After you pull out all of the cleansers, buckets and old vases from under the sink, go ahead and lie under there and see if you can easily access the faucet. If so, go right to Photo 3. If not, it’s time to start dismantling the things blocking your path. Most likely, the main obstacles will be the pipes and P-traps that drain the sinks. Don’t be afraid to pull them out, but more important, don’t be afraid to replace them with new ones. If you have older, chrome-plated drain lines, the pipe walls may be so corroded that they’ll crush in the jaws of a pipe wrench or slip-joint pliers. After you remove them, throw all the parts in a box for matching them exactly at the store later. If you have plastic drain parts, be careful during removal—you’ll probably be able to reuse them. Sometimes a garbage disposer can be a 20-lb. roadblock. Don’t be discouraged—it’s easier than you think to remove it and then reinstall it after the faucet is in (Photo 2). Unplug it and pull it out of the cabinet to get it out of the way.

If it’s hard-wired, shut off the circuit breaker that controls the disposer, disconnect the disposer from the sink and set it aside inside the cabinet with the electrical cable still attached. The first step in removing the old faucet is to disconnect the water supply lines (Photo 3). If there are no shutoff valves and the water pipes are hooked up directly to the faucet supply lines, or if you’re replacing defective valves, turn off the main water supply valve to the house and cut off the pipes (Photo 3) below the connections with a hacksaw or tube cutter. Make sure new valves are closed before turning the water back on to the house. Once the water lines are disconnected, use the basin wrench to loosen the old faucet and remove it (Photo 4). Sometimes, in spite of all your best efforts, it’s simply impossible to loosen the old faucet nuts. Try soaking the threads with penetrating oil and try again. If that doesn’t do it, it’s time to pull out all the stops and pull the sink so you can get at the nuts.

It’s not that tough to do. Loosen the screws on the bottom of the sink rim for a clamp-down sink, or cut the caulk between a drop-in sink and countertop with a utility knife and lift out the sink. Then you’ll be able to go after those nuts with a locking pliers or a pipe wrench to free the old faucet.Hotel Spa Rainfall Shower HeadEvery kitchen needs a sink and faucet. Cheap Puppies For Sale In Camden NjWhen it comes to selecting these staples, style is secondary, says Max Isley, owner of Hampton Kitchens in Raleigh, N.C., and a National Kitchen and Bath Association board member.Uta Bookstore Rental Policy Isley's primary task is to help clients select a sink and faucet that will work well and withstand years of daily use.

To that end, Isley always asks clients how they plan to use the kitchen sink. "It will make a big difference in which one I will recommend," he says. Here's what you should keep in mind when making your own choices: Kitchen sinks are typically made from stainless steel, enamel-coated cast iron, solid surfaces and composites. For clients who choose solid surface counters like granite or engineered stone, Isley recommends a stainless steel sink because of its undermount capability. Also if homeowners tend to be hard on sinks (Isley asks clients if they're prone to throwing things into their sink), stainless is often the best choice. When shopping for a sink, keep in mind that lower-gauge stainless steel makes for a better quality sink. Some people find stainless steel sinks noisy, but that's a problem that can be addressed by choosing a design featuring sound-absorption technology. Once the standard in kitchen sinks, enamel-coated cast iron still has a place in today's kitchen.

"They're probably the prettiest of all the sinks on the market today," Isley says. However, he cautions that enamel can scratch and wear over time, which may not make this sink the best choice for people who are tough on sinks. If ease of cleanup is important, a solid surface sink that's an integral part of a countertop is the option to investigate. "Even with the undermount sink, you've still got that joint between the countertop and the underside. Solid surface sinks create a much smoother clean up area to deal with," Isley says. While minor scratches can be buffed out of a solid surface sink, the material is prone to chip, and transferring hot pots and pans directly from the cooktop to the sink can damage solid surfaces. Composite sinks, a newer style of sink, are another option for kitchens. There are several types of composite sinks on the market, with polyester/acrylic being just one of them. Coming in at a lower price point and with many colors to choose from, this sink might appeal to homeowners on a budget.

However, polyester/acrylic sinks aren't as durable as other sink options and drop-in sinks can be more difficult to clean. Traditionally, most kitchens feature a double-bowl sink. "Obviously, double bowls — especially two equal size bowls — were made for washing dishes. We really don't wash dishes much in the kitchen," Isley says. Homeowners still hand wash large pots, pans and baking sheets, so Isley advocates for at least one oversized sink bowl. If space is an issue and double bowls are a must, an oversized bowl and a small bowl combination should be adequate. If space isn't an issue, Isley recommends one oversized and one standard sized bowl. With the great number of faucets on the market, there is a design for everyone. "Style is strictly a personal taste issue," Isley says. He doesn't dictate what clients choose design-wise — people like what they like, after all — but he does guide them when it comes to function and finishes. Most faucets use cartridge, ball or ceramic disc valves.