How To Replace Sink Mixer
Firstly, what is the difference between a sink mixer and a sink faucet? Nothing, they are just terms for the same item.
Another term we can add in here is single lever mixer or faucet. A single-lever mixer controls both temperature and volume in one handle. Usually the handle would move up and down to control volume and would swivel left and right for hot and cold. Okay, with that cleared up let’s get started!
Your sink faucet is leaking miserably and you have decided to replace it, there is no need to call the plumber, this is a type of job you can tackle without paying $80 an hour for your plumber to do.
You have purchased your new sink faucet, open up the box and make sure you read the instructions first.
Firstly, you need to check the mounting hole i.e the hole through the sink where your faucet is mounted. The other important thing to look at is the faucet tails (connecting hoses) which connect your faucet to the wall connections. Most new faucets use stainless steel flexible hoses and are very simple to install.
Let’s start with our project. The first and most important thing you need to do is to TURN THE WATER OFF! It is amazing how many DIY people forget to do this before attempting tap replacement. The water is turned off, disconnect the supply hoses from the wall connections then remove the sink faucet. The sink faucet is held by a single 10mm long nut which normally has a screw driver slot in it as well. The other thing to be aware of is that sometimes you won’t be able to remove the faucet through the sink mounting hole with both flexible hoses connected – so remove one of the hoses from the base of the faucet.
Give the sink bench a clean around the mounting hole, then assemble your new sink faucet. Fit the flexible stainless steel water hoses to the bottom of the faucet. The red dot on the base means this is the hot and the blue dot or unmarked side is the cold supply. Be very careful when fitting these hoses as they usually have a small O-ring on the end which screws into the tap base – a small amount of lube is recommended and do not over tighten.
Ok the water supply tubes are connected to the faucet, now make sure the O ring is under the chrome base ring and is fitted correctly. This forms a seal between the base of the faucet and the sink top and stops water splashes from getting down via the mounting hole into your cupboard. Mount the new faucet, fitting the rubber seal, horseshoe washer and nut.
The last step is to connect the water supply tubes to the hot and cold connections under the sink. Make sure the rubber washers are installed as the connections will leak without these in. Once again, do not over tighten as you will damage the rubber washers.
Have a last check, making sure everything is connected and you have remembered everything. Then turn the water supply back on, return and check for leaks.
Enjoy your new sink mixer.
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