Loose faucet

[WriteON]

New house. Hacker builder. Faucet needs silicon at base and the basin nut has to be tightened. I can not see it. Cannot get a basin wrench up there. It is tight. I'm trying to access from the rear. I'm so lowly making my way through. Taking out the sink is a major project. Will use a master plumber if I can find one but I'm up for suggestions.

 

[jttheclockman]

Two choices that I know of. You can get a extension basin wrench or telescoping as they are called so the handle actually comes down below toilet tank. They work well. May need a mirror to see that you are grabbing nut properly. Or you can buy the basin Buddy. I have only read about these and have not tried it but looks like it can be of use. Again stack as many extensions you need to on socket wrench to get below toilet.

https://www.amazon.com/Superior-Tool-03825-Wrench-Wrench-coupling/dp/B007BI7IJA

One last thing is to use a mechanics tool that I have used in the past but you need a wrench the correct size and it sort of combines both option one and 2. That is a tight clearance offset socket.

https://www.mcmaster.com/open-end-wrenches/secure-grip-tight-clearance-offset-sockets/

 

[Monty]

One last thing is to use a mechanics tool that I have used in the past but you need a wrench the correct size and it sort of combines both option one and 2. That is a tight clearance offset socket.

https://www.mcmaster.com/open-end-wrenches/secure-grip-tight-clearance-offset-sockets/

Those are known as a crowd foot wrench.
Frank, I'm not a plumber and I didn't stay at Holiday Inn last night but I do work part time in a small hardware store and I've never seen a basin sink with 4 hoses in 1 hole. From the picture I don't see any way you could get a wrench around the nut to tighten it without removing the sink and turning it over. The basin should not be hard to remove but after seeing the picture, who knows.

 

[monophoto]

I absolutely hate plumbing. Can't do anything without having to stand on your head to access impossible spaces that are large enough for your hand or a tool, but never both at the same time. And it seems like no matter how careful you are, and how hard do work, the darn thing leaks.

Undergoing a colonoscopy is a lot more fun!

 

[bsshog40]

I'm presuming no way to unmount the sink from the cabinet and pull it out some? I'm no plumber either, just a diy'er.

 

[hilltopper46]

I had a similar problem and solved it with this wrench from Amazon.

 

[rixstix]

Is that a Delta "ToucH2O" faucet?

Like Monty, 4 hoses into a faucet seemed odd but I happened across our ToucH2O manual and there are 4 lines plus a sensor wire.

 

[jttheclockman]

Those are known as a crowd foot wrench.
Frank, I'm not a plumber and I didn't stay at Holiday Inn last night but I do work part time in a small hardware store and I've never seen a basin sink with 4 hoses in 1 hole. From the picture I don't see any way you could get a wrench around the nut to tighten it without removing the sink and turning it over. The basin should not be hard to remove but after seeing the picture, who knows.

It is actually called a Crowsfoot wrench. I too just could not figure out the photo and after awhile I figured it was looking up into the backside of the sink. Could not follow all those hoses.

That was put in before the sink was so that would be the way to access it. Yes it maybe a bigger project but to do it right this is the path we must take.

 

[Monty]

John,
Thought I had typed crowsfoot but my fat fingers and spell check seem to work against me when I type on my phone.

 

[jttheclockman]

John,
Thought I had typed crowsfoot but my fat fingers and spell check seem to work against me when I type on my phone.

Do it all the time. I am thankful for spell check. I just gave a few suggestions for his problem but in reality taking the sink out is the way to go. that is how that was installed in first place. You probably had crowded and cramped space on your mind when typing and I could see why.

 

[WriteON]

I had a similar problem and solved it with this wrench from Amazon.

I'm presuming no way to unmount the sink from the cabinet and pull it out some? I'm no plumber either, just a diy'er.

Hilltopper…. Have one on order
Basshog ….Removing that sink is a major project and most likely will get damaged. I could do my the job but not in the mood.

 

[WriteON]

Is that a Delta "ToucH2O" faucet?

Like Monty, 4 hoses into a faucet seemed odd but I happened across our ToucH2O manual and there are 4 lines plus a sensor wire.

Not a touch type

 

[Monty]

All I can say is good luck fixing it with out removing the sink.
Let us know how it goes.

 

[WriteON]

All I can say is good luck fixing it with out removing the sink.
Let us know how it goes.

Thanks. The only hope is coming through the back of the cabinet. The dry wall has be cut out. I have one more panel to cut and it's live or die.

 

[bsshog40]

Can you post a pic of the whole sink and cabinet? Might be able to see the whole project/problem that you're up against.

 

[WriteON]

Can you post a pic of the whole sink and cabinet? Might be able to see the whole project/problem that you're up against.

Will do that tomorrow. Anyway this is interesting. Top faucet mounting adapter. I'd get a compatible Delta faucet. I feel I can get the old one out with some thought & language.

 

[WriteON]

 

[WriteON]

Can you post a pic of the whole sink and cabinet? Might be able to see the whole project/problem that you're up against.

This looks like the point of access for now. I'll go further until I can complete or hit a brick wall. The Masonite panel behind the green studs gets cut with a Dremel and thin cutting burr.

 

[maxwell_smart007]

I have a tool like hilltoppers - they sometimes come with new faucets, so check the box if you still have it!

 

[maxwell_smart007]

Basin Buddy on Amazon looks interesting...

 

[WriteON]

I just ordered Husky Shower Sockets… the have potential. Thanks for everyone's replies. I'm getting there. I'd give everyone a pen as a thank you but you have your own

 

[WriteON]

Might work out. The Husky's might fill the bill

 

[WriteON]

I need high quality burrs to cut through a Masonite panel. Junk I can find anywhere. I want good cutters. Where and what to buy. Thanks.

