A dripping kitchen faucet is a typical issue, and if you don’t know how to fix it or can’t get to it, it can cause slips and falls.
Tightening the nuts on a faucet that has already been installed is tricky. In this article, we have discussed the detailed procedure that might help you tighten your kitchen faucet.
How To Tighten Kitchen Faucet Nut Under Sink?
To tighten the kitchen faucet under the sink without difficulty, read the steps carefully, gather the instruments needed for this task like safety glasses, a basin wrench, and a headlight, and then begin following the procedure step by step.
Step 1: Clear The Area Beneath The Sink.
The first step is to clear the cabinets beneath the sink. Tightening the kitchen faucet nuts beneath the sink can be challenging if there is very little space under the sink.
Empty the cabinets under the sink as much as possible for ease of operation.
Step 2: Check For Adequate Lighting.
The light under the sink is usually dim, making it difficult to tighten the kitchen faucet bolts under the sink. You can avoid this by using a lamp or flashlight.
The best solution is to use headlights. Because it frees up your hands while adequately illuminating the target region.
Step 3: Adjust The Faucet To The Proper Position.
Many individuals discover that after tightening the nut, the faucet is misaligned, which is unsightly. So, before tightening the bolts, place the faucet into the faucet hole in the sink.
After that, align the faucet with the rear wall. Screw in the kitchen faucet mounting nut once the faucet is in place.
Step 4: Using The Slotted Wrench, Tighten The Nuts.
Before using the basin wrench, tighten the bolts by hand to ensure the faucet is securely in place.
Take the wrench and insert the nut between the jaws, then turn it clockwise. Stop rotating the nut when you believe it is sufficiently tight.
Excessive force may permanently destroy the nut. For faucet hookups, many sinks use hexagonal joints. If your sink has comparable bolts, a ratchet sleeve will be required instead of a basin wrench.
Possible Causes of Loose Faucet
The kitchen is the most often used space as we cook our meals, and as a result, the handle of the faucet and the base plate gets loose with each passing day.
Working with a dripping faucet is especially aggravating and unpleasant while trying to save time while preparing meals.
You must put up with squeaky noises, uncontrolled water pressure, and water splashing outside the sink, among other things.
Loose Nut
The faucet is secured beneath the sink with a nut or screw that might fall free over time. This is visible when the faucet star moves sideways while being operated. At this stage, water may be leaking under the sink and, if not addressed quickly, can damage your cabinetry.
O-Ring Deterioration
It is responsible for tightly holding the faucet handle in place. With regular use of the faucet, there is a very high risk of the ring coming out of its position, so it should be tightened if it appears to be loose.
Repairing a Loose Kitchen Faucet
A loose kitchen faucet base swings easily and has the potential to burst the faucet’s water supply pipes. This causes an inconvenient leak. To repair this, tighten the bolt that connects the faucet base and head.
However, this is not always the best option. If your faucet is only leaking intermittently or in small amounts, it may be best to leave it alone for a few months.
In such circumstances, tightening the faucet may cause irreparable damage, leaving you with no choice except to replace it.
Related Questions
Why does the sink faucet keep breaking?
Sink faucets becoming loose is a common issue in older faucets, but it can also occur in newer faucets. These could be the result of a loose screw holding the faucet. Bolt threads might deteriorate with time, leading a sink faucet to become loose and swivel. A sink wrench is ideal for restoring a tightened nut to its original position.
How do you fix a shaky kitchen faucet?
To tighten the loose base, first, wrap the jaws of the basin wrench around the base of the nut until they have a firm hold. Then, rotate the wrench handle clockwise until the nut is tight. If you don’t have a basin wrench, try a socket wrench or pliers.
Conclusion
Loose kitchen faucets are inconvenient, but they are more prevalent than you may imagine. Fortunately, they are usually simple to repair at home. To tighten a loose kitchen faucet, you only need the correct equipment and a little willpower.
If you truly want to avoid the inconvenience, you can hire a plumber.