Every DIYer runs into a problem at some point with things that don’t connect. How do you extend a faucet supply line to get water where it needs to be? Sometimes it doesn’t make a substantial difference. You can swap a part for a longer part easily. However, faucet supply lines tend to involve a more complicated setup where the water reaches the outlet. Fortunately, it is easy enough to fix this issue. You can opt for a flexible line extender to fit into any space. Likewise, you can connect two shorter pieces of the faucet supply line if you need additional reach. I will walk you through installing a flexible extender to your existing plumbing, so you’ll have running water again in no time. This fix is easy for any skill level and should only take a few moments.
How To Extend A Faucet Supply Line
Extending your supply line doesn’t have to be a big deal. With the right tools, you can finish this job in a couple of hours. Although it’s always wise to have a professional plumber check over your work, a homeowner can work on their own residence.
You will need supply line extender hoses, Teflon tape or sealant, a measuring tape, an adjustable wrench, and a basin wrench. The basin wrench is easier to use but not completely necessary. Additionally, you may want towels, a bucket, and a flashlight or headlamp for easy visibility and cleanup. Follow the steps below to extend your faucet supply lines.
Steps To Extend Your Faucet Supply Line
- Turn off the water. Not just the sink, but the water that flows to the sink or the home needs to be completely shut down to prevent messy accidents and leakage. You should have individual shutoff valves under the sink, but some older homes may lack this feature.
- Remove any existing broken extenders.
- Label hot and cold extenders if they don’t have any markings. This way, you can connect them to the right pipes, so your faucet handles work as expected.
- Use several layers of Teflon tape or thread sealant on the threaded piece(s) you will connect first.
- Attach your connectors to the faucet body first.
- Next, attach the faucet to the sink.
- Insert the tailpieces and connectors through the hole or holes already drilled in your countertop.
- Using a rubber gasket retainer ring, slide this up the lines and secure the faucet parts in place.
- Tighten the nuts with your fingers or a basin wrench. Ensure that you don’t overtighten. A quarter turn with the wrench should be enough once they are secured in place. Too much tension can damage the countertop.
- Add your layers of Teflon tape or sealant at the other end of your extenders.
- Connect the extenders to your supply lines. This is where those labels come in handy. Tighten them with adjustable wrenches, again ensuring you don’t overtighten.
- Finally, you can turn the water back on and check for leaks. You can tighten anywhere you notice water coming out to prevent further problems.
Pro-tip: Keep your hot and cold lines at least six inches apart to prevent them from affecting each other’s temperature.
While you’re changing that supply line, add a sleek new faucet. I recommend the Jakara Single Handle Waterfall Bathroom Faucet from Amazon. This modern, brushed nickel faucet is corrosion and scratch resistant. Better still, it’s compatible with single or three-hole mounting styles. Plus, you’ll love the drip-free guarantee. Learn more about the Jakarta Waterfall by clicking right here.
Can You Connect Two Water Supply Lines
You can connect two water supply lines easily. Extending a water supply line may require this knowledge, depending on your sink setup. Fortunately, it doesn’t take a lot of effort to learn.
The best way to accomplish this task is with a compression fitting. It is essential to have two same-sized fittings. I recommend measuring carefully to make sure everything fits, or you’ll have a wet mess on your hands.
While this type of connection isn’t as durable as soldering, it is easier, especially for beginners. Plus, this type of connection requires only periodic maintenance. Plastic pipes may require additional fittings, and non-flexible pipe needs to be bent.
Fortunately, if you’re using flexible supply extenders, all you need is a few layers of Teflon tape and the compression fittings. The fitting will do the job of connecting your lines. All you have o do is screw it on and check for leaks.
Can Faucet Supply Lines Be Too Long
Faucet supply lines can be too short, leading to the need for a supply line extender. However, a too-long line usually isn’t a big deal. It may take up extra space under the sink.
Extra-long lines are easier to get a kink in or a break. The only other downside to overlong supply line extenders is that they can delay hot water to the sink for a second or two. Since water sitting in the line cools over time, this is formerly hot water moving out of the way for the freshly heated water.
Go for a classic look with the BWE 2-Handle Bathroom Faucet from Amazon. The oil-rubbed bronze finish is timeless and suits any decor. You also get the mounting hardware, a pop-up drain, and hoses. You will appreciate how easy it is to hook up. Get a BWE delivered to your door fast when you click here.
What Length Do Faucet Supply Lines Come In
Although you may find unusual sizes if you search long enough, there are a handful of standard supply line lengths. Learning how to extend faucet supply lines can help any homeowner remodel kitchens or bathrooms with ease. However, it helps if you have the right parts.
Typical sizes include twelve, sixteen, twenty, and thirty-inch extenders. These are manufacturer standard lengths. Most of the time, you will either need two hoses or a specialty piece to get a different length than these.
It is perfectly acceptable to have flexible hoses that are too long. Regrettably, a too-short hose won’t connect the water to your faucet. Always measure the distance you need to cover with a measuring tape before selecting your faucet supply line extenders.
Choose an extender that is at least an inch more than your measurement. If you need exactly twelve inches, go up a size and opt for the sixteen-inch extenders. This is crucial because the piece screws into both ends, and as a result, it shortens the distance it can cover by about half an inch or more.
Hook your faucet supply lines up to this Centerset Matte Black Bathroom Faucet from Amazon. The lead-free, two-handle faucet is safe, and it comes with a matching black copper pop-up drain. The drain seals perfectly, and it’s easy to install. Plus, you get the supply lines as well for a complete sink remodel with no worries. To see hundreds of five-star reviews, click here.
What Is A Faucet Supply Line Extension
A faucet supply line extension is a hose that allows you to connect pipes that don’t match up correctly. Another part helps you extend a faucet supply line if you only need an inch or less. This is called a faucet supply line adapter.
The faucet supply line adapter is a small threaded metal bit. While both these parts technically extend your water line from one spot to another, the extension is the one with the hose or hoses. You can get both single and double extenders, but it’s common to find two because there are hot and cold-water lines.
You can even connect more than one set of faucet supply line extensions if you need more reach. For this, you will need two sets of same-sized supply line extensions.
For a minimalist modern faucet, I recommend the BWE Modern Waterfall from Amazon. This stunning black oil-rubbed bronze fixture will give any bathroom an upgrade. With a single handle and included supply hose, you can ditch that old faucet fast. A clear and steady laminar stream gives your sink that little extra appeal for good hygiene. Get yours on Amazon when you click right here.
Faucet Supply Line Adapter
Unlike the faucet supply line extension, the adapter is for connecting two different-sized pieces. These odd little metal pieces have two threaded ends. However, there are also ‘faucet adapters’ that serve a different purpose, so shop carefully.
A faucet adapter not made for the supply line will connect a hose to your faucet. This is incredibly useful if you set up an outdoor faucet, such as you might use to hand wash laundry or pets in the warmer months.
Final Thoughts
Plumbing is often intimidating. When you need to extend a faucet supply line, learning how doesn’t need to be a headache. Better still, you can easily switch out old or broken faucet supply lines the same way. Whether you need more reach or a new piece, the process is the same.
It’s okay to be cautious about plumbing. Unlike many home fixes, doing plumbing wrong can result in flooding and massive, expensive damages. Some plumbing is overly complex, but switching o adding a supply line is fast and simple.
Once you have the part you need, you can get that water flowing in just a few moments. The hardest part of extending a plumbing supply line is understanding what to look for, and now you know.