## How to Secure a Kitchen Faucet Underneath the Sink
A loose kitchen faucet can be a major annoyance, causing leaks and other problems. Fortunately, it’s usually a relatively easy fix that you can do yourself with a few simple tools.
### Tools and Materials You’ll Need
* Adjustable wrench
* Phillips head screwdriver
* Flat head screwdriver
* Plumber’s putty
* Teflon tape
* Work gloves
### Step-by-Step Instructions
**1. Turn off the water supply.**
Before you start working on the faucet, you need to turn off the water supply. There should be two shut-off valves under the sink, one for hot water and one for cold water. Turn both valves clockwise to the closed position.
**2. Disconnect the water supply lines.**
Once the water supply is turned off, you need to disconnect the water supply lines from the faucet. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts that hold the lines in place. Be careful not to overtighten the nuts, as this can damage the lines.
**3. Remove the faucet mounting nut.**
Once the water supply lines are disconnected, you need to remove the faucet mounting nut. This nut is usually located on the underside of the sink. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nut and remove it.
**4. Remove the faucet.**
Once the mounting nut is removed, you should be able to pull the faucet up and out of the sink. Be careful not to drop the faucet, as this could damage it.
**5. Clean the faucet mounting surface.**
Before you install the new faucet, you need to clean the mounting surface on the sink. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris.
**6. Apply plumber’s putty to the faucet base.**
Once the mounting surface is clean, you need to apply a bead of plumber’s putty to the base of the faucet. The plumber’s putty will help to seal the faucet and prevent leaks.
**7. Install the faucet.**
Once the plumber’s putty is applied, you can install the new faucet. Insert the faucet into the hole in the sink and tighten the mounting nut. Be sure to tighten the nut securely, but do not overtighten it.
**8. Reconnect the water supply lines.**
Once the faucet is installed, you need to reconnect the water supply lines. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the nuts that hold the lines in place. Be careful not to overtighten the nuts.
**9. Turn on the water supply.**
Once the water supply lines are reconnected, you can turn on the water supply. Check for leaks around the faucet and the water supply lines. If you see any leaks, tighten the nuts until the leaks stop.
### Tips
* If you are having trouble removing the faucet mounting nut, you can try using a penetrating oil to loosen it.
* If you are not sure how to tighten the faucet mounting nut, you can consult the manufacturer’s instructions.
* If you are not comfortable working on your kitchen faucet yourself, you can call a plumber for help.
### Troubleshooting
* **The faucet is still loose after I tightened the mounting nut.**
If the faucet is still loose after you tightened the mounting nut, there may be a problem with the nut or the threads on the faucet. You can try tightening the nut further, but do not overtighten it. If the nut is damaged, you will need to replace it.
* **The faucet is leaking from the base.**
If the faucet is leaking from the base, it is likely that the plumber’s putty is not properly sealed. You can try tightening the mounting nut further, but do not overtighten it. If the leak persists, you will need to remove the faucet and reapply the plumber’s putty.
* **The faucet is leaking from the water supply lines.**
If the faucet is leaking from the water supply lines, it is likely that the nuts that hold the lines in place are not tight enough. You can try tightening the nuts further, but do not overtighten them. If the leak persists, you will need to replace the nuts.