It can be difficult to call out a plumber on short notice, especially when you know how to fix the issue yourself.
However, it gets more complicated due to the fact that in order to install or remove kitchen faucets you need to have certain tools to do so.
Basin wrenches, often referred to as sink wrenches, are plumbing tools specially designed for the installation and removal of kitchen faucets (see also ‘What Are The Best Touch Kitchen Faucets?‘).
The tool has a shaft and pair of jaws on one end, as well as a handle. The jaws are connected using a pivot pin.
There are a lot of individuals that don’t actually own one of these basin wrenches.
On top of this, the tool is notoriously difficult to use. It takes a little practice to be able to tighten or loosen the mounting nut on a faucet with one of these tools.
In this article, we have gathered ways in which you can remove a kitchen faucet (see also ‘5 Best Kitchen Faucets For A Portable Dishwasher‘) without the need for a basin wrench tool.
Things To Prepare
Before you begin tackling the removal of a kitchen faucet (see also ‘Chrome Vs Stainless Steel Kitchen Faucets: Which Is Better?‘), you need to ensure that you have gathered the necessary tools for cleaning.
However, if your kitchen faucet (see also ‘Top 5 Best High-End Kitchen Faucets‘) needs replacing altogether then you don’t necessarily need to clean it.
All you’ll need to do is make sure your new faucet is bought and ready before removing the old faucet.
If you don’t own a sink wrench, you may own a socket wrench. These can be found in most standard toolbox sets.
As well as this, you will need to find a ratchet spanner, a screwdriver, a clean cloth, channel lock pliers, and water pump pliers.
If you have access to a sink drain wrench then make sure to gather this too.
Use a kitchen towel or cloth to keep the kitchen from becoming messy.
Removing Your Kitchen Faucet Without A Basin Wrench
Use the preparation list above to gather the tools you’ll need for this step-by-step guide on removing your faucet without a sink wrench.
Step 1 – Locate Supply Lines And Turn Off Valves
Before you start any work on your sinks or other household plumbing appliances, you must make sure that your cold and hot water supply line is closed just to be safe. These valves are usually located underneath the sink.
By turning off these valves you will ensure that the water flow to your faucet is cut off.
If you left these on then you would run the risk of flooding your kitchen whilst carrying out the work.
Make sure you place a bucket or jug underneath the sink to make sure you catch any water that may leak from the sink during the process.
Step 2 – Open Spigot
There may still be some airflow in the valve due to the fact that there is no water flowing. Leftover pressure may prove to be a problem during this process.
Locate the spigot and open it for a few minutes to let the air pressure release.
Step 3 – Disconnect Water Piping
Your water piping connects straight to the kitchen faucet (see also ‘Delta Kitchen Faucet (Touch Or Touchless) Is Not Working‘). No matter if you’re replacing or fixing the faucet, this water supply will need to be cut off.
Using your water pump pliers you need to remove the kitchen faucet from the water piping.
If you don’t have water pump pliers you may try using improvised tools but it is recommended that you try to obtain a pair of water pump pliers in order to avoid causing damage.
Fasten the pliers gently to the water piping and remove each water line carefully. It is important to be cautious when performing this step.
If you’re not careful parts may become damaged including the waterline and faucet, which you want to avoid.
Step 4 – Remove Mounting Nuts
Once the water line is detached from the faucet, you need to remove the faucet screws or the mounting nuts.
These screws and nuts can be found very easily, they are the only tools used to hold the faucet in place.
You can loosen mounting nuts using a socket wrench. If they are very tight you can use some fixture grease to allow them to move more easily.
If your faucet is attached together using screws, then you will need to use a screwdriver to loosen them.
Step 5 – Disconnect And Remove Hose
Once the mounting nuts or screws have been removed make sure to put them safely to the side, somewhere where they won’t go missing. This step involves disconnecting the hose at the sink.
Using your cleaning materials, clean the faucet and sink itself. If you’re planning on reusing the faucet, make sure it looks to be in good condition.
If you notice that it is rusting, cracking, or corroding then this means your faucet is in bad condition and will need to be replaced with a new one.
Using the steps above, you can replace the faucet with the new one or the freshly cleaned old faucet.
Conclusion
Basin wrenches can be difficult to come by and also difficult to use for fixing your plumbing issues.
However, that doesn’t have to mean that you can’t fix the problem yourself.
Use the simple steps above to fix or replace your water faucet without the need for a basin wrench.
If you’re still struggling with your faucet, make sure to call a plumber.
