How to Install a Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet

Introduction

Installing a new pull-out kitchen faucet can be a great way to update the look and functionality of your kitchen. Pull-out faucets feature a spray head that extends from the faucet body, allowing you to pull it out and use it like a detachable sprayer. This gives you extended reach to easily rinse dishes or clean the sink.

Replacing an old faucet with a new pull-out style is a relatively straightforward DIY project that you may be able to tackle yourself. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of how to install a pull-out kitchen faucet safely and correctly.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Basic supplies needed for installing a pull-out kitchen faucet
Step-by-step instructions for removing the old faucet and installing the new one
Tips for connecting the water supply lines and avoiding leaks
Finishing touches like caulking and testing for proper operation

Equipped with the information in this guide, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to successfully install a pull-out faucet in your kitchen. Let’s get started!

Supplies Needed

Before starting any installation, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand. Here are the basic items you’ll need to complete a pull-out kitchen faucet installation:

New pull-out kitchen faucet
Basin wrench
Adjustable wrenches (2)
Pipe tape
Plumber’s putty or silicone caulk
Bucket
Flashlight
Rag
Safety glasses

The pull-out faucet: This is the star of the show – make sure you purchase one designed for home kitchen use. Look for a faucet with a design and finish that fits your kitchen decor.

Basin wrench: This specialized tool is made to fit into tight spaces behind sinks and allows you to loosen nuts to remove the old faucet.

Adjustable wrenches: You’ll need two adjustable wrenches of different sizes to secure supply line connections.

Pipe tape: Applying pipe tape around supply line threads creates a tighter connection.

Plumber’s putty or caulk: Used to seal any gaps between the new faucet and sink surface.

Bucket: For catching any water still in the lines when disconnecting your old faucet.

Flashlight: Helps illuminate the tight working area under the sink.

Rag: Useful for wiping up any water drips or messes.

Safety glasses: Protect your eyes from any debris when working under the sink.

Turn Off Water Supply

Before removing your old faucet, you’ll need to shut off the water supply lines. This prevents water from spraying out when the lines are disconnected.

Here’s how to safely turn off the water:

Locate the shut-off valves. Under your sink, you should see two shut-off valves, one for the hot water line and one for the cold. They allow you to individually turn off each line.
Close both valves. Turn the handles clockwise until they stop. This fully closes both shut-off valves.
Turn on the faucet. Keep your faucet turned on to release any built-up pressure and drain remaining water from the lines.
Test for proper shut-off. Once the water has stopped flowing, turn the faucet handles back and forth to confirm water has been completely shut off. No more water should come out.

With the water supply now safely turned off, you can start the faucet removal process. Make sure to place a bucket under the supply lines to catch any drips.

Remove Existing Faucet

Removing the old kitchen faucet involves taking apart all the connections underneath. Here are the basic steps:

Disconnect and detach the spray hose. Pull down the spray head and remove the hose from its holding clip. Unscrew the nut connecting it to the faucet body with your fingers or an adjustable wrench.
Remove handle connector nuts. Locate the connectors on the underside of the faucet that hold the handles in place. They are usually plastic nuts that can be unthreaded by hand.
Unscrew supply line nuts. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and unthread the two supply line nuts. Carefully maneuver the faucet so you can access these nuts.
Loosen mounting nuts. The faucet body itself is secured with mounting nuts on the underside. Use a basin wrench to reach up behind the sink and loosen these nuts.
Lift out old faucet. Once all nuts and connections are detached, carefully lift the faucet body out of the sink hole. Place it aside.

Thoroughly clean the sink area with a rag once the old faucet is out. Remove any putty or buildup on the sink surface so the new faucet can form a tight seal.

