If your faucet is old, the mounting nuts holding it in place may be frozen. Replacing the unit means removing the flexible supply tubes and the mounting nuts that are screwed onto faucet tailpieces beneath the sink.
What is the size of a faucet nut?
Most faucet mounting nuts are designed with a diameter between 1 3/8 and 1 ½ inches. However, most home improvement stores sell wrenches that can fit nuts of diameter between 1 and 1 ¼ inches. This means such wrenches can't accommodate larger mounting nuts. The good news is that you can still find fixed basin or adjustable basin wrenches that can fit on all sizes of nuts. If you can't find them in your local stores, look for the appropriate size online.
How to Remove a Faucet (Bottom-Mount or Top-Mount)
Tools
- Screwdrivers
- Basin wrench
- Channel-type pliers
- Bucket
- Allen wrenches
- Utility knife
- Towel or blanket
Removing a Bottom-Mount Faucet
A bottom-mount faucet is designed in a way such that the bulk of the faucet is under the sink. You need to disconnect the handles, spout and remove the mounting nuts holding the faucet. Once the nuts are off, the faucet body can be removed from beneath the sink.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply
Shut off the faucet valves under the sink or the main shutoff valve that supplies water to your homestead. Place a bucket beneath the supply lines to tap any water that may spill as you remove the faucet.
Step 2: Remove the faucet Handles and Spout
Remove the faucet handles and spout from the valve on the sink. Locate the hidden set screw holding the handle or handles in place. Expose the set screw by lifting the escutcheon ring that secures it.
Step 3: Remove the Mounting Nuts
Once the handles and escutcheon are removed, you will be able to locate the mounting nut holding the faucet body in place. You will see nuts on both sides of the handle and the spout. Use channel-type pliers to remove these nuts.
Step 4: Remove Faucet Body
Remove the faucet body from the sink. It can fall on its own after removing the mounting nuts, or you tug on it gently to release it. It is always a good idea to place a thick cloth under the faucet to avoid damaging your floor or cabinet in the event that the faucet unit drops.
Removing a Standard Top-Mount Faucet
Most faucets come with a top-mount design such that the bulk of the faucet body is above the sink, secured with a chrome-made cover.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply
Shut off the faucet valves under the sink or the main shut off valve that supplies water to your homestead. Place a bucket beneath the supply lines to tap any water that may spill as you remove the faucet.
Step 2: Detach the Water Supply Lines
Use two sets of pliers to disconnect the water supply lines. One set of pliers should grip the shutoff valve steady, and the other set twists the compression mounting nut. These supply lines or tubes are either rigid chromed copper tubes or flexible tubes. It is very rare to find them soldered to the shutoff valves. Cut through the tubes using a tubing cutter or hacksaw if it happens.
Step 3: Unfasten the Mounting Nuts
Use a basin wrench to grip the mounting nut holding the faucet valve tailpieces. Twist the nut counterclockwise to loosen it. If the access space cannot allow you to reach the nuts, remove the water supply tubes on both ends of the faucet tailpieces to create enough space.
Step 4: Remove Faucet Body
Remove the faucet body from the sink once the mounting nuts are off the faucet. It can fall on its own after removing the mounting nuts, or you tug on it gently to release it. If the faucet body is sealed with caulk, use a sharp knife to slice through the caulk bead. It is always a good idea to place a thick cloth under the faucet to avoid damaging your floor or cabinet in the event that the faucet unit drops.
How to Tighten a Loose Faucet Nut
With time, the mounting nut may become loose in the long run due to various reasons. This means you can either replace the nut or tighten it, as it can lead to leaks. Remember to check the size of your faucet nut to know the tools you will require for the job.
Tools
- Headlamp or flashlight
- A basin wrench
- Screwdriver (for a screw nut instead of a bolt)
- Adjustable pliers (optional)
- Bucket
Step 1: Clear the area under the sink
Tightening the mounting nut below the sink is not complicated, but make sure there is enough space. As per the faucet design, it is not easy to reach the nut, so you need a basin wrench as the adjustable one may not work.
Clear everything kept under your sink to make sure the place is safe. Please pay special attention to the placement of the P-trap as it can hinder access.
- If the P-trap blocks you from reaching the nut, in case someone opens the tap unknowingly.
- Use a pair of pliers to loosen the ring nut joining the tailpiece to the P-trap, and then loosen the ring nut joining the tap to the drainpipe on the wall.
- Disconnect the P-trap and place it in a safe place. Clean it with soapy water and clear any mineral build-ups.
Step 2: Adjust the faucet to the correct position
A loose faucet will always become misaligned, and before tightening the nut, you should adjust it. You can ask your family member or friend to help you since you need an extra set of hands.
Just insert the unit back to its position and align it as required. Let your helper grip the faucet tight as you pop beneath the sink to tighten the nut.
Step 3: Fasten the kitchen faucet mounting nut.
Turn on the headlamp or the flashlight and get under the sink. Check the faucet's bolt beneath the sink and its nut, and then tighten it well by hand.
Now, place the basin wrench jaws around the nut and tighten the nut using the tool. Keep twisting the handle until the nut is tight.
Note: Tighten the nut to avoid damaging the bolt's threads. So, once you feel that the nut is hard to turn, stop fastening. That's all! You can now use your kitchen faucet.
Final Words
The Delta faucet mounting nut is an essential piece for your kitchen faucet. If it is tampered with or becomes loose, the whole unit will malfunction. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on the nuts to ensure they are in good condition. Call your local plumber immediately once you notice any issue, as it may cost you a lot not corrected at the initial stages.
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Robert Syengo is an experienced web writer with a home improvement history that includes toilet remodeling and appliance installation. He enjoys writing and learning about electronics, gardens, design, remodeling and repair.