Changing the faucet in the head of a 2007 Hunter 2007 - it won't budge.

[MandyM]

We need to replace the head sink faucet in our 2007 Hunter 31. We have the new parts ready, but cannot get the old faucet off. It appears that the water lines need to screw off first and then there is a nut that we cannot get a wrench around at all. No amount of turning gets the water lines to move and with them in the way we cannot access the central bolt. Any hints, short of a sledgehammer, to get this thing out?
Picture is of the old faucet mechanism under the sink.

 

[Rich Stidger]

Try to remove it from the top. It looks like a top part goes thru the cabinet and screws into the flange that you see on the bottom. I don't believe that the water lines are removable- I think they are brazed into the body of the valve.
If your new parts are the same as your existing, examine the new faucet to see how it fastens.
If your new faucet is different, and all else fails, cut through the flange on the bottom and take it out in pieces.
More pictures with a wider view and photos of the top of the faucet would help with better ideas.

 

[senang]

I only got it off by cutting it using a grinder

 

[senang]

You get a lot of water infiltration at that spot

 

[MandyM]

Here are some better pictures of the situation. Thank you for your help

 

[MandyM]

I only got it off by cutting it using a grinder

We are considering the grinder!

 

[BigEasy]

Limited access undoubtedly makes this task more difficult. Try to disconnect the water lines, then use a pipe wrench above counter top on faucet/fixture to determine if it is removable. If you are unsuccessful, mask the countertop thoroughly & resort to “nuclear” option (Grinder).

 

[jssailem]

It is not clearly seen, but there should be a nut in the middle of the underside. It is attached to the faucet. There is a plate positioned between the nut and the underside of the sink deck.
A basin wrench may help to grab the nut.

It not movable then you may need to resort to cutting the nut.

To help with the removal, I would disconnect all the hoses. I’d try to remove the center black hose.

 

[Allan12210]

Looking up from the bottom, is the center part threaded and protruding from the plate? I see a hex on the top. Is it possible that it unscrews from the plate using that hex on top. If that works, the plate should drop away and the faucet is removed from the top. Worth a try.

 

[MandyM]

Looking up from the bottom, is the center part threaded and protruding from the plate? I see a hex on the top. Is it possible that it unscrews from the plate using that hex on top. If that works, the plate should drop away and the faucet is removed from the top. Worth a try.

Looking up from the bottom, is the center part threaded and protruding from the plate? I see a hex on the top. Is it possible that it unscrews from the plate using that hex on top. If that works, the plate should drop away and the faucet is removed from the top. Worth a try.

Yes, that's exactly what needs to happen. Getting a wrench around that hex is proving difficult.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Yes, that's exactly what needs to happen. Getting a wrench around that hex is proving difficult.

Agree. If you cut the black hose that comes up thru the faucet could you not then get a box end wrench on that nut? That assumes that you don't need to reused the shower wand and the new faucet has a new one. Good luck.

 

[Allan12210]

Yes, that's exactly what needs to happen. Getting a wrench around that hex is proving difficult.

If getting an open ended wrench on that hex is a problem, I've resorted to buying a set of Crow's Foot wrenches in either SAE or Metric depending on what you need. You can find them at Harbor Freight pretty cheaply. I used to keep a set for flare fittings on the boat. