Replacing an old Moen kitchen faucet can breathe new life into your kitchen and enhance its functionality. If you have an outdated or malfunctioning Moen kitchen faucet that needs to be replaced, you’ve come to the right place. Here you know the detailed process of how to remove an old Moen kitchen faucet.
When you remove the old Moen faucet and install a new one, you get better water flow with upgraded functionalities. By replacing the Moen kitchen faucet, you can give a fresh look to the kitchen within the budget.
When To Install a New Moen Kitchen Faucet?
People don’t think to install a new faucet until the old one doesn’t have any problem. When your old Moen faucet starts dripping after repairing it many times, or it has a loose handle or any other issue.
You should not replace the old faucet if you encounter any issues the first time. But when the Moen faucet is old, it will require regular repair to keep the faucet in working condition. It will cost you heavily. You can save your money by installing a new Moen faucet.
How To Remove an Old Moen Kitchen Faucet?
Tools
- Adjustable or basin wrench
- Safety glasses
- Bucket
- Flashlight
- Utility knife
- Paper towels
- Kitchen cleaner
Removing the old Moen kitchen faucet is not a tough and unsafe process but it’s essential to prioritize your comfort and well-being, especially when maneuvering within the confines of the sink base cabinet. Here are 5 simple steps to remove an Old Moen kitchen faucet.
Shutting off The Water Supply
Before you begin removing your old Moen kitchen faucet, it’s crucial to shut off the water supply to prevent any leaks or water damage. Locate the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them clockwise until they are fully closed. Test the faucet to ensure the water flow has stopped completely.
Draining Any Remaining Water
It is essential to drain any remaining water in the faucet to prevent any residual water from dripping when you remove the Moen fixture. Turn on the faucet knobs or handle to relieve any pressure and let the water run. To catch the water, place a bucket or a towel beneath the sink.
Removing The Side Sprayer or Side Handle
If your Moen kitchen faucet includes a side sprayer or a side handle, it’s important to remove these components before removing the Moen old faucet. Here’s a detailed explanation of how to remove them:
Removing The Side Sprayer
- Look for the point where the sprayer attaches to the main faucet body. It is typically located on the side or front of the faucet.
- There will be a plastic or metal nut securing the sprayer in place. It may be hexagonal or have flat edges for gripping.
- Using an adjustable wrench or pliers, grip the nut firmly and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. Be careful not to apply excessive force, as it may damage the nut or the faucet.
- Once the nut is loose, you should be able to disconnect the sprayer from the main faucet body. Gently pull the sprayer away, ensuring you don’t strain or damage the connecting hose.
Removing The Side Handle
- Check the base of the side handle. You will find a small set screw, typically recessed into the handle or located on the underside.
- Choose an appropriately sized Allen wrench that fits snugly into the set screw. This will allow you to apply the necessary torque for loosening the screw.
- Insert the Allen wrench into the set screw and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. It may require a few rotations before the set screw becomes loose enough to remove.
- Once the set screw is loosened, you can pull the side handle away from the faucet. The handle should detach, exposing the cartridge or valve assembly beneath.
When removing these components, it’s essential to be gentle and avoid applying excessive force to prevent damage. If you encounter any difficulties, refer to the specific manufacturer’s instructions for your Moen faucet model, as the removal process may vary slightly differently for your model.
Read also – How To Remove a Delta Kitchen Faucet?
Disconnecting The Water Supply Lines
To remove the water supply lines, you have to go underneath the sink cabinet. There might be dark, so use a flashlight.
Now you can proceed to disconnect the water supply lines. Using an adjustable wrench or pliers, loosen the nuts connecting the water supply lines to the faucet. Turn them counterclockwise until they are loose enough to remove by hand. Be prepared for some water to drip out during this step, so keep a towel handy to wipe up any spills.
Detaching The Faucet From The Sink
Look underneath the sink near the base of the old Moen kitchen faucet to find the mounting nuts. These nuts secure the faucet to the sink. Depending on the model, there may be one or two nuts holding the faucet in place.
To remove the mounting nuts, you’ll need an adjustable wrench or a basin wrench. The choice of tool depends on the design of the nut. Adjust the wrench to fit the size of the nuts.
Position the wrench around one of the mounting nuts and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. If the nuts are tight, you may need to apply some force or use a longer-handled wrench for more leverage. Repeat this process for the remaining nuts until they are all loosened.
Once all the mounting nuts are loose, you can lift the old Moen kitchen faucet straight up from the sink. It’s a good idea to have a firm grip and use both hands to lift it.
Problems You May Face During Removing Moen Kitchen Faucet
Stubborn Connections
If any of the nuts or connections of the Moen faucet are difficult to loosen, apply penetrating oil to help loosen them. Allow the oil to penetrate for a few minutes before attempting to remove the nuts again. You can also use a wrench with a longer handle for extra leverage.
