Chances are higher; what comes to your mind once you realize there is an issue with the plumbing system is to call a certified plumber. However, it is worth trying to fix the issue yourself first. If the problem persists, then you can call the plumber. So, are you here because your Moen kitchen faucet is loose? Glad that you are here. Use the guide below on how to tighten Moen kitchen faucet to fix the issue.
Essential Guide on How to Tighten Moen Kitchen Faucet
After a long time of use, a Moen kitchen faucet is likely to become loose. Failure to tighten it can cause further damage. That is why you must take your time to tighten it. Gladly, you can do this yourself. Following are essential steps you need to follow.
What You Need
- Mini Knife
- Allen wrench
- Screwdriver
- Masking tape
- Adjustable wrench
- Flashlight
How to tighten the Moen kitchen faucet handle
After a long time of use, the handle of the Moen kitchen faucet tends to become loose. You can tell so by experiencing a big loss of dipping water. The solution to a loose kitchen faucet is to fix it immediately. Now, how exactly do you tighten the loose handle of your Moen kitchen faucet? You need to follow some simple steps to resolve the issue yourself.
Step 1: Clear the sink
The first essential thing you need to do to help you tighten your Moen kitchen faucet is clear the sink. This will help you to operate the necessary activities void of restrictions. Afterward, take your time to clean the basin properly to begin the activity.
Step 2: Turn the water supply valves off
And because you want to handle the Moen kitchen faucet that connects with the water supply, take your time to turn off the water supply valves. This is a mandatory step you have to consider.
Step 3: Check the handle
Next, you must check the Moen kitchen faucet’s mechanism to gain the right knowledge. This is what will help you to do the right fixing operations. Two things might be found on the handle
- You will find a cap on the top.
- You will find a screw of a hex nut at the entrance.
Step 4: Remove the handle’s hex nut
You have to remove the screw or hex nut from the handle of the faucet. Typically, these are small items. Therefore, you must be keen when handling them. Use a mini knife to unscrew the hex nut. And to avoid damaging the handle of the faucet, it is advisable to go that gently. Gladly, it is easier to unscrew the screw or the hex nut. In fact, it can take you up to a minute to do so.
Step 5: Look for the setscrew hidden in the faucet handle’s cap
This step is not simple. Hence, you must be careful. Here, you need to look for the setscrew located under the decorative cap. There are special tools to use to reach the hidden setscrew. One of them is an ideal-size Allen wrench. This one can get to almost every corner of the faucet. Use the 3/32-sized Allen wrench to install the handle screw perfectly.
Step 6: Tighten the faucet handle’s setscrew
As indicated above, finding the hidden setscrew in a Moen kitchen faucet’s handle is a bit challenging. When you find it, be sure the rest will be simple.
After finding the setscrew, hold it with a basin wrench. Then, tighten the screw by twisting it in a clockwise direction. To tighten the screw firmly, make sure you apply mild pressure. And because you have to open the handle when using it, consider not tightening the screw strongly.
Step 7: Reconnect the Moen kitchen faucet with the water supply valves
After tightening your Moen kitchen faucet’s handle, you cannot just assume it has been done perfectly. You must take your time to check how the tightness has been done. That is why you have to reconnect the Moen kitchen faucet to the water supply valves. Then, turn the faucet on and allow the water to flow. This will help you know how tight the Moen kitchen faucet’s handle is. Besides, ensure the water is running smoothly.
Your work is done if you love the handle’s tightness and the water’s smoothness. If you are not pleased with the outcome, consider tightening the setscrew further.
How to tighten a Moen kitchen faucet base
When the base of the Moen kitchen faucet is loose, you will encounter water leakage because the water supply lines tend to rupture. The truth is that this is annoying. Luckily, you can get rid of this nuisance by tightening the faucet’s base. No need to call a plumber to do this task for you. Use the steps below to tighten your loose Moen kitchen faucet’s base.
