How to Tighten a Kitchen Faucet With a Brass Nut & Horseshoe Washer
A horseshoe-shaped mounting washer is designed to hold a faucet flush against the underside of the sink countertop, while a nut applies pressure. If one of the parts is damaged, it needs replacing; otherwise tightening the faucet is fairly straightforward. All you need to do is turn the nut the right way.
Step 1
Clear out the area under the sink to give yourself better access to the underside of the faucet because this is where the washer and brass nut reside.
Step 2
Locate the washer and nut by looking up at the bottom of the sink counter. Find the nut and fit your wrench to it. If necessary to gain better access to the nut, turn off the water valves on the supply pipes under the sink, and unscrew the supply tubes that run from these pipes to the faucet.
Step 3
Turn the nut clockwise several turns or until you feel the tension increasing on the nut. If it is not possible to turn the nut with a regular wrench, use a basin wrench, which has a longer handle and a pivoting head. This wrench is designed specifically to unscrew faucet nuts.
Step 4
Check the faucet above the sink by gently pushing it backward and forward once you think the nut is tight. If the faucet is still loose, tighten the nut again until the faucet no longer moves.
References
Tips
- If you are not able to get the faucet completely tight and you see that one of the parts is damaged, remove the nut and washer by turning the nut counterclockwise with the wrench. Replace the washer and nut by sliding new ones onto the faucet hoses. Tighten the nut again with the wrench to secure the faucet to the sink.
Writer Bio
Steve Smith has published articles on a wide range of topics including cars, travel, lifestyle, business, golf, weddings and careers. His articles, features and news stories have appeared in newspapers, consumer magazines and on various websites. Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and journalism from University of New Hampshire Durham.
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