Kitchen faucet removal can happen if you want to install a new one or just want to fix the old one. In any case, this is the easiest DIY project that anyone can do without calling a plumber. Almost all the faucets’ installation and uninstallation processes are the same. Only a couple of pieces can be different. In this case, only the bracket is different and you can have a c-shaped bracket instead of u shaped one or you can have none.
So to take out u-shaped brackets you need to unscrew all the hose pipe connections and take out the weight. Then use a wrench to unscrew the mounting nut. In the case of old faucets, u-shaped brackets can be hard to pull out because they might get stuck. Use a flathead screwdriver to shove it out. And your faucet will be free to remove.
This part can be different if you have widespread or single handle or center set faucets and you can choose your faucet based on the easiest one to install. So you must know about the best in the market before you decide to purchase one. Make sure to match your new faucet configuration with your sink so you don’t have to regret it later.
How To Remove Kitchen Faucet With U-Shaped Bracket?
Usually, you’ll find a u-shaped bracket in old faucet models which is an extra part that keeps all the house pipes conjoined. But there can also be a c-shaped bracket underneath your faucet. So if you have u shaped bracket underneath your faucet follow the step-by-step instructions to make the process easy for you:
Step 1
To get started, turn off the water supply and empty the faucet and sprayer. Use a wrench to undo the supply line from the faucet connections.
Step 2
There will be a large bolt or small nuts attached to u shaped bracket that you need to unscrew. Use an adjustable wrench or basin wrench or installation tool to unscrew that nut. I can use penetrating oil to make this easier.
Step 3
Now the bracket should slide off. But if it doesn’t use a flathead screwdriver to pry it off. Now push the faucet hose upwards so you can pull out the faucet nicely and easily.
Kitchen Faucet Removal Problems
When a faucet gets too old it becomes a big problem when replacing it. Because there is a large possibility of maneuver threaded and the nuts are going to be jammed with debris. So you have to have good strong tools to forcefully take out those jammed parts and if needed you have to break open some parts because you are going to replace them anyway.
Also, you should have something to lubricate those threads for easy take-out. So what problems you possibly can face while removing an old faucet:
- Stuck mounting nut
Usually, after installing the kitchen sink we almost forget about cleaning the nut joints which makes hard water and rust buildup on the nut threads making it impossible to unscrew when the time comes. You’ll see that with all the wrenches the nut will keep resisting unscrewing. So you can use lubricating oil for at least an hour before you start working on the sink, so the threads can lose up a bit and you can easily unscrew them.
- Mineral build-up
If the water supply in your house has hard water then it’s probably going to cause problems for your facet joints. Because, when hard water passes through the water lines it leaves a pile of mineral build-up in those joints making them rusty and stuck. Especially the sink and your faucet will be affected by this build-up.
- Rust and corrosion
When you have hard water in your water supply the water is going to rust your most expensive kitchen faucets if not taken care of properly. This sign is easily visible on the faucet handles and the faucet head because it will start losing color at first and slowly will start peeling and become rusty. The same thing will happen in the inner parts as well.
- Screws
many small screws are used in facet joints that are small and can be easily affected by rust and minerals and making them stuck and impossible to unscrew. So you can use penetrating oil on the screws as well to take off the rusts so it gets easier to unscrew.
How To Remove Kitchen Faucet With A C-shaped Bracket?
Removing a kitchen faucet is a pretty simple procedure and while you may not be removing the same one it’s generally the same process. You’ll need a few tools depending on your mounting nuts, you’ll need a couple of wrenches or maybe a basin wrench, a towel for some light water cleanup.
Depending on how old your current faucet is you may also want some penetrating oil in case any of those connections got rusty over the years. Also keep in mind that you have to deal with much corrosion, build-up, and rust and they may make your faucet removal difficult.
Note: If that’s the case do what you need to do. If you’re not planning to keep the old faucet then it’s okay if you damage it to get it out. Just be sure not to damage your sink. If you have a metal sink be sure not to bend it and if you have a porcelain sink be sure not to chip it or break it.
Required Tools:
- 2x wrenches
- Screwdriver
- Safety glasses
- Flashlight
- Towel
- Penetrating oil spray can
Step 1: Disconnect Supply Line And Veggie Sprayer
The first step when removing an old faucet is to turn off the water supply lines because you don’t want water going everywhere. Simply turn off those water valves underneath your sink. Use a wrench to remove the old supply lines. Use the same wrench to discover those lines from your faucet.
