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Step-by-step instructions on how to install a Kohler kitchen faucet, including tips on choosing the right faucet and troubleshooting common problems.
Hey there, DIYer! If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen, installing a new faucet is an easy project that can make a big impact. You’ve made a great choice going with Kohler—their faucets are stylish, durable, and backed by a lifetime warranty. In just about an hour, you’ll have your new Kohler faucet installed and be enjoying fresher, better-tasting water in no time. Don’t worry if you’ve never tackled a plumbing job before. With a few basic tools, some patience, and by following these simple step-by-step instructions, you’ll have your new Kohler kitchen faucet up and running in six easy steps. Before you know it, your kitchen will be looking sleek and modern. So grab your wrench and let’s get started!
Choose the Right Kohler Faucet for Your Kitchen
The kitchen faucet is the centerpiece of any kitchen, so choose wisely. For high quality and style, Kohler is a great option. They offer faucets in a range of finishes from polished chrome to brushed bronze to suit any decor.
For maximum convenience, consider a pull-down sprayer faucet. The sprayer head pulls down into the sink for up-close tasks like rinsing veggies or filling pots, then retracts neatly back into place. Kohler’s Sensate touchless faucets are another high-tech option. With a simple wave of your hand, the water flow starts and stops.
Once you’ve selected a faucet, check that you have the necessary plumbing connections. Most Kohler faucets connect to standard 3-hole or 1-hole sinks. If you have a non-standard setup, Kohler also offers deck plates to cover additional holes.
Installation is straightforward for a DIYer with basic skills. Here are the basic steps:
- Turn off the water supply lines under the sink.
- Remove your old faucet, taking care not to damage the water lines or sink surface.
- Connect the water supply lines to the hot and cold ports on your new Kohler faucet. Hand-tighten, then tighten with a wrench.
- Place the plumber’s putty around the base of the faucet and place it on your sink.
- Hand-tighten the mounting nuts to secure the faucet, then fully tighten with a wrench.
- Turn the water back on and check for any leaks. Tighten as needed.
- Test your new Kohler faucet to ensure proper hot/cold temperature and pressure.
With high-quality components and a lifetime limited warranty, a Kohler faucet is built to provide years of trouble-free use and style in your kitchen. Follow these tips and you’ll be enjoying your new faucet in no time!
Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
To install your new Kohler kitchen faucet, you’ll want to gather some essential tools and parts ahead of time.
Tools:
- Adjustable wrench or pliers
- Allen wrench or hex key
- Basin wrench
- Silicone sealant
Materials:
- Supply lines (hot and cold)
- Plastic tubing cutter or sharp utility knife
- Thread seal tape
- Hand towel
With the right tools and parts in hand, installing your faucet will be a breeze. Be sure to turn off the water supply before starting and place a towel in the sink to prevent scratches.
Connect the hot and cold water supply lines to your faucet, applying plumber’s putty, thread seal tape, or silicone sealant first to prevent leaks. Tighten the lines with your wrench and attach the lines to your water shutoff valves.
If your old faucet has a deck plate, remove it. Place your new faucet in the mounting hole and feed the supply lines down through the hole. Under the sink, hand-tighten the mounting nuts.
Turn the water back on and check for any drips or leaks. If everything looks good, fully tighten the mounting nuts with your basin wrench. Turn on your new faucet to flush out any debris.
Congrats, you now have a stylish, high-performance Kohler kitchen faucet! Be sure to turn to the pros if you run into any issues during installation for advice and troubleshooting tips. With some patience and the right tools, your DIY faucet installation will be successful in no time.
Shut Off Water Supply Lines
Once you have your new Kohler kitchen faucet in hand, it’s time to install it. The first step is shutting off the water supply lines under your sink so you can remove your old faucet without making a mess.
Locate the Shutoff Valves
Get down on your hands and knees and slide under the sink cabinet. You should see two pipes coming out of the wall—one for hot water and one for cold. Follow each pipe to where it connects to the faucet lines. There you’ll find either valves to turn or knobs to twist in order to cut off the water flow.
Turn the hot water valve or knob completely clockwise until it’s tight. Do the same for the cold water line. Check that both water lines are securely closed by turning on the faucet to make sure no water is coming out. If water does trickle out, you may need to tighten the valves a bit more. Once fully shut off, turn off the power switch to your garbage disposal if you have one installed.
Consider Calling a Plumber
If you have difficulty locating the shutoff valves or they seem stuck or damaged, it’s best to call a licensed plumber to assist. They have the proper tools and experience to securely and safely shut off your water lines so you can install the new faucet without hassle. It’s not worth risking water damage to your home by struggling with faulty shutoff valves yourself.
Once the water is off, you’re ready to proceed to removing your old faucet. Double check that no water is running or dripping before starting to disassemble anything under the sink. If at any point water does start flowing again during the installation, turn everything off immediately and make sure all connections are tight before turning the water back on. With the proper precautions taken, installing your new Kohler kitchen faucet can be an easy DIY project to refresh your kitchen.
Remove the Existing Faucet and Prepare the Sink
Now that you have your new Kohler faucet in hand, it’s time to remove your old faucet and prepare the sink deck for installation.
