How to Tighten Kitchen Faucet?
A plumbing problem in your kitchen is a great wreck; especially if your kitchen faucet is loose, it won’t only leave you with a niggling headache but also break your bank in fixing it because calling professional costs a fortune.
However, the problem is not as big as it sounds because there are already hundreds of solutions. The only need is correct execution. If your kitchen faucet is loose and water is flowing irregularly, it doesn’t only seem irritating but also damages the pipelines badly. So, the best thing is, fix the faucet as soon as you can before the problem gets worse.
If you have all the necessary tools and information, you can do it yourself. But if you have been into this situation for the first time, and do not want to spend tons of money in calling a plumber, then this article is definitely a great help for you.
Here in this guide, we have explained how to tighten kitchen faucets, what are the causes of loose faucets, and what is the best brand to get a kitchen faucet that gives excellent and long-lasting results.
By the time you will finish reading this post, you would have learned how to fix a loose or wobbly kitchen faucet without calling a plumber.
What Are Some Possible Causes of Loose Faucet?
With each passing day, the handle and base plate gets loose as you use them frequently in a day.
Yes, we know it’s quite irksome to work with a loose faucet especially if you are doing it for the first time. It makes some squeaky noise, and you have to deal with uncontrollable water pressure. Also, you need to learn which tool is best for fixing the faucet. Well, let’s move on to some main causes of the loose faucet.
Loose screws
There are many screws under the base of your sink that are responsible to secure the faucet pipes, but they may get untwist with time and as a result, they become loose.
Loose faucet base
The handles of the faucet are usually attached to the center portion of the base. When you excessively use the handle, it leads to loosening the base which results in leaks.
Damaged O-ring
The O-rings are responsible to firmly hold the handles in place. When we use the handles frequently, it results in a loose O-ring.
Types of Kitchen faucets
Have you ever thought about the types of kitchen faucets available in the market? If not yet, you must now know about the various designs and features.
Some popular types of kitchen faucets are:
- Single handle faucet
- Dual handle faucet
- Pull out faucet
- Pull down faucet
Easy Steps to Fix the Loose Kitchen Faucet
Now that we know the reasons for loose faucets and some of their important types, it’s time to learn some easy steps that help fix loose kitchen faucets.
However, before moving further, we need to know the tools that are required in fixing the loose faucet.
- Gloves
- Flashlight
- Basin wrench
- Mini knife
- Screwdriver
- New hose and sprayer
So, let’s get to work now.
Step 1- Remove all the items under the sink
Just like many people, you must be using your sink cabinet to store different kitchen stuff, tools, and cleaning products, right? Since the faucet nut is located under your sink, you may need to remove all the items and objects that are stored underneath so you can gain access to that narrow area to fix the faucet.
For your safety, it’s also recommended to thoroughly clean the bottom of your sink so that you don’t get your clothes dirty with smelly particles. If the kitchen cabinets are stained, it’s also good to add a protective layer on the outer area so you don’t get any stains or damage to the cabinet.
However, if you are considering any precautions, remember you may need to repair the cabinet door as well.
Step 2- Turn off the water supply
In the second step, it’s time to turn off all the water halves present under the sink. There would be always two kinds of water supply areas: one for cold water, and the other for hot water.
Now you have to do this before even finding the nut as well as fixing the faucet.
This is an important precautionary measure to consider so you don’t get your hands and clothes drenched in water in case if the pipe bursts.
Step 3- Slide under your sink to find the nut
In the third step, grab your flashlight and slide under your sink to find the nut.
You are required to find out the position of the bolt over the cabinet’s roof. Remember its position should be exactly under the base of the faucet. Now this will be the nut that you need to tighten.
Step 4- Adjust the size of the basin wrench
Now that you have found the position of the bolt, it’s time to adjust the size of your wrench. Make sure the size is correct to the exact size of the nut that’s securing the faucet in its place firmly.
Step 5- Let’s tight the nut
After finding the nut and adjusting the size of the basin wrench, you need to put it over the nut and turn it in a clockwise direction so you can easily tighten it.
You may face a bit of difficulty while tightening this because you might need to twist the body into different positions. Especially if you are not a professional, you might not be able to do it on the first attempt.
Make sure you are not over-tightening the nut as it shouldn’t slip over the bolt. It also doesn’t mean that you should under-tighten the nut. You are only required to ensure that the nut is fixed into its position and now it can’t be moved further.
Step- Check that the base is tight
Once you finish tightening the bolt, it’s finally time to come out under that sink but before moving out, you need to check again whether the faucet is tight or still moving around.
Step 7- Restore the water supply
Now that you are sure the loose kitchen faucet is fixed and there will be no water overflowing issue, retore the water supply again and check if it’s working or not. If it’s working smoothly, you are done!
After confirmation, you can put all the items and kitchen stuff back in their position. You may feel accomplished after doing it professionally, right? After not, it’s not an easy thing to do.
However, after tightening the kitchen faucet, if you think that there is still some issue, then you need to consider the solution for the loose faucet handle which we might cover in our next articles.
What is the best brand for kitchen faucets?
Finding kitchen faucets is not an overwhelming thing today, because there are lots of brands and local shops that provide every type of kitchen faucet.
However, finding the right one that exactly matches your needs and features all the elements for long-lasting use is the real challenge. Therefore, it’s best to choose the brand that is already tested and delivered proven results.
KibiUSA is one of the most trusted brands that offer high-quality kitchen faucets in different designs, sizes, and colors. You can get a detailed look by visiting their website and check what kitchen faucet is right for your interiors.