Step 2: Remove The Veggie Sprayer
Usually, it’s attached with a coupling that just has little tabs on the side that you squeeze together to remove. Or yours might have a nut attached to it and if that’s the case use an adjustable wrench to remove the nut. In old faucets, these nuts are problematic to take off so use penetrating oil on the nut joints and leave for an hour then take them out.
Step 3: Remove The Mounting Nuts
The mounting nut attached your faucet to your sink. Just unscrew them to free the faucet.
Step 4: Take Out The C-shaped Bracket
The clip is on the side of the center stem of your faucet underneath your sink. Use a flathead screwdriver to shove it out. If there is any washer, take it out.
Step 5: Remove The Faucet And Veggie Sprayer
This will be pretty easy to take out your faucet and the veggie sprayer as everything holding it in place is removed. You might have some water build-up in here so a good tip is to soak a towel with vinegar and place it on the rust. It will clear out that place. And now your faucet removal is complete.
How To Remove Kitchen Faucet Without Basin Wrench
There are lots of other tools that can be used instead of a basin wrench in case you don’t have one. There are adjustable wrenches that will do the same thing for you. But to make your work much easier use penetrating oil on the nuts and screws to loosen them a bit.
- Turn off the hot and cold es underneath the sink
- Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the mounting nut, threaded shank, and the fastening nut
- Take out all the hose connections and pull down the bracket
- Unthread the hot and cold water supply lines
- Now pull the entire faucet stem out from above the sink
How To Remove A Stuck Metal Faucet Nut
With old faucets, the main problem is having stuck metal nuts or screws which are so stubborn that in no way you can just unscrew them. If you have already decided to replace the old faucet then it won’t harm you to break open a few pieces of your old faucet. But you need to be careful not to damage your sink in the process.
A simple way to loosen those nuts is by spraying penetrating oil and waiting to do its work. But in case you don’t have one at the moment but you need to take out that nut right now then you need to break it open. If your bracket nut is stuck then use a flathead screwdriver or a chisel or a power cutting tool.
Find the weakest sport and use your tool to break it. Use two screwdrivers and wedge them between the bracket and the faucet and pull them apart to break it. Now you’ll be able to pull out your faucet easily.
What Does A 4-hole Faucet Mean?
If you look closely at different types of kitchen faucets you’ll see there are sometimes 1 or 2 or 3 or even 4 holes in the center. This is because faucets can come in different types also. There can be just one stem holding all the hose connections or there can be one or two side handles given for hot and cold water supply.
If you see four holes it means you can add an extra assessor in the fourth hole such as a side sprayer or a soap dispenser. Or if you want you can just close it with a cap and just have three holes instead. When you are shopping for a kitchen sink you need to consider those sinkholes first so you know which model you need to buy for your sink.
Can You Install A 4-inch Widespread Faucet?
There are three main types of faucets; single hole, widespread, and center set. Mostly widespread and center set faucets are installed in bathroom vanity sinks. Typically you can install a 4-inch widespread faucet in your bathroom but you have the required holes and space in your sink. Widespread faucets have
- Separate hot and cold handles to individually operate the faucet which requires three installation holes
- There is the same space between the faucet handles and you’ll need to measure the space before purchasing a widespread faucet so your sink and accommodate your widespread faucet
- They have independent handles and they are not connected to a base or tach other
What Is The Best 4-Hole Faucet?
There are many kinds of faucets available on the market and all of them claim to be the best. So how would you know which one is best for your kitchen sink? To give a simple solution to that question we have presented the top 5 best 4-hole faucets based on online reviews and market analysis:
| Faucet Brand | Description |
| Delta Faucet 2480-AR-DST | Is a widespread kitchen faucet with two handles and a side sprayer with a Diamond seal technology |
| Moen 87042SRS | Made of spot-resistant stainless steel, one handle, soap dispenser, side sprayer |
| Pfister F5314HNY | Leakage-proof, advanced ceramic disc valve technology |
| GOWIN Brushed nickel kitchen faucet | Made of 304 stainless steel, brushed nickel finish, 2 handles with side sprayer |
| WOWOW 8” Centerset Bridge kitchen faucet | 360-degree rotating faucet, 2 handles with side sprayer |
What Is The Best Center Set Faucet?
