How To Tighten Kitchen Faucet Nut Under Sink

If the leaking water on your faucet worries you too much, please don't fret. Anyone can quickly fix this simple problem. And we have thoroughly sifted the answers on the internet to help you out with the right method!

To tighten the faucet under your sink, you must clear out the sink and make room first, so you can work comfortably. Next, get under the sink and adjust the position of the faucet. After that, you can tighten the loose nut. Observe the faucet to determine if the leak has stopped.

In this post, we'll elaborate on the steps so that you can execute them correctly to stop that water from leaking. Moreover, this post might help you out in the future, so please keep reading.

Hand with wrench tighten screw on pipe, How To Tighten Kitchen Faucet Nut Under Sink

How To Tighten The Faucet Nut Under Sink

Let us guide you throughout the process. Check out these detailed steps! With the right tools and a little bit of effort, you can finish the job quickly and correctly.

Tools Needed:

  • prepare a basin
  • wrench
  • adjustable pliers
  • flashlight or headlamp

In case you don't have these tools on hand, know that they are all available at your local hardware stores. Always have these tools in your toolbox since they are some of the most needed tools in every home.

A flashlight is okay to use since that is the handiest, but it would be better if you had a headlamp available. A headlamp will provide you with better lighting under the sink.

drain pipes under the sink in the kitchen cabinet

Step 1: Clear out the area under your sink

Clearing out the space underneath the sink is a must so that you can have enough space to move and maneuver your tools. Especially if most of your things like garbage bags, cleaning tools, or cleaning solutions are there. Also, you need to work freely and comfortably.

Ensure the removed cleaning solutions or any hazardous liquids are temporarily relocated away from children and pets.

Step 2: Adjust the faucet's position

A P-trap that limits access may be present, depending on the design of your sink. If so, you'll need to remove it. Detach the nuts that hold the P-trap to the wall drain and sink tailpiece. You can use the adjustable pliers to remove it.

Once you finish removing the P-trap, you can now access the nut. Make sure the faucet is in the right place by adjusting it. Align it in the center and guarantee that it is well-aligned to the wall close to it.

After that, you have to fasten the retaining nut that you can locate under the sink. To make the job easier, ask somebody to hold the faucet for you while you do the tightening procedure.

Step 3: Tighten the loose nut

Tighten the nut using the basin wrench. The long handle of the basin wrench makes it much easier to go into tight spaces like this. Tighten the nut by putting the wrench's clamp into the nut and turning the handle clockwise with a solid grip.

Continue to tighten it until you notice that the faucet is okay. Do not overdo the tightening process if you don't want to mess things up. When you overtighten the plastic nuts, expect that they will crack. In addition, when it comes to metal nuts, you won't be able to remove them if you overtighten them.

However, if in case the faucet of your sink uses screws or hex bolts, you can utilize a screwdriver. But make sure that the tool has a longer handle. If you want, you can buy a socket set. It will be an excellent tool for tightening the bolts.

Why Is My Faucet Leaking?

Stainless faucet water tab not closed properly caused water leaked and dropped unsafe energy and environment

If you are a new homeowner, you might still not be used to seeing water leaking from your faucet. But you don't have to fret. That kind of problem should not worry you too much since that is a very common kitchen issue.

A loose component of your kitchen faucet is the most common cause of leakage. Its components can loosen as time goes by. But that situation is normal for anything that consists of a bolt and nut. For as simple as tightening it, you can solve that problem easily.

What Can Be Used If Basin Wrench Is Not Available?

A basin wrench is a perfect tool to fix the nut under your leaking sink. However, some homeowners do not own every tool and equipment available. In case you don't have a basin wrench, we are going to name some of the alternatives you can use to do the work without a wrench. All you need to have is a strategy with a little bit of creativity.

Plumber holding an adjustable wrench and a siphon to the wash basin

To make your faucet work like normal again, you can use:

1. Use a duct tape

We know that it is surprising, but yes, you can really utilize duct tape for tightening the nuts.

  1. It is necessary to clear the space where you will work to move comfortably and freely. And if you want the duct tape to correctly do its purpose, you need to have enough room.
  2. Remove the strips once you finish the first step. You will need those strips measuring a foot long (12 inches). Plus, you will need to cut it into two (lengthwise) strips. Create a long and sturdy work by attaching both backs of the two strips.
  3. Use the strip you just made and encase it around the nut of your faucet. But don't wrap the entire strip around it because you will need to leave at least seven inches of tail. You should ensure that the strip is firmly sticking to the nut. If it is not, all you have to do is to press it thoroughly until it adheres better.
  4. The reason why we require you to leave a tail earlier is that it is what you will use to tighten the nut. Pull the tail of the tape firmly. If you think it is tightened enough, you can already detach the duct tape. Run the faucet and examine if it is already okay. Also, inspect if there are no more leaks before keeping your tools.

Check this standard duct tape on Amazon.

2. Coins and Zip-ties

Although demanding and requires more patience, this tool alternative will still help you solve your problem with the kitchen faucet.

Coins

To start, you will need to position the coins on the nut parallel to each other. And you need to incorporate and use your knuckles on your middle and index finger to do the next step.

Put those two coins between your knuckles and grip them as firm as you can but not to the extent that you hurt your fingers. After you grip the coins, turn it clockwise to tighten the nut. Do it until you notice that it is tight enough. Again, do not overdo it.

Zip-ties

Zip-ties work not only to tidy your cables, but you can also use them to tighten the nut under your sink. Like what we mentioned above about using duct tape, you can also do that using zip-ties.

Enclose the nut using the zip-ties, make it tight as possible, and leave a tail. Pull the tail firmly and clockwise to tighten the nut.

Check out these zip-ties on Amazon.

In Summary

Hand with wrench tighten screw on pipe

Tightening the nut underneath the sink of your kitchen sink seems to be demanding, but it is not. You can perform the fixing process by using some simple and handy tools and add a little bit of effort and patience.

By following this post as your guide that your faucet will work back to normal once you finish the process.

If you enjoy reading this post, you might also want to check these posts out for future reference:

How Long Does It Take To Replace A Kitchen Sink?

Can A Refrigerator Be Next To A Stove Or Oven? [And How Close]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *