View Full Version : Having trouble detaching old sink sprayer to install new one
SBCSRNA
Feb 3, 2005, 06:47 PM
My old sink sprayer was leaking so I bought a new one to install. I also bought a basin wrench. When I tried to detach the old sprayer hose from underneath the faucet, I couldn't get it to move at all. I used a regular wrench and the basin wrench but I'm just not strong enough to loosen the coupler. I can't afford a plumber and I'm too proud to ask my boyfriend for help. Does anyone out there have any tips for getting the old hose off??
labman
Feb 3, 2005, 07:26 PM
Spray something on it, penetrating oil if you have it, but most cleaning products are better than nothing. Take a hammer and tap around as much of the nut as you can. Try the wrench again. Slip a pipe or anything else that will work over the wrench to give you more leverage. If you can get your foot on it, use your leg muscles. Pry on the wrench with a board. Spray it and hammer some more.
SBCSRNA
Feb 3, 2005, 07:42 PM
Thanks for responding so quickly :) What is penetrating oil (I know that sounds like a stupid question) and where do you find it? I've never heard of it.
tommytman
Feb 3, 2005, 09:05 PM
They will have some penetrating oil at any hardware/autoparts store.
SBCSRNA
Feb 3, 2005, 09:17 PM
Thank you! :)
speedball1
Feb 4, 2005, 05:19 AM
Thanks for responding so quickly :) What is penetrating oil (I know that sounds like a stupid question) and where do you find it? I've never heard of it.
Purchase a can of WD40. Spray it on the threads and wait a few minutes for the oil to take effect. Then take your basin wrench and position it on the hose nut and unscrew it counterclockwise. Since both the nut and the valve body are brass the threads won't be rusted in, just tight. And hey! There's nothing wrong for asking the BF to help a little around the house. Cheers, Tom
SBCSRNA
Feb 4, 2005, 07:33 AM
Thank you... I'll have to try that as soon as I get back home. :)
labman
Feb 4, 2005, 08:25 AM
One more point. Sometimes down underneath, in the dark, and restricted space, it is easy to get confused about which way to turn something. With the wrench extending to the right of the nut, pull the handle out toward you. Also mind where your hand will go if it comes suddenly or slips off. It is OK for us guys to have skinned knuckles.
WD-40 is Ok for getting things free, but tends to gum up on things you want to stay free. A silicone oil is much better for parts that need to continue to move.
SBCSRNA
Feb 4, 2005, 11:21 PM
Thanks for the tip - there is no space between the basins to actually extend any kind of wrench... the basin wrench is my only hope. I don't know how guys actually get their hands up there... I have small hands and there's barely enough room for them up there - and my knuckles are sporting a few abrasions too ;)