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Preparation and Water Shut-off — Shut Off the Water Supply

Beginner2 hours

Part of project

Kitchen Faucet Repair: A Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Faucet Parts · Step 1 of 5

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In this video

Before starting, go under the sink and shut off both the hot and cold water supply valves. Place a towel under the pipes to catch any water that will spill. Go back to the faucet and turn the handle on, moving it between hot and cold, to relieve any remaining pressure in the lines.

Goal: Shut off water supply and relieve pressure

  • Ensure both hot and cold water valves are fully closed before proceeding.

Used in this video

  • Towels/Rags (Material: Fabric)Catching water spills under the sink.
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FAQs

What specific tools, beyond a basic screwdriver, might I need for this faucet repair?

You might need an adjustable wrench or basin wrench for stubborn nuts under the sink. Depending on your faucet, a set of Allen wrenches (hex keys) may be required to remove the handle, and some cartridges require a specialized removal tool. Penetrating oil can also be useful for seized parts.

What's the most crucial first step to ensure safety and prevent water damage before I start this repair?

The absolute first step is to completely turn off the hot and cold water supply lines leading to the faucet, usually found under the sink. Then, open the faucet to drain any remaining water from the lines and relieve pressure. This prevents accidental floods and makes the repair safer.

This project is rated 'beginner' and '2 hours.' What are common issues that could make it take longer or become more difficult?

Corroded or seized parts can be difficult to remove, especially if the faucet is old, potentially adding significant time. Identifying the correct replacement part can also cause delays if the brand or model is obscure. Tight spaces under the sink can make access challenging.

After installing the new cartridge, what should I do if the faucet still leaks or doesn't operate correctly?

First, double-check that the new cartridge is fully seated and properly aligned according to any notches or keys, as incorrect alignment is a common cause of leaks. Ensure all retaining nuts or screws are snug, but do not overtighten. If the issue persists, inspect the cartridge for any defects or verify it's the exact correct model for your faucet.

Transcript
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Let's get started. First thing we want to do is get underneath the sink and shut off our water supply, both hot and cold. I'd like to suggest you may be lay down some towels because we're going to get a little bit of water that leaks out from this hose when we end hook it. Also turn the faucet on, go between cold and hot just to get rid of any leftover pressure.

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.