Every kitchen relies on a functional faucet for smooth daily tasks. A slow and cumbersome faucet can make activities like filling pots and washing dishes a hassle. This complicates these chores and becomes a constant source of frustration in your kitchen. Hence, an upgraded kitchen faucet with sprayer can give you an easy kitchen life.
This article shows why a faucet with a sprayer is great for the kitchen. It helps you choose the right faucet and tells you when to replace an old one. There's a simple guide for installing a new faucet too. Keep reading to see how a sprayer faucet makes kitchen tasks easier, and learn to install it yourself. Get set to make your kitchen better with easy steps!
Importance of Kitchen Faucets with Sprayers
A kitchen tap with a sprayer is a handy tool with two jobs in one piece. It can work like a normal tap and also spray water. This makes many kitchen tasks much easier.
These include a spout, handles, and a sprayer. The spout and handles work like any faucet. The sprayer, on the other hand, is connected to the faucet by a flexible hose. It can be pulled out or down to spray water where needed. This is handy for tough jobs like scrubbing off food from dishes. Both are useful, but the best depends on your needs and kitchen layout.
When to Replace Kitchen Faucet?
Kitchen taps usually work well for about 15 to 20 years. However, if your water is hard, this can make them wear out faster. Here are some simple signs that show you need to change your tap:
- Leaks: If water drips from the faucet, there's probably a leak. This not only wastes water but also increases your bills.
- Low Water Pressure: A sudden water pressure drop may suggest a blocked aerator or pipe problems.
- Sprayer Problems: If the sprayer doesn't work right, like not retracting or changing modes, it's time for a new one.
- Rust and Wear: Rust and wear can harm your faucet's looks and function.
If your kitchen faucet keeps breaking, consider buying a new one with a sprayer. It's often cheaper and easier than fixing an old one. And for a kitchen makeover, a new faucet with a sprayer speeds up tasks and matches the new style.
Preparing for a DIY Kitchen Faucet Installation
You can install it with basic plumbing knowledge, the right tools, and a plan. Here are some steps to prepare.
Select the Right Kitchen Faucet
Start by getting a faucet that fits your sink. Choose based on the number of holes.
The two-handle faucets need three holes that are usually 8 inches apart. While the one-handle faucets need just one hole.
Switching from two-handle to one-handle? Use a cover plate to hide extra holes. Check the current setup under your sink and pick a faucet that fits the existing holes. Don't hesitate to take measurements.
Assemble Your Tools and Materials
Before you start, collect the following items:
- Locking pliers
- Work light
- Wire brush
- Basin wrench
- Putty knife
- Sponge
- Lubricant spray
- Plumber’s tape
- Cleaning rags
- Optional: Zip ties and a hacksaw
Prepare a small bucket and towels for potential water drips. Always protect your eyes from water and debris with safety glasses.
Clear Your Workspace
To facilitate the process, clear out everything stored under the kitchen sink to create a clean workspace.
Turn Off the Water and Electricity Supply
Always turn off the electricity (especially if there's a garbage disposal nearby) and the water supply before starting any plumbing work. You can turn the valves under the sink that control the hot and cold water clockwise.
If these valves are old, use pliers to get a better grip. If the valves seem severely corroded, consider turning off the main water valve first to prevent leaks. This is usually located in the basement or crawl space.
Simple Steps to Take Out an Old Faucet
Once you’ve turned off the water and electricity supply, switch on your work light for better visibility inside the cabinet and proceed with these steps:
1. Separate the Water Supply Lines
The water supply lines are connected to the hot and cold water valves under your sink. With a wrench, disconnect these lines by rotating the nuts in a clockwise direction. While doing this, keep the water pipe steady to prevent it from moving.
2. Detach the Faucet
You'll find nuts under your sink that secure the faucet. To loosen these, use pliers or a basin wrench if the nuts are hard to move.
3. Handle Tough Nut
If your faucet isn't disconnecting easily, rust could be the issue. Use a wire brush to clear away corrosion. If unsuccessful, spray lubricant on the nuts and let it soak for 30 minutes or overnight for severe cases. If these steps fail, you might need to cut the nuts off with a hacksaw. For safety, consider hiring a professional if unsure about this procedure.
4. Extract the Faucet
Once the nuts are out, you should be able to pull the faucet out of its position.
5. Clean Up
Lastly, clean the area and erase any leftover sealant with a putty knife and a damp sponge.
Easy Guide To Installing a New Kitchen Faucet
1. Prepare the Counter
After removing the old faucet, check the new one's fit. If it doesn't, you may need to drill more holes or use a cover plate. Hire a professional to avoid damage to hard counters like quartz or granite.
2. Install the Faucet
Begin by placing your new faucet on the counter. Carefully thread the faucet lines through the designated holes in your counter. Take your time to adjust the faucet's position until it sits just right. Ensuring it's aligned correctly at this stage will save you trouble later.
3. If Replacing Hose and Sprayer
For those also replacing the hose and sprayer, start by turning off the hot and cold water valves. Place the sprayer's cover into the sinkhole and secure it with the provided nut. Next, slide the sprayer hose down through this cover and set the sprayer into its position. Finally, connect the hose to the diverter connection on your water supply line. Make sure to check for any leaks and tighten the connections as needed.
4. Secure Your Faucet
Now, move under the sink to secure the faucet. Install the washers and nuts that come with your faucet. These are important for holding your faucet steady. As you tighten them, keep checking that your faucet remains in the correct position and is not tilting or misaligned.
5. Hook Up the Water Supply
New faucets often include freshwater lines. Use these, not the old ones. Wrap threads with the plumber’s tape before attaching for a watertight seal. Then, screw these lines into your hot and cold water valves. If the lines are too long or in the way, you can use zip ties to neatly bundle them together, creating more space under your sink.
6. Test Your Faucet
Finally, turn the water back on and test your new faucet. Let the water run for about a minute and watch for any leaks. If you notice drips, tighten the connections where necessary. Repeat this over the next couple of days to make sure there are no leaks.
Conclusion
This article highlights the benefits of a sprayer-equipped kitchen faucet, making dishwashing and pot filling easier. The article also guides readers on choosing the right faucet and knowing when to replace an old one. Plus, there was an easy-to-follow guide on installing a new faucet. Now you know how a sprayer faucet can make your kitchen tasks simpler and how you can install one by yourself.
For an easier kitchen routine, explore our collection of kitchen faucets with sprayers. Find your ideal match today!