Turn Off the Water Supply
The first step is to locate the shutoff valves under or near your sink and turn off the hot and cold water supply lines. This will prevent water from gushing out when you remove the existing faucet. If there are no shutoff valves, you’ll need to turn off the main water supply to your home.
Disconnect Supply Lines and Drain Pipes
With the water off, disconnect the hot and cold water supply lines from the faucet valves using an adjustable wrench or pliers. Unscrew the drain pipe from the sink drain. You may need to place a bucket underneath to catch any remaining water in the pipes.
Remove Existing Faucet
Now you can remove your old faucet from the sink deck. This typically involves unscrewing mounting nuts that hold the faucet in place with a basin wrench or locking pliers. Take note of how many mounting holes are in your sink—you’ll need a new faucet with the same configuration, like one hole, three hole, or wall mount.
Clean and Dry Sink Deck
Wipe down the area around the faucet holes with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Dry the sink deck thoroughly with a towel—any remaining water could damage the installation sealant.
Optional: Apply Plumber’s Putty
For added protection against leaks, you can apply the plumber’s putty around the base of the new faucet before installing. Roll the putty into a rope and place it around the underside of the faucet base.
Your sink deck is now prepped and ready for installing your new Kohler faucet. Be sure to follow the instructions included with your specific model for the final installation steps. Take it slow, double-check that all parts are tightened and aligned properly, and turn the water back on to test for any leaks before using your new faucet. With some patience, you’ll be enjoying your upgraded kitchen sink in no time!
Install Faucet Mounting Hardware
Now that you have the necessary tools and parts, it’s time to install your new Kohler kitchen faucet. This typically takes 30-60 minutes for an amateur DIYer to complete with some basic plumbing skills.
Attach Mounting Hardware
The mounting hardware, including mounting nuts or bolts, attach your new faucet to the sink deck or countertop. Locate the faucet holes on your sink—most sinks have three pre-drilled holes in a triangular pattern for the hot and cold water handles and a sprayer.
- Place plumber’s putty, silicone caulk, or a mounting gasket around the base of the faucet to create a waterproof seal between the faucet and the sink surface.
- Feed the water supply lines up through the center hole in the sink.
- Position the faucet over the sink holes and press firmly into place.
- Hand-tighten the mounting nuts under the sink to hold the faucet in place as you make your connections.
- Connect the water supply lines to your hot and cold shutoff valves. Tighten the connections with a wrench or pliers.
- Go back under the sink and firmly tighten the mounting nuts with a basin wrench or pliers in an alternating pattern until the faucet feels secure.
- Turn your water back on and check for any leaks in the connections. Tighten or re-seal as needed.
Attach Sprayer (if applicable)
If your faucet includes a side sprayer, attach the hose to the faucet sprayer port and feed it down through the side hole in the sink. Secure the base of the sprayer the same way you installed the faucet. Connect the hose to the diverter mechanism on the faucet to complete the installation.
Turn on your water supply and test your new Kohler kitchen faucet to ensure proper operation of both hot and cold water as well as any included spray functions. Make any final tightening or adjustments needed before using your sink. Congratulations, you now have a stylish and functional centerpiece in your kitchen!
Connect Water Supply Lines to Faucet
Now that your new Kohler kitchen faucet is installed in the sink deck or countertop, it’s time to connect the water supply lines. This step provides the necessary hot and cold water to your faucet so you can start using it.
To hook up the water, you’ll need:
- The hot and cold water supply lines included with your Kohler faucet
- Adjustable pliers or channel locks
- Towel to wipe up any spilled water
Connect the Hot Water Supply Line
- Locate the hot water supply line under your sink. It will be connected to your water heater.
- Turn off the water supply to your water heater and the hot water supply line. This may involve closing dedicated shutoff valves or the main water valve for your home.
- Attach one end of the hot water supply line to the hot water outlet on your faucet. Hand-tighten, then use the pliers to tighten another 1/2 turn.
- Attach the other end of the hot water supply line to your water heater’s hot water supply line. Again, hand-tighten and use pliers to tighten 1/2 turn.
- Turn the water back on and check for any leaks. Tighten as needed.
Connect the Cold Water Supply Line
- Locate the cold water supply line under your sink. It will be connected to your main water supply.
- Repeat the same steps to connect the cold water supply line to the cold water outlet on your Kohler faucet and the cold water supply line.
- Turn the water back on and check all connections for leaks once more.
- Test your new Kohler kitchen faucet to ensure hot and cold water are flowing properly and at the correct temperatures. Make any final adjustments to the supply lines or shutoff valves as needed.
- Congratulations, your Kohler kitchen faucet installation is now complete! You can now enjoy years of reliable performance and durability from your new faucet. Be sure to reference your product warranty if you have any issues or need replacement parts.
Install Faucet and Make Connections
Now that you have your new Kohler faucet and tools ready, it’s time to install it. This should only take about 30-60 minutes for a DIYer to complete. Follow these steps:
Turn off the water supply
The first thing you’ll want to do is locate the shutoff valves under your sink and turn off the hot and cold water supply. This will prevent water from spraying everywhere when you remove your old faucet.
