A leaky kitchen faucet can result in the loss of as much as 20,000 gallons of water a year, enough to fill a swimming pool.
In addition to conserving water, modern kitchen faucets are easier to use and look better than older models. Style-minded homeowners are replacing the traditional two-handled faucet with single-lever units. They are more convenient to operate, offer a sleeker design and are easier and less costly to maintain.
Single lever faucets are designed to occupy only one of the holes in a sink. However, most companies provide a base plate with the faucet so that the unit can cover all three faucet holes.
Not using the base plate exposes a sink hole on either side of the faucet that allow for the use of additional accessories, such as an instant hot water dispenser or a soap dispenser.
One popular single-lever kitchen faucet is the spray-spout model. The spout doubles as a vegetable sprayer and has a less cluttered look. Another popular model has a telescopic spout which allows you to get large pots under it.
While chrome is still a popular finish it no longer dominates the field. Polished brass, black, white, blue, red and almond are some of the choices available.
Prices for basic good quality kitchen faucets range from $125 to $200. More expensive faucets don’t necessarily last longer or work better. With higher priced units you are not paying for longer lasting internal organs, but for fancy design and/or an unusual finish.
Less expensive models are usually made of plastic with less than mediocre finishes. These are the ones that are likely to last only a year or two, if that. Better models come with guarantees for an extended period.
While you may not want to spend $500 for a new kitchen faucet, you should be prepared to invest at least $125 for good quality.
Installation tips
Installation of a faucet takes an hour or two and requires just a few tools: a pipe wrench, channel locks (large angle-headed adjustable pliers), and a basin wrench (a swivel headed wrench on a long handle that allows one to wrench fittings that are mounted up and underneath the sink and otherwise impossible to reach).
Since kitchen faucets are replaced infrequently, we recommend that you consider replacing the angle stop valves. These are the small emergency shut-off valves that are located against the wall underneath the sink. Over time these parts become corroded and their effectiveness can be seriously diminished.
Start the project by turning off the water to the house. The faucet being replaced should remain open to ensure that the water is completely off before beginning the removal process.
Using a basin wrench and working under the sink, remove the nuts that attach the water supplies to the faucet and then the nuts that anchor the faucet to the sink. At this point the faucet can be removed.
Next, using a pipe wrench and/or channel locks, remove the supply lines and then the angle stops. Inspect the nipples (the pipes protruding from the wall) to ensure that they are corrosion free. If corrosion is found, add their replacement to your list.
Galvanized nipples lined with PVC are designed to prevent future corrosion via electrolysis. Wrap the threads of the new nipples with Teflon tape and install them. Place a new escutcheon (trim plate) over the new nipples and install the new angle stops and water supplies.
Complete the project by aligning the new faucet with the corresponding holes in the sink and attaching it to the sink with the connectors provided. Using the basin wrench, connect the hot and cold water supply lines to the corresponding ports on the faucet. Again, be sure that all threaded connections are wrapped with Teflon tape.
For tips from James and Morris Carey, go to www.onthehouse.com or call the listener hot line, 800-737-2474, ext. 59. The Careys are also on KRKO (1380-AM) from 6 to 10 a.m. every Saturday.
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