Step 1: Connect the sink drain with its cover
Doing this allows the nuts or other small parts of the faucets to not go out from the drain. Every part of the faucet, small or big, is very important. But don’t be worried if any of the parts get lost. You can find one in the store. This step is very helpful in avoiding buying something you had not planned for.
Step 2: Disconnect the water supply valves
In your kitchen, you have hot and cold water supply valves. Take your time to disconnect them. This will ensure no water drips from the supply lines. You can turn on the faucet handle to check the water supply.
Step 3: Clear the kitchen sink
If there are materials on your sink, make sure you remove them to avoid being distracted when tightening the base of your Moen kitchen faucet.
Step 4: Release pressure from the Moen kitchen faucet
To tighten your loose Moen kitchen faucet base, make sure you remove all the pressure from it. Note that turning off the valve can create pressure on the faucet. That is why turning on the water valves is important to help release the faucet’s pressure. This needs to be done once you have disconnected the water supply lines.
Step 5: Pry the water lines off
In this step, put an adjustable wrench between the water supply lines and the Intel. Now pry off the lines by turning the wrench in the anticlockwise direction.
Step 6: Tighten the loosen screws and nuts of the Moen kitchen faucet
At this point, check the base nuts’ grip that connects the faucet. Use a basic wrench to hold the loose nuts and apply pressure to tighten them. The basin wrench will help you tighten the nuts between the faucet and its base.
Step 7: Check the tightness
Yes, you have to tighten the base of your Moen kitchen faucet. But, how sure are you it has been done correctly? Thus, you must take your time to check how tight your Moen kitchen faucet base has been. This calls you to reconnect the water supply valves.
When you turn on the Moen kitchen faucet, you will be in a better position to tell if there will be any leakage in the tap. Your work will be well done if no leakage is found. Otherwise, use the basin wrench to tighten the Moen kitchen faucet base.
Important precautions steps to take when tightening Moen kitchen faucet
- It is important to keep someone to assist you with your operations.
- Use a flashlight when conducting the operations.
- Please select the right size Allen wrench to find the set screw and twist it quickly.
- Wear hand gloves to eradicate any unwelcome accident risk. For instance, when tightening the screws, your gloves must be on to avoid cracking your fingers.
How to Tighten Loose Moen Kitchen Faucet Base Quickly
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I remove a faucet handle when the set screw is stripped?
When the set screw is stripped, the set screw head is damaged, and you cannot use a screwdriver to make a grip on it. In this case, a screw extractor is of great help. But, you must have the right size screw extractor.
To remove the handle, begin by drilling a hole into the center of the screw. Then, fit the screw extractor into the drill hole. Use a hammer to tap the extractor gently for a better grip. On the top of the extractor, fix the adjustable wrench and turn it slowly. That way, it will remove the stripped screw.
Why does the faucet handle keep coming loose?
When the handle or the set screws of the Moen kitchen faucet are stripped, the handle will keep coming loose. Use an Allen wrench or a screwdriver to tighten the loose set screw. An old faucet that has been repaired severally calls for replacing the set screw.
Why is my Moen kitchen faucet leaking from the base?
Several things can leak water from the base of a Moen kitchen faucet. But, the common one is because of a faulty faucet. In the case you are experiencing this issue, it is advisable to look into the problem and get a solution.
How do you tighten a Moen kitchen faucet without a basic wrench?
If you don’t have a basin wrench, worry not. You can still tighten your Moen kitchen faucet without it. All you require is to take your time to check the necessary tightening screws for this faucet. A washer and a washerless screwdriver will play a significant role in replacing the handle. This is because they tighten the screws easily.
How do you tighten a Moen kitchen faucet without scratching it?
The number one important thing you need to do to ensure you do not scratch your faucet when tightening it is to ensure it is done correctly. Next, make sure you only use a proper wrench. Also, keep it tight enough. Otherwise, it will begin rusting.
Rita C. Donnell (Jennifer) has spent the last 26 years studying and practicing nutrition science. She has used a larger part of this time in improving people’s livelihoods. She has done so by coming up with unquestionable ideas on how to tackle food problems in her community. Readmore