Corroded or Rusted Parts
If you encounter corroded or rusted parts while removing the old Moen kitchen tap, it may be challenging to remove them. Apply a rust dissolver or penetrating oil to help break up the corrosion. Allow it to sit for a while before attempting to loosen the parts.
Stuck Faucet
In some cases, the old Moen kitchen faucet may be stuck due to mineral deposits or corrosion. Gently wiggle and twist the faucet while lifting it to help loosen it. If necessary, use a putty knife or a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the faucet away from the sink.
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Read also – Moen Shower Handle Removal Guide
How To Install a New Moen Kitchen Faucet?
After removing the old Moen kitchen faucet, take a moment to clean the area where it was installed. Remove any debris or old plumber’s putty that may be left behind. This will ensure a clean surface for installing the new Moen kitchen faucet.
Before proceeding with the installation of a new Moen faucet, inspect the connections on the sink for any signs of damage or wear. Look for leaks, cracks, or corrosion. If you notice any issues, it’s best to address them before installing the new faucet.
Slide The Plastic Gasket Into Place
Begin by sliding the plastic gasket onto the bottom of the Moen kitchen sink faucet body. Pay attention to the orientation of the gasket, as the flat side should rest against the sink apron, while the ridged side faces upward. This gasket serves as a barrier between the faucet and the sink, preventing any water leaks.
Position The Faucet Body
With the gasket in place, it’s time to position the Moen faucet body through the holes on the top side of the sink.
Having an assistant or family member to help you with this step can be beneficial, as they can hold the faucet upright from above while you work below the sink. Keep the faucet alignment straight, it will avoid any leak and future damage.
If needed, use a basin wrench to tighten the new locknuts securely. This tool makes the process significantly easier and more efficient.
Address Gaps With Silicone Sealant
In some cases, the gasket and sink apron may not fit together tightly, especially with stainless steel sinks that are prone to distortion in this area.
If you notice any gaps, it’s crucial to address them to prevent potential water leaks. Remove the faucet body and apply silicone sealant to fill in the gaps, ensuring a watertight seal.
Hand-Tighten The Plastic Locknuts
Returning below the sink, turn the plastic locknuts onto the threaded ends of the faucet body. It’s essential to hand-tighten them without using pliers. Over-tightening can damage the Moen sink faucet or cause leaks, so exercise caution during this step.
Connect The Spray Hose (if applicable)
If your Moen sink faucet kit includes a detached spray hose, insert it from above through the designated hole beside the faucet body.
Secure it from below using the lock nut. Additionally, remember to attach the heavy counterweight to the hose at its lowest point, as this will help retract the spray hose smoothly.
Attach The Spray Hose and Sprayer
From below, connect the spray hose to the faucet body using the faucet quick connector. This ensures a secure and leak-free connection. Then, from above, attach the sprayer to the top of the spray hose. You can either manually screw it into place or use a convenient snap-on quick connector for easy installation.
Connect The Water Supply Lines
Returning below the sink once more, it’s time to attach the water supply lines to the bottom of the new Moen kitchen faucet body. Use a wrench to tighten the supply line coupling nuts securely. If your new kitchen faucet comes with supply lines included, now is the perfect opportunity to replace any old, worn-out lines for optimal performance.
Check For Leaks
With everything in place, it’s time to test your newly installed faucet. First, turn on the water supply controls from below the sink. Then, go above and turn on the sink faucet, allowing the water to flow for approximately a minute.
While the water is running, carefully inspect the area below the sink cabinet using a flashlight. Look for any signs of leaks and address them promptly if necessary.
FAQs
Do I Need To Hire a Plumber To Replace My Old Moen Faucet?
Replacing a faucet is a task that you can tackle on your own without the need to hire a professional plumber. Not only will you save time by taking matters into your own hands, but it can also be a rewarding and empowering experience. With just a handful of simple tools, like a trusty basin wrench, you’ll have your new faucet installed in no time. The best part? The process is virtually the same whether you’re upgrading your kitchen or bathroom fixtures.
Should You Caulk a Kitchen Faucet?
While many faucets are equipped with trusty rubber or plastic gaskets that effectively seal any gaps, it’s not always a given. In cases where your faucet lacks a gasket or is experiencing unwanted leaks, the art of caulking comes to the rescue. With a caulk gun in hand, you can effortlessly seal those troublesome gaps, safeguarding your kitchen from the perils of water damage.
James Lewis is a seasoned plumber and faucet enthusiast who shares his expertise on Faucetsavvy.com. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he’s passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect faucet for their needs. He’s also dedicated to empowering DIY enthusiasts with the plumbing knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain their faucets.