How Do I Replace An RV Sink Faucet?

The kitchen tap in your RV is most likely one of the fixtures that are used and abused the most, just like in a sticks-and-bricks house. Knowing how to replace one if it breaks is helpful for this reason. Or perhaps one of those short-neck faucets was already installed in your RV. However, when coupled with the typical shallow RV kitchen sink, you are lucky if you can fit a pot under the tap. This is great for preventing splashing. A new higher neck tap should be installed instead for another excellent reason.

Whatever your motivation, installing a new tap is a relatively simple DIY project, so don’t worry. Read on for instructions on replacing a simple, effective RV kitchen tap and a bonus step that will help you use less water overall.

The Similarities And Differences Between Home Sinks And RV Sinks

Despite their initial similarities, home faucets and RV faucets are not exactly the same. The composition of the two types of faucets is one significant distinction. Since weight reduction is a priority for RV designers, lighter materials are frequently used. As a result, RV faucets that are commonly turned on and off, especially when in continuous or prolonged use, may not last as long.

The connections between RV faucets and your kitchen tap at home are another possible difference. If your RV has a different connection type, you can find out by looking under the sink. PEX tubing with a threaded fitting directly on the end is commonly used in RVs. A 13/16th thread on this allows for direct connection to the tap.

When Should The Faucet Be Replaced

One of the most demanding appliances in your house is the kitchen tap. It can make things out of whack if it isn’t functioning properly. There is an overabundance of dishes. Messy hands occur. How long do kitchen faucets last, and when should you replace your own? Unfortunately, kitchen faucets eventually wear out just like any other fixture. When you notice indications that your old kitchen tap isn’t functioning properly, it’s time to hire experts to install a brand-new one. When should yours end? What to search for is detailed below.

Leaks

By changing the cartridge inside the handle assembly, it is occasionally possible to repair a leaky tap. That won’t always be sufficient, though. It’s time to replace your kitchen tap if you’ve already tried to fix the leak.

When you can get a replacement kitchen tap for a lower price and one that will last you for years, it is not worth it to spend money trying to fix a leak. In addition to being annoying, a leaky tap may also encourage the growth of mold. A permanent repair is frequently more expensive than a complete kitchen tap replacement.

Age

Your faucet makes, and model can affect how long it lasts. Identifying the precise type of tap you have can be challenging, but there are methods for doing so. For instance, Moen frequently imprints model numbers on the spout’s back or underside. You might be able to order replacement cartridges and other parts for your tap if you know its model to keep it in working order. Any tap over 15 years old needs to be replaced if you can’t determine how long it will last.

Corrosion

When you try to move the handle of your tap, does it stick or break? When you turn it on, does water start coming out immediately? These indicate internal corrosion and rusting. You won’t be able to do much to fix your tap once it starts to malfunction. Before it is visible, rust accumulates internally. Around the base and fixture will be where you’ll most frequently find it on the outside. If rust and corrosion are not addressed, they will only worsen over time, making your tap more prone to leaks.

Steps To Install The Faucet

1.Turn Off The Freshwater Supply Of The RV

You MUST cut off your water source or city connection before beginning to replace the RV tap. In the event that your tanks are in use, this might also entail turning off your water pump. Otherwise, your RV might get damaged, and you’ll have a huge mess on your hands. Do not skip this step, and be cautious about your RV kitchen sink drain.

2.Remove The Old Faucet's Input Connections

Be sure to turn off the water pump if you’re using it to increase the pressure of the water. Open the hot and cold water faucets while the water is off to release the pressure; there should be none now. It’s time to crawl underneath the sink to dislodge and remove the hot and cold plumbing lines attached to the tap. Channel locks and an adjustable wrench are used to accomplish this.

For a less stressful installation, a headlamp can really make it much easier to see under the sink. Keep a bucket on hand to collect any leftover water from the plumbing systems. Disconnect the plumbing lines before removing the nuts holding the tap base to the sink. The tap should be able to be pulled off the sink after being unscrewed by the two nuts, which are typically two brass or plastic ones.

3.Prepare The New Faucet

The sink, plumbing lines, and fittings must be cleaned and prepared before the new tap is installed. Ensure the washbasin is clean and dry by wiping off any silicon or plumbers’ putty. Start applying pipe dope and Teflon tape on the new faucet’s threads. First, use the pipe dope and Teflon tape to install the tap. Now is much simpler than later when you’ll need to do it while lying on your back underneath the sink after putting it in.

To ensure a leak-free plumbing connection of your RV stainless steel sink, apply the first coat of pipe dope, a second coat of Teflon tape, and a third and final coat of pipe dope. Put a small dab of silicon or plumbers putty on the sink where the faucet’s base will rest. In addition to securing the tap to the sink, this will stop water from dripping under the sink. After all of this preparation, it is now prepared for the next step, which involves installing the tap and tying the plumbing lines together.

4.Connect The New Faucet

The faucet is now prepared for installation after all the necessary preparation. Crawl back under the sink and set the tap on the sink, setting it into the silicon or plumbers putty to secure it there. Connect the tap to the sink and secure it with the kit’s provided nuts. Connect the faucet’s plumbing lines now. Purchase new rubber washers for every connection point and all-new flexible connection lines, if applicable to your installation. This is another assurance that the plumbing connection won’t leak.

Leaks frequently occur if you reinstall the same lines or fittings in old plumbing. Install the plumbing lines, then tighten them. A leak or damage to the fittings or tap may result from overtightening, so take care to avoid this. Instead of buying a new part or fitting it because something broke, tightening something up later to stop a leak or drip is always simpler.

Now that everything is connected, it’s time to return to the water supply to ensure no leaks. Remove the RV Kitchen sink aerator before turning on the tap to prevent any installation materials or foreign objects from clogging the aerator.

5.Turn On The Water And Check For Leaks

Open the tap handles and turn on the water supply once everything is connected. Be prepared to quickly shut off the water supply immediately after checking for leaks. Close the handles once the tap starts to flow water smoothly. By doing this, the new fittings will be under full pressure. Having turned off the handles, check for leaks once more. If it leaks, turn off the water supply again before fixing it after opening the tap to release the pressure.

Torva RV Faucet And Its Matching Sink

Choose the Torva RV tap and its matching sink if you’re looking for replacement options for your RV tap. This kitchen tap has a pull-down sprayer and offers the best height clearance for pitchers, big pots, and other bulkier items you need to put in your sink. There are two settings available: stream and spray.

This tap also saves you time and effort, as the water can be easily turned off without bending down to the tap handle. Its sleek and simple design also adds a touch of elegance and modernity to your RV.

Conclusion

Install the new aerator after carefully unscrewing the old one once you have it. It’s that simple. A crucial aspect of your RVing experience is using the kitchen tap. We are confident that an upgraded tap will be something you value on a daily basis—both aesthetically and practically. Larger residential sinks can be used with some Torva faucets for homes. If your RV sink is small, you might install a tap that sprays the near edge of the RV sink when turned on full blast.

The Similarities And Differences Between Home Sinks And RV Sinks