Disconnect and remove the existing faucet
Remove the mounting nuts that hold your old faucet in place. Then remove any remaining putty or caulk from the base of the sink. Clean the area well so you have a smooth surface for the new faucet base to adhere to.
Attach the faucet base or mounting plate
Your new Kohler faucet will come with either a base that sits directly on your sink or a mounting plate that attaches to your sink first. Apply the plumber’s putty, caulk, or a mounting gasket and set the new base in place, securing it with the mounting nuts. Hand-tighten for now.
Connect water lines
Take the hot and cold water lines and attach them to the correct inlet ports on your new faucet base. Tighten the mounting nuts at the base of the faucet.
Turn the water back on
Turn the shutoff valves back on slowly and check for any leaks in the connections or around the base of the new faucet. Tighten as needed.
Test your new Kohler faucet
Turn on the hot and cold water at the faucet to check that both are functioning properly and the temperature is correct. Check that the water flow is strong and even. Your sleek new Kohler faucet is now ready to use!
If you run into any issues, double-check that all connections are tight and nothing is kinked or damaged. Kohler also provides helpful installation videos and troubleshooting tips on their website if you need additional assistance. Enjoy your new, high-functioning kitchen faucet!
Check for Leaks and Turn the Water Back On
Once your new Kohler kitchen faucet is installed and the water is turned back on, it’s time to check for any leaks or other issues before using the faucet.
Inspect the Connections
Turn the water on slowly and check that all of the connections—at the water supply lines, faucet base, and sprayer hose—are tight and dry. Tighten any connections that are leaking by hand, then turn the water back on to check again. If leaks persist, you may need to turn off the water and reseal the connections with a plumber’s putty or pipe tape.
Check Sprayer and Spout
If your new faucet includes a pull-down sprayer, pull the spray head from the spout to make sure it retracts and docks properly. Check that the sprayer switches between stream and spray modes easily. Run water through both the spout and sprayer to flush out any debris before using.
Test Hot and Cold Water
Turn the water on and check that both hot and cold water are flowing properly and at the correct temperatures. If the hot water seems slow or isn’t hot enough, you may need to adjust your water heater. If the cold water isn’t cold, check your refrigerator’s water filter or cold water dispenser to ensure your plumbing is functioning properly.
Final Walk-Through
Once you’ve checked for leaks, test the sprayer, and ensured proper hot and cold water flow, do a final walk-through. Turn the water on and off a few times. Pull the sprayer hose out to its full length and retract it again. Switch between stream and spray modes on the sprayer. Make sure all parts are securely installed and functioning as intended before leaving the area.
After completing these checks and tests, you can turn the water on fully and start enjoying your new Kohler kitchen faucet! Be sure to check connections for leaks at least once more in the following days or weeks to ensure everything remains secure. If additional issues come up, you may need to contact Kohler’s customer support for help troubleshooting or repairing your faucet.
Kohler Faucet Installation FAQs and Troubleshooting Tips
Once you’ve purchased and unpacked your new Kohler kitchen faucet, it’s time to install it. Here are some tips to help make the installation go smoothly.
Do I need any special tools?
For most Kohler faucet installations, you’ll only need a few basic tools:
- Adjustable wrench or pliers
- Phillips screwdriver
- Allen wrenches (if your faucet model requires them)
- Basin wrench (for tightening nuts in hard-to-reach places)
- Plumber’s putty or caulk
How do I remove my old faucet?
Turn off the water supply valves under the sink before starting. Place a towel in the sink to catch any remaining water drips. Loosen the mounting nuts that hold your old faucet in place, using the adjustable wrench. You may need to use the basin wrench for hard-to-reach nuts. Lift out the old faucet. Clean the area around the sink holes before installing the new faucet.
What if I have issues with water flow or leaks?
If you experience reduced flow from your new faucet, the aerator screen may be clogged. Unscrew the aerator at the tip of the spout to clean out any debris. Be very careful not to lose any small parts.
If your faucet is leaking from the base of the spout or around the handles, the O-rings or cartridges may need to be replaced. Check your faucet model’s specifications to determine the correct replacement parts. Turn off the water, disassemble the faucet to access the worn parts, and install the new O-rings or cartridges. This should solve the leak.
How often should I have my faucet serviced?
Kohler faucets are designed to provide years of trouble-free use. However, as with any product, parts can eventually fail over time and with frequent use. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to have your faucet serviced by a plumber every 3 to 5 years to check for any worn or damaged internal parts and make repairs or replacements as needed. Regular professional maintenance will help ensure your Kohler faucet continues operating properly and safely for many years.
Conclusion
With a new Kohler kitchen faucet installed, you’ll be enjoying an upgraded and stylish fixture in no time. By following the step-by-step instructions and keeping the included tips in mind, you’ve avoided frustration and saved money by doing it yourself. Turn on the water to check for any leaks as a final step. Once everything looks good, stand back and admire your handiwork—you deserve it! A new faucet can make a big impact on your kitchen. Enjoy your new Kohler faucet and happy cooking!
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