How to change a faucet in the kitchen: dismantling the old version and the procedure for installing a new one
The question of how to change the faucet in the kitchen does not arise as rarely as we would like. For those who think that only a professional plumber can handle this task, there is good news: it is quite possible to replace the mixer yourself. You just need to stock up on a set of simple tools and materials, get acquainted with the device of the kitchen mixer, and also study the recommendations of specialists.
Required tools and materials
You probably won't need any complicated fixtures to replace a faucet in your kitchen. The task can be dealt with using:
- an adjustable wrench (sometimes it can be successfully replaced with a suitable wrench);
- flat screwdriver;
- Phillips screwdriver;
- Lantern;
- sandpaper.
Tip: If the faucet that needs to be replaced was an inexpensive model, it makes sense to also change the flexible hoses that attach it to the water pipes. Expensive models are equipped with better quality hoses; at the time of work, they may still be suitable for use. However, there is a risk that the hoses will deteriorate before the new mixer, therefore, in most cases, experts recommend replacing these parts completely.
In addition, you should stock up on a small container into which you can drain the remaining water in the siphon. A detergent can also come in handy, so that at the same time as replacing the structure, you can wash the dirt accumulated under the sink and under the mixer. The sealant is used both during the installation of the sink and for threaded connections.
Please note: If the sink is removable, and not a mortise, it may have to be removed in order to dismantle the damaged one and install a new mixer in the kitchen more conveniently. In this case, you may also need additional tools, necessary fasteners, sealant, etc.
So, first you need to purchase a new model, as well as prepare all the necessary tools and materials. Then, armed with a flashlight, you need to look under the sink and get acquainted with the place of work. The whole process can be divided into two stages: dismantling the old mixer and installing a new one.
How to dismantle a broken model?
Dismantling a damaged mixer begins not in the kitchen, but in the bathroom. First you need to turn off the water so that the kitchen does not flood.
Before starting to dismantle the mixer, turn off the water supply. The handles on the taps should be in a position perpendicular to the water pipe
After that, you can proceed directly to removing the damaged mixer. For this you need:
1. Open the water tap to drain the remaining water in the system.
2. Find the place where the flexible hoses of the mixer tap the water pipes.
3. Find the place where the mixer is attached to the sink.
4. If the sink is invoiced, it should be carefully dismantled.
5. Disconnect the flexible hose from the water pipe using an adjustable wrench. At this stage, you can use a small container or jar to drain the water remaining in the pipes.
Disconnect the flexible hoses from the water pipe using an adjustable wrench. Be careful not to damage the connection
6. Disconnect the bottom of the siphon.
7. The sink can now be removed.
After the lower part of the siphon has been disconnected, the sink must be very carefully turned over and installed in a position convenient for further work.
8. Expand the sink in such a way as to provide access to the mixer fixture.
9. Using an adjustable wrench, loosen the nut located on the threaded pin.
Before you start unscrewing the threaded rods, you must use an adjustable wrench and loosen the fixing nut on the mixer
10. Now use a flat or Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the threaded pin itself. To prevent the mixer from falling, support it from below with your hand.
11. Remove the clamp and then take out the mixer to which the old flexible hoses are connected.
After all fasteners have been removed, carefully remove the mixer. Flexible hoses should be carefully passed through the mounting hole
Please note: if a decision is made to leave the old flexible hoses, at this stage they must be disconnected from the damaged mixer (an adjustable wrench will come in handy again). Then the hoses are connected to the new mixer, after which the installation is continued. In this case, you need to check the condition of the gaskets of each hose. They must be intact, without traces of deformation and located in their intended place.
After the old device has been dismantled, you can start installing a new mixer. However, before that, it does not hurt to inspect the mounting hole and remove accumulated dirt from there, if any is found.
Installing a new mixer
Before installing the mixer, it is necessary, of course, to assemble and attach the supply elements to the water pipes, i.e. flexible hoses.
After that, you can install the new mixer directly on the sink:
1. The first step is to place an O-ring on the base of the mixer. It must be exactly in the groove provided for it. If violations are committed at this stage, water will flow under the sink and can damage the cabinet, as well as the elements located under the sink.
The O-ring must be positioned exactly in the groove provided for it. If this is not done, it is almost impossible to avoid leaks.
2. Now you need to pass the flexible hoses through the mounting hole for the faucet (the removed sink is still upside down). The mixer must again be held underneath with your free hand. Make sure that the O-ring does not move at this moment.
3. Install a rubber seal, the shape of which should correspond to the configuration of the pressure plate.
First, a rubber seal is installed, and then a pressure plate, the configuration of which is the same. The mixer must be supported so that it does not fall
4. Place the pressure plate on top of the seal.
5. Screw the threaded pins into the structure through the corresponding holes.
Tip: Depending on the device, the mixer can be equipped with one or two threaded rods. It is important to make sure that the slots for the screwdriver remain outside, and not in the inside of the mixer, since this device will also have to be dismantled one day. Typically on new faucets, the threaded rods can be screwed in very easily with your fingers. You can use a screwdriver, but experts do not recommend tightening them too tightly.
Threaded pins screw in freely. They can be tightened with a screwdriver, but not too much. After that, carefully tighten the nut with an adjustable wrench.
6. Now, using an adjustable wrench, tighten the mounting nuts. Additional efforts will be required here, since with poorly tightened nuts, the mixer will "walk", rotate around its axis.
Thus, the problem of how to put a new mixer in the kitchen instead of the old one can be considered successfully solved. It remains only to install the dismantled sink in the place intended for it. Before that, it makes sense to do cleaning: clean the places where the sink is attached to the wall, the wall itself, the inside of the cabinet, etc. After that, the sink is installed in place, the flexible hoses of the mixer are connected to the water pipe, and the upper part of the siphon is connected to the lower one.
The final stage is checking the operation of the new equipment. To do this, you need to put water back into the system, returning the valves to their previous position, open a new mixer and inspect all the connections. If the previous steps are done correctly, no leaks will be found. The new mixer will serve you faithfully for many years.
