The escaping water from a leaking or ruptured supply line causes severe damage to kitchen cabinets, flooring and even walls if not addressed in a timely manner. The damp or soggy conditions also promote mold and mildew growth detrimental to human health. Supply lines connect to the shutoff valve and the water inlet tubes on the bottom of the faucet. Common types of under-sink supply lines are braided polymer and polyethylene, or PEX for short. Whether hot or cold, replacing the supply line is the easiest and most cost-effective method of repair.
Instructions
1. Shut off the supply valve or valves that supply the faucet.
2. Disconnect the supply line from the water inlet tube on the faucet, using a basin wrench. A basin wrench is a telescoping wrench specifically designed to install/remove supply lines from hard-to-reach places.
3. Loosen and remove the supply line from the shutoff valve using an adjustable wrench or pliers. Determine the applicable size of supply line needed for replacement. Many supply valves accept a 3/8-inch supply line while the inlet tube on most faucets is 1/2 inch.
4. Install the new supply line. The easiest supply lines to install are stainless steel braided polymer and PEX supply lines. Determine the distance between the shutoff valve and the water inlet tube on the faucet. Braided polymer supply lines sell in lengths up to 20 inches while PEX supply lines measure 30 inches long.
5. Attach the supply line to the water inlet tube on the bottom of the faucet using the basin wrench. Braided polymer lines include built-in rubber washers that seal once tightened. Tighten the braided polymer supply line until snug. PEX supply lines have a beveled end that seats in the water inlet tube and held in place by a special brass nut. Slip the nut over the PEX tubing and fasten it to the water inlet tube until snug.
6. Thread the braided polymer supply line onto the shutoff valve and tighten until snug using an adjustable wrench or pliers. If using PEX supply lines, slip the brass nut over the tubing followed by the plastic or brass friction ring. Insert the PEX tubing into the supply valve nipple and tighten the brass nut until snug.
7. Turn on the supply valve and check for leaks. If a leak develops, tighten the applicable nut to stop it.
Tips Warnings
Place newspaper under the sink area to help identify leaks.
Do not over-tighten the supply lines as damage may occur.
Tags: repair, water, supply, line, kitchen, sink, supply line, inlet tube, supply lines, water inlet, water inlet tube, polymer supply