 

[jttheclockman]

I need high quality burrs to cut through a Masonite panel. Junk I can find anywhere. I want good cutters. Where and what to buy. Thanks.

What type tool are you using to do this cutting.

 

[WriteON]

What type tool are you using to do this cutting.

Sorry forgot to mention.... I think I can only get in using a Dremel with the burr protruding about 1/4". Will need something like one these burrs... some cut great...some clog up

 

[Penultimate]

Hi
How about a woodcutting Rotozip bit? It has a 1/8" shank so it will fit a rotary tool.
From the Rotozip site:
SC4 Sabrecut Bit 4-Pc
Model # SC4
Cuts through all wood, fiberglass, OSB, laminates, plastic and vinyl/aluminum siding.

 

[egnald]

Mike (Penultimate) is right on with the Rotozip. They have saved me a lot of work in the past. I don't use mine very often, but when there is a good fit for the job, it can really come to the rescue. - Dave

 

[jttheclockman]

rotozip can work and this type saw has become one of my favorite saws.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?...0705795&selectedIndex=0&ajaxhist=0&ajaxserp=0

 

[WriteON]

Hi
How about a woodcutting Rotozip bit? It has a 1/8" shank so it will fit a rotary tool.
From the Rotozip site:
SC4 Sabrecut Bit 4-Pc
Model # SC4
Cuts through all wood, fiberglass, OSB, laminates, plastic and vinyl/aluminum siding.

Ordered. Thanks. Will follow up

 

[WriteON]

rotozip can work and this type saw has become one of my favorite saws.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=ofy//Jst&id=AE54E68452FB8618E1D446B670564A42C2D73807&thid=OIP.ofy__JstwSEmRwCjwWF2egHaHa&mediaurl=https://th.bing.com/th/id/R.a1fcbffc9b2dc121264700a3c161767a?rik=BzjXwkJKVnC2Rg&riu=http%3a%2f%2fitslondon.s3.amazonaws.com%2fp%2falt%2fxxl%2fFEIAFMM18_1.jpg&ehk=1wDo0nNYHw96irBZuIsutOjDvjEyNPMN5OPaqO5qbuQ%3d&risl=&pid=ImgRaw&r=0&exph=2000&expw=2000&q=fein+saw&simid=608037043198363858&FORM=IRPRST&ck=84E79E4E611F8825BB6722F910705795&selectedIndex=0&ajaxhist=0&ajaxserp=0

I have this tool … the space is too confined to use it.

 

[WriteON]

2 hours under sink today. Hated every minute of it. I'm 75 and too old for this. Too old meaning I don't need the agg. Did a lot of cutting from the rear but that helped. I stacked the set of sockets and that accommodated the length to access the basin nut. I managed to tighten the faucet. At this point I have good access and the right tool to remove for replacement or tighten again if needed. Thanks for all posts.

 

[WriteON]

Faucet sockets. I stacked the 5 piece set. Interesting how 1 tool is key to any job.

 

[jttheclockman]

Thank goodness you succeeded. Hope you never have to crawl under there again. You were determined and you overcame adversity. A+++ Now go make a pen as a reward.

 

[WriteON]

Thank goodness you succeeded. Hope you never have to crawl under there again. You were determined and you overcame adversity. A+++ Now go make a pen as a reward.

A pen is in store. I slowed down drastically but the love never goes away. I have few pens in the bullpen. No deadlines … it's a beautiful hobby. Good fun is hard to find. So is a group like the IAP members. Can always count on them for fun & facts.

 

[WriteON]

It is a 3 hose system. One line comes out and returns to the faucet through the threaded gold colored fitting.

 

[WriteON]

Fluid Master 14x14 panel. Will paint and that's it for now. I might leave it in case access is needed. Might drywall the hole. Not sure yet.
What leaves me hazy is I could fix the faucet but a skilled plumber couldn't. However I'm glad I could DIY.

 

[hallelujahal]

Well done! I can't think of anything worse than crawling around on my knees for hours trying to fix a thing that refuses to be fixed!

 

[WriteON]

Well done! I can't think of anything worse than crawling around on my knees for hours trying to fix a thing that refuses to be fixed!

Hated every minute of it. Thanks for the hug.

 

[jttheclockman]

All that to tighten a nut. Glad it worked out. Probably plumber just did not want to do it. There is always a way. If it was installed it can come out.

 

[monophoto]

Fluid Master 14x14 panel. Will paint and that's it for now. I might leave it in case access is needed. Might drywall the hole. Not sure yet.
What leaves me hazy is I could fix the faucet but a skilled plumber couldn't. However I'm glad I could DIY.

It's amazing how many great ideas have been abandoned because builders were doing things on the cheap.

The home my parents built in the early 1950's had a removable panel to provide access to the bath tub plumbing. Don't know if that was just something my dad opted to do (he was a pretty practical guy), or if it was customary at the time, but it really was a great idea.

When our current home was built (20 years ago), the builder didn't even bother to provide attic access - I suppose he saved around 35 cents by doing that,, but I would have gladly paid a few hundred bucks for that feature if had given me the choice (or if I had thought to ask for it).

In our former home (which was built in the late 1940's) we had a problem with the tub in the downstairs bath, and of course, there was no way to access the plumbing. After working on the plumbing, I made a plywood panel to fit over the opening, and painted it so that it wouldn't be so obvious. A little trim moulding disguised the fact that it was a patch. As far as I know, it's still there - we sold that house 20 years ago, and its been through at least three owners since we left.

Later, when we added a second floor bath, I put a linen closet at the head-end of the tub, and designed the framing and wall so that a large section was removable just in case I ever had to get in there. And since there were some plumbing fittings under the closet floor, it was also constructed to be easily removable. I never had a chance to tell the people we sold the house to about those openings, so the current owners may not even know they are there.