Remove the Old Faucet — Disconnect Water Supply Lines
Part of project
How to Replace a Two-Handle Kitchen Faucet · Step 2 of 7
In this video
Go under the sink and turn off the hot and cold water supply by turning the shut-off valve handles clockwise until they stop. Place a towel underneath to catch drips. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts connecting the old supply lines to the valves. Once loosened, unscrew them by hand. Then, use channel-lock pliers to loosen the large mounting nut securing the old faucet. After it's loose, finish unscrewing it by hand and remove it along with any washers. Pull the old faucet up and out of the countertop.
Goal: Shut off water and remove the existing faucet
- Using a mirror can make it much easier to see the connections and nuts under the sink.
Used in this video
- Adjustable Wrench (Tool Type: Hand Tools, Wrench_Type: Adjustable_Wrench) — Loosening the nuts on the water supply lines connected to the shut-off valves.
- Channel-Lock Pliers (Tool Type: Hand Tools, Pliers_Type: Channel_Lock) — Gripping and loosening the large mounting nut that holds the faucet to the countertop.
- Mirror (Tool Type: Hand Tools) · optional — To see the plumbing connections under the sink without having to lie on your back.
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FAQs
Do I really need a special basin wrench, or can I just use a regular adjustable wrench for this project?
While an adjustable wrench is useful for visible connections, a basin wrench (like the TEKTON or Husky models listed) is highly recommended. Its long, telescoping handle and pivoting jaw allow you to reach and loosen nuts in tight, awkward spaces under the sink that a standard wrench cannot access. This tool significantly simplifies the removal and installation process.
What are the most important safety precautions to take when replacing a kitchen faucet?
The most crucial step is to completely shut off the hot and cold water supply lines to your sink before starting any work. Ensure you have a bucket and towels handy to catch any residual water, and use proper lighting (like the listed flashlight) to see clearly in the confined under-sink area. Never try to force connections without proper alignment, as this can cause damage.
The project is rated "beginner." Is it truly manageable for someone with no plumbing experience?
Yes, this project is beginner-friendly because it primarily involves disconnecting and reconnecting parts, not complex pipe cutting or soldering. The most challenging aspect is often working in confined spaces under the sink. Take your time, follow the instructions carefully, and ensure all connections are hand-tightened before a final wrench turn to avoid cross-threading.
What should I do if I can't get the old faucet nuts or supply lines to loosen?
Old nuts can be stubborn due to corrosion or mineral buildup. First, try applying penetrating oil and letting it sit for a few minutes before using your basin wrench for leverage. If still stuck, a hacksaw or oscillating tool might be necessary to carefully cut the old nuts or lines, but proceed with extreme caution to avoid damaging the sink or existing plumbing.
Remove the Old Faucet — Disconnect Water Supply Lines
Part of project
How to Replace a Two-Handle Kitchen Faucet · Step 2 of 7
In this video
Go under the sink and turn off the hot and cold water supply by turning the shut-off valve handles clockwise until they stop. Place a towel underneath to catch drips. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts connecting the old supply lines to the valves. Once loosened, unscrew them by hand. Then, use channel-lock pliers to loosen the large mounting nut securing the old faucet. After it's loose, finish unscrewing it by hand and remove it along with any washers. Pull the old faucet up and out of the countertop.
Goal: Shut off water and remove the existing faucet
- Using a mirror can make it much easier to see the connections and nuts under the sink.
Used in this video
- Adjustable Wrench (Tool Type: Hand Tools, Wrench_Type: Adjustable_Wrench) — Loosening the nuts on the water supply lines connected to the shut-off valves.
- Channel-Lock Pliers (Tool Type: Hand Tools, Pliers_Type: Channel_Lock) — Gripping and loosening the large mounting nut that holds the faucet to the countertop.
- Mirror (Tool Type: Hand Tools) · optional — To see the plumbing connections under the sink without having to lie on your back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a special basin wrench, or can I just use a regular adjustable wrench for this project?
While an adjustable wrench is useful for visible connections, a basin wrench (like the TEKTON or Husky models listed) is highly recommended. Its long, telescoping handle and pivoting jaw allow you to reach and loosen nuts in tight, awkward spaces under the sink that a standard wrench cannot access. This tool significantly simplifies the removal and installation process.
What are the most important safety precautions to take when replacing a kitchen faucet?
The most crucial step is to completely shut off the hot and cold water supply lines to your sink before starting any work. Ensure you have a bucket and towels handy to catch any residual water, and use proper lighting (like the listed flashlight) to see clearly in the confined under-sink area. Never try to force connections without proper alignment, as this can cause damage.
The project is rated "beginner." Is it truly manageable for someone with no plumbing experience?
Yes, this project is beginner-friendly because it primarily involves disconnecting and reconnecting parts, not complex pipe cutting or soldering. The most challenging aspect is often working in confined spaces under the sink. Take your time, follow the instructions carefully, and ensure all connections are hand-tightened before a final wrench turn to avoid cross-threading.
What should I do if I can't get the old faucet nuts or supply lines to loosen?
Old nuts can be stubborn due to corrosion or mineral buildup. First, try applying penetrating oil and letting it sit for a few minutes before using your basin wrench for leverage. If still stuck, a hacksaw or oscillating tool might be necessary to carefully cut the old nuts or lines, but proceed with extreme caution to avoid damaging the sink or existing plumbing.