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Tighten Faucet and Connect Supply Lines — Reconnect the Faucet Supply Line

Beginner3 hours

Part of project

How to Replace a Leaky Angle Stop (Shutoff Valve) Under Your Sink · Step 8 of 9

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In this video

Using your specialized wrench, tighten the mounting nuts from underneath the sink until the faucet is snug and does not move. Be careful not to overtighten, especially with plastic nuts. Next, connect the new supply lines. Attach the 1/2-inch end to the faucet shanks and the 3/8-inch end to the shut-off valves. Use a wrench to give each connection a final quarter-turn past hand-tight.

Goal: Secure the faucet and connect the water supply

  • Overtightening the nuts can crack the plastic fittings or the sink itself.

Used in this video

  • Basin Wrench — Tightening the faucet mounting nuts.
  • Adjustable Wrench — Tightening the supply line connections to the shut-off valves.
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FAQs

What's the single most important safety step to take before I even touch the leaky angle stop?

The most critical step is to shut off the main water supply to your home. This prevents potential flooding and ensures a safe working environment. Always confirm the water is off by testing a nearby faucet before proceeding with any work.

The project is listed as 'beginner' difficulty, but 3 hours seems long for a valve. Is it really that involved?

While replacing an angle stop is beginner-friendly, the 3-hour estimate accounts for prep work like gathering tools, draining lines, dealing with potential seized parts, and thorough leak testing. Taking your time ensures a proper, leak-free installation, so don't rush the process.

I see "Adjustable Wrench" and "Tongue and Groove Pliers" listed. Are these specific tools essential, or can I get by with a generic wrench set?

Yes, these specific tools are highly recommended. An adjustable wrench helps securely tighten the compression nut on the new valve without stripping it, while tongue and groove pliers (like Channellock) provide a strong grip for holding the valve or pipe steady. Using the correct tools prevents damage and ensures a tight, leak-free connection.

This project specifically mentions installing a "compression-style valve." Are there other types of angle stops, and why is this type recommended for a DIYer?

Yes, other types include soldered (sweat) and push-to-connect (SharkBite) valves. Compression-style valves are ideal for DIYers because they create a watertight seal by compressing a ferrule onto the pipe, requiring only basic hand tools and no specialized skills like soldering, making them relatively easy to install.

Transcript
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You can use these tools the same way that you took them out. You just reverse them in order to tighten the nuts. Whenever I'm replacing a fixture, I'm always going to change the supply lines, kitchen, bath, laundry. It's three eighths compression by half-inch compression. They're called faucet supply lines. You can pick them up anywhere. Just make sure you get the right link that's going to reach down to your valves and you can snug them up with a wrench or a pliers and your water back on, smash the like button

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.