How to Install a Kitchen Faucet and Side Sprayer

I discussed on Monday’s blog the choices that you have in kitchen faucets and accessories and promised some info on the standard installation procedures. The one detailed below comes from the Home Depot How To Guide, found on their website and is really a generic format for your standard 2 knob, base plate form of faucet with the side sprayer. If you have chosen to go with a single handled unit with the integrated sprayer you will have a lot less work but some extra holes to find a use for in your counter top. Most of the time folks opt for a built in soap dispenser, a instant hot water dispenser or an air gap if you need one. For a video version of these instructions and still pictures along with the full article go to the Home Depot website at:


http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?pn=Installing_a_New_Faucet&langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&cm_sp=knowhow-_-top_projects4-_-installing_a_faucet-_-march09

So you read my blog about all of the choises in kitchen faucets and got onlone with NBS and orfered your choce now its time to make the big decision....do I install it myself or stop my wife's laughter (this could possibly be nagging) and call the friendly plumber? Installing a new kitchen faucet and side sprayer is a project many homeowners who are handy with a few common tools can do themselves. As you work on your project, be sure to take any actions recommended in the manufacturer's instructions included with your faucet and sprayer.

Step One: Turn Off Water                                                                                                                     Turn off the water at the shut off valves under the sink or at the main water supply.

Step Two: Connect Supply Lines to Faucet
1. Connect the supply lines to the faucet tailpieces.
2. Tighten the coupling nuts with slip-joint pliers or a basin wrench. \

Step Three: Apply Sealant & Position Faucet
1. Apply a quarter-inch bead of plumber’s putty around the base of the faucet. If your sink is made of cultured marble, use silicone caulk.
2. Insert the faucet tailpieces with supply lines into the holes in the sink.
3. Position the faucet base parallel to the back of the sink and press the faucet down.

Step Four: Screw on Mounting Nuts
1. From beneath the sink, screw the friction washers and mounting nuts onto the faucet tailpieces and tighten the with slip-joint pliers or a basin wrench.
2. Wipe away any excess putty around the faucet base.

Step Five: Connect Supply Lines to Shut Off Valves
Attach the faucet's supply lines to the shut off valves and tighten the nuts. Give the nuts an extra quarter-turn with an adjustable wrench while holding the valve with another wrench.

Step Six: Apply Sealant to Sprayer Base
1. Apply a quarter-inch bead of plumber’s putty to the bottom edge of the sprayer base. If your sink is made of cultured marble, use silicone caulk.
2. Put the tailpiece of the sprayer base into the sink opening.

Step Seven: Screw in Mounting Nuts
1. Place the friction washer over the tailpiece (if needed).
2. If your sprayer hose is not attached to your sprayer, do it now.
3. Screw the mounting nut onto the tailpiece and tighten it with a basin wrench or a pair of slip-joint pliers.
4. Wipe away any excess putty from around the base.

Step Eight: Screw in the Sprayer Hose
1. Screw the sprayer hose onto the hose nipple on the bottom of the faucet.
2. Hand-tighten the hose nut, then tighten it a quarter turn further using a basin wrench or a pair of slip-joint pliers.
3. Turn on the water and check for leaks.