Is your kitchen faucet nut under the sink loose and leaking water? In this case, the first thing that comes to mind is – I need a plumber. Sadly, plumbers are expensive. They can even hand you a hefty bill after completing a simple task like tightening a loose kitchen faucet. The best way to save valuable $ is to learn how to tighten the kitchen faucet nut under the sink.
Happily, the process is straightforward. All you need is a few handy supplies that can help you tackle the DIY effortlessly. Then, clear the sink to get some room for work. Next, adjust the position of the faucet and tighten the nut. Easy-peasy!
So, why are you waiting? Let’s get your hands on the task following this step-by-step guide.
Contents
Why Is My Kitchen Faucet Leaking?
Experiencing leaky water from the faucet base can be scary for amateurs. However, this is a common problem. Replacing or repairing the kitchen faucet is not a big deal. More importantly, you won’t have to call a pro plumber.
A leaky faucet typically occurs because of loose components. The handle and base are generally tightened with nuts or screws. When they get loose over time, water starts leaking. Tightening the nuts or screws is the best solution to stop water leaking.
How to Tighten Kitchen Faucet Nut Under Sink
Initially, the process may seem difficult. But I can assure you that it is a piece of cake. Also, it takes fewer hours to complete than you think. Before proceeding, check the condition of the nut. If the nut was installed several years ago, it may have rusted. Thus, the whole process can become tedious. But following the below steps, you can effortlessly finish the DIY project.
Supplies You Will Need
Before attempting, having the right tool in hand is crucial. Gather the items prior to the job. The right tool helps handle DIY tasks easier. As mentioned, you will require a few tools, including
- A headlamp
- Basin wrench
- Safety goggles
- A pair of adjustable pliers
Even if you don’t have these supplies, no worries. You can get them in your nearest home improvement store. I recommend having these tools in your home because they will come in handy for minor fixes here and there.
Step 01: Maximize the Under Sink Space by Clearing Out the Shelves
Solving the leaky kitchen faucet requires getting underneath the sink. For this reason, clearing out the shelves to maximize the space is necessary. Generally, we store cleaning supplies, bags, and other miscellaneous items under the sink. Take these items out and empty the space completely.
Do you follow specific organizational techniques? Follow the same tactic after taking them out. This will be beneficial when restoring them. Moreover, keep chemicals out of kids’ or pets’ reach.
Under the sink, space is basically restricted enough. Make sure you get enough space to complete the task conveniently. More space means less distraction, helping you do the job quickly and efficiently. So, don’t leave any items under the sink.
Step 02: Ensure Adequate Lighting
The area underneath the sink is typically darker. Whether tightening or removing the kitchen faucet nut, ample visibility is important. In this case, you would have to get some help. You might be wondering about using a lamp or a torch. But they will be inadequate to illuminate beneath the sink in most cases.
What would be the best lighting item to use? My vote goes to the headlamp. A headlamp will keep your hands free. Also, it is efficient enough in illuminating the targeted area. Choose a headlight that comes with decent battery backup and delivers sufficient brightness.
Step 03: Reposition the Faucet
The faucet could have misaligned due to the loosened nut. Adjust its position and align it correctly with the backside wall. Proper alignment is vital because unaligned faucets leave an odd appearance. Moreover, it may compromise faucet performance. Once you are done repositioning the faucet to its correct place, fasten the loose nut.
Do you have any help with this project? If not, you may find tightening the screw while holding the faucet. Ask your family members or friends to hold the faucet in place. Then continue securing the loose screw with your hands.
Step 04: Use the Basin Wrench to Tighten the Nut
Don’t mistake thinking you have securely tightened the nut using your hands. Most probably, the nut is not moving further. That doesn’t mean it is well-tightened. The reason is that the torque generated by your hands is insufficient to tighten the screw perfectly. In this case, a basin wrench will be beneficial.
- Open the basin wrench jaw and clamp the nut. The Basin wrench is designed with a long handle, allowing you to reach the screw easily.
- After grabbing the nut, start turning the wrench following a clockwise direction. Once the nut is tightened, you can no longer turn the wrench.
The best thing about an essential wrench is that it tightens the nut automatically every time you rotate it. That means it can’t loosen from the nut when fastening. When you are unable to turn the nuts, be sure it is well-secured.
Important Note:
- Securing nuts for kitchen faucets are made of different materials like plastic and metal. It would be best to investigate the type of nut you are dealing with.
- Plastic nuts are less sturdy. Be careful when applying torque, as much pressure may break the nut, causing worse than good.
- On the other hand, metal nuts may corrode or rust. So, you may find it difficult to move them. Be extra cautious about working with metal nuts and preventing damage.
Step 05: Rearrange the Underneath the Sink
Once you are done with tightening the kitchen faucet nut under the sink, return everything, including cabinets, shelves, and other things beneath your sink. If the P-trap is removed accidentally, reinstall it.
Wondering what is a p-trap? Looking at the kitchen pipe under the sink, you will notice a curved pipe resembling a ‘P’ shape. This is the P-trap. It is a plumbing fixture that holds enough water and creates an airtight seal to prevent sewer gas from backing up into your home.
What are the Alternatives of Basin Wrench to Tighten Loose Kitchen Faucet Nuts?
What if you don’t find an essential wrench in your home or nearest home improvement shop? Should you stop dealing with the problem and call a plumber? The good news is every problem comes with a solution. Other items can be used as an alternative to basin wrench.
Duct Tape
You will be surprised by the versatile use of duct tape. You will keep finding new services for them after learning their multi-functional benefits. This item is incredibly useful for tightening loose kitchen faucet nuts. Here are simple steps to follow.
- Empty the space.
- Locate the nut and rotate it clockwise to tighten it as much as possible with your hands.
- Then, get a duct tape piece 12” and wrap the nut with it. Next, do the same with another 12” duct tape section. Make sure to leave a tail of 6”-8” in the end.
- Finally, grab the tail and turn clockwise continuously until the nut is well-tightened.
Zip Tie
Zip ties are suitable for tidying up cables and other things and are an excellent alternative to tightening the under-sink kitchen faucet nut. The process is the same as the duct tape. Place the zip tie around the nut and rotate clockwise to tighten as much as possible. Continue turning until the screw feels well-secured.
Coins
So, didn’t you find any of the items mentioned in-store or in your home? Still, you can handle the DIY task using coins. Yes, get a pair of coins and position them on either side of the nut. Put the coins between the knuckles of your middle and index finger. This will be helpful to give an improved grip. Then, start twisting the coin clockwise until the nut is perfectly tightened.
Wrapping Up
The loose faucets can cause several inconveniences like a waste of water or increasing water bills. As soon as you notice the loose kitchen faucet nut, act promptly. Follow the steps mentioned above on how to tighten the kitchen faucet nut under the sink to avoid more damage.
However, it’s important to exercise caution during the process. Turn off the water supply and disconnect any power sources before beginning. Take your time and avoid rushing. Follow the instructions diligently, and enjoy a successfully tightened kitchen faucet nut.
