance.

If Unsure or Uncomfortable

If you are unsure about the process or feel uncomfortable performing the task, it may be wise to consult a professional plumber. A professional can ensure a safe and efficient installation, avoiding potential damage to your plumbing system.

Materials and ToolsNeeded for Faucet Removal

To remove your kitchen faucet, having the right materials and tools is essential. Here's a list of the items you will need:

Bucket: To drain the P-trap and water lines. Tubing cutter: Useful if you need to cut corroded copper supply tubes, especially in tight spaces. M mini cutter: A mini cutter is handy for tight spaces where the tubing cutter won't fit. Basin wrench: For loosening faucet retaining nuts that are hard to reach in tight spaces up under the sink. Tongue-and-groove pliers: Ideal for loosening drain nuts that you can't budge by hand. Adjustable wrench or open-end wrenches: For securing the new faucet supply tubes. Penetrating oil: To help in the case of stuck faucet nuts.

Preparation for Faucet Removal

Proper preparation is crucial for a successful faucet replacement. Here are the steps to follow:

Shut off the water supply using the faucet shutoff valves at the bottom or back of the cabinet. Open up the faucet and the sprayer and drain them completely to ensure that all the water is removed from the lines. Inspect the area under the sink. If necessary, disassemble the sink drain and the main unit of the garbage disposal to get a better view of the faucet.

Disconnecting the Plumbing

The supply tubes are connected to the shutoff valves using compression fittings or soldered directly to the water supply lines. To disconnect them, follow these steps:

Loosen the compression nuts with a wrench to disconnect the risers from the shutoff valves. In older installations, if the risers are soldered directly to the water supply lines, shut off the water supply at the main house shutoff or a branch shutoff to the kitchen. Cut the riser tubing from the supply lines and plan to install shutoff valves inside the cabinet. Loosen and disconnect any additional faucet lines and the line that connects a side-sprayer.

Loosen and Remove the Faucet

Your old faucet may be in one, two, three, or four pieces, so ensure you disassemble it correctly. Here are the steps:

Loosen the T-connector at the end of the spout if your faucet is in multiple pieces. Loosen the washer and nut series holding the faucet in place with a basin wrench or tongue-and-groove pliers if space allows. Apply penetrating oil to any stuck faucet nuts and let them sit for an hour. Remove the nuts and washers, and pull the faucet out from above. Wipe down the area with denatured alcohol to clean it before installing the new faucet.

By following these steps, you can ensure a successful kitchen faucet replacement. Remember to be thorough and methodical, and if you're unsure, don't hesitate to consult a professional plumber.