Install New Pull-Out Faucet

Now the fun part – installing your shiny new pull-out kitchen faucet! Follow these key steps:

Apply putty or caulk. Roll putty into “rope” and place around bottom of new faucet where it will contact the sink. Or apply a bead of silicone caulk. This seals any gaps.
Insert faucet. Carefully lower the new faucet into place through the sink hole. Don’t smear the putty seal.
Secure with mounting nuts. From beneath the sink, hand tighten the mounting nuts onto the threaded faucet shank until snug. Then finish tightening with a basin wrench.
Connect supply lines. Attach the supply lines (hot and cold) by hand threading them onto the new faucet connections. Then use adjustable wrenches to fully tighten.
Attach spray hose. Connect the pull-out spray hose to the bottom of the faucet spout. Secure with the retaining nut. Clip hose into holding bracket.
Reinstall handles. Align the faucet handles and secure them with the handle connector nuts underneath. Tighten by hand until snug.

All the connections should now be made. Be sure to place a bucket under the faucet to catch any leaks when you turn the water back on.

Connect Water Supply Lines

With the new pull-out faucet installed, it’s time to complete the water connections:

Apply pipe tape. Wrap the supply line threads clockwise with plumber’s tape. This seals the threads. Follow the tape directions for proper number of wraps.
Tighten lines. Thread supply lines back onto the shut-off valves. Use adjustable wrenches to tighten strongly, but be careful not to overtighten.
Turn water back on. Slowly turn the shut-off valves counterclockwise to open the water supply again. This will fill the lines and allow water to flow to the new faucet.
Check for leaks. Examine the connections carefully for any drips or water. Tighten joints further if needed to stop leaks.

Once no more leaks appear, you can turn on the faucet and test for proper water flow and operation!

Finish Installation

You’re in the home stretch! Complete these final steps:

Remove extra putty. Use a damp rag to wipe away any excess putty that squeezed out during installation.
Caulk if needed. If there are any small gaps between the faucet and sink surface, apply waterproof silicone caulk to seal them.
Test faucet functions. Fully open and close the handles to ensure proper water flow. Extend the pull-out sprayer and check its spray modes.
Check for leaks. Let the faucet run for several minutes and look for drips or leaks underneath. Tighten any problem connections.
Reinstall sink components. Replace the sink drain plug and basket strainer if you removed them earlier.

Once all checks are complete, you can rest easy knowing your pull-out kitchen faucet is fully installed! Enjoy its convenience while washing dishes and cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have some questions about tackling a pull-out kitchen faucet installation? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

How difficult is installing a pull-out kitchen faucet?

Installing a new pull-out faucet is an intermediate but doable DIY project for a homeowner with basic skills. As long as you have the right tools and follow instructions, it can be completed in 2-3 hours even by a novice. seeking help from a handy family member or friend is a good idea if you don’t have much plumbing experience.

Does a pull-out kitchen faucet need a special sink?

Pull-out kitchen faucets are designed to fit standard sink hole configurations. Most have an escutcheon plate that covers up holes from a 3-hole faucet design. You don’t need a special single-hole sink.

How do I prevent leaks with my new faucet?

Carefully applying plumber’s putty around the faucet base before installing creates a watertight seal. Then properly tightening all supply line connections with pipe tape and adjustable wrenches is key. Lastly, caulking any gaps after install prevents leaks.

Why does my new faucet have low water pressure?

If your new pull-out kitchen faucet doesn’t have adequate water flow, the problem is likely clogged or incorrectly installed supply lines. Reconnect lines ensuring tight seal with pipe tape. Also check shut-off valves are fully open.

Can I install a pull-out faucet in granite or marble?

Yes, these solid countertop materials work well for pull-out faucet installation as long as the sink hole opening is accessible from below. The faucet can be sealed and secured the same way as in a laminate countertop.

Conclusion

Installing a pull-out kitchen faucet upgrades your sink’s look and utility. By now you should feel ready to tackle this project armed with proper steps and tips. Key points to remember are assembling the right tools, carefully removing supply lines, sealing the new faucet properly, and testing for leaks.

Follow the procedures and safety precautions outlined above, and take your time. With the right know-how and a little mechanical aptitude, you can successfully replace your kitchen faucet with a more functional pull-out model. Just think of the convenience it will provide each time you cook and clean!