| Faucet brand | Description |
| Phiestina | Brushed gold, 2 handles, swivel spout with pop-up drain |
| Kingston brass KS4948QL | Brass construction, ceramic disc cartridge, metal lever handle |
| Kohler K-12266-4-CP | polished chrome, |
| Parlos-2 | Brushed nickel, excellent quality, durable, budget-friendly |
| Kingston Lavatory | Metropolitan model, polished brass, well constructed |
What Is The Best 4-inch Widespread Faucet?
| Faucet Brand | Description |
| Parlos 2 handle center set | Brushed nickel finish, 2 handles, updated metal push, durable |
| Delta Lahara 2 handle center set | Tough diamond-embedded ceramic disk eliminates wear on the seal and lasts 2x the industry standard |
| Moen Eva | Brushed nickel finish, 2 handle lever, durable |
| Moen Brantford | Brushed nickel polish, |
| WOWOW | Designed to fit 3 holes, 4-inch easy installation |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Do You Remove Kitchen Faucet Mounting Hardware?
To remove the kitchen faucet mounting hardware you’ll need to take out the old supply line connections to your faucet. On a center set faucet the two handle maneuvers the two water supply lines and is directly connected to the valves. You need to unscrew the supply line connections with a basin wrench.
On faucet lines like this, the supply lines are built into the faucet, and any mounting hardware is built to slide directly over the lines. So once you unscrew the mounting nut and take out the bracket you can simply pull out the faucet.
How Do You Remove A Grohe C Clip?
The removal process of any kitchen faucet is the same. Only a few steps can be changed here and there. Usually, before you remove a Grohe c clip you need to unscrew the mounting nut first. Once you do that you’ll find your c clip on the side of the center stem of your faucet which is underneath the sink. If it’s stuck, use a flathead screwdriver to shove it out. Then you can just pull your faucet out.
How Do You Remove A Bottom Mount Faucet?
Shut off water valves in the first place and drain your faucet. Use a wrench to disconnect the supply valve lines. Unscrew the mounting nut and take out the bracket. Pull out the faucet with hose pipes from above.
How Do You Take Apart A Single-handle Kitchen Faucet?
First, shut off water valves; both hot and cold. Use a wrench to loosen the assembly nut. Pull out the hose pipe. Take the weight off. Insert your installation tool into the hose pipe and fit it into the bolt and pry it out. Take out the bracket as well as unthread the water supply valves. And pull out the faucet.
How Do You Remove A Stuck Faucet-mounted Nut?
When taking out an old faucet the main problematic part has to be a stuck mounting nut. Because when time goes by the nut faces hard water build-up which causes rust and corrosion making the nut stiff shut.
So to loosen the nut you need to remove those rusts first. Use penetrating oil to spray on the nut and leave it for an hour. By that time the nut will get loose and you will be able to take it out with a basin wrench or installation tool.
How Do You Remove A Mounting Nut From A Kitchen Faucet?
To remove a mounting nut you can use an adjustable wrench if there is room to fit. But for small spaces use a basin wrench or installation tool to unscrew the nut.
How Do I Remove A Stuck Faucet?
A stuck faucet means a stuck mounting nut and small screws. So before you begin to start the process spray penetrating oil in all the possible areas for an hour at least. If any corrosion is in those places it will get loose by then. Then follow the usual uninstalling process and remove your faucet. If the mounting nut still resists then use a basin wrench to apply pressure on the nut thread and it will get loose like that.
How Do You Remove A 4-Hole Kitchen Faucet?
Usually, in 4 hole kitchen faucet, there are two handles in the first and third holes, a faucet stem in the second hole, and a side sprayer or soap dispenser in the fourth hole. Most widespread faucets are like this. Here you need to take out each hose pipe connection individually.
So disconnect the stub outs. Use a wrench to disconnect all four supply lines. And now you’ll be able to pull out the faucet, handles, and the side sprayer altogether.
Conclusion
Installing or uninstalling a kitchen faucet doesn’t have to be a headache if you know how to do it and have the tools ready. Also, you need to choose the right faucet that requires easy instructions. So with all that discussion you now know what you need to do with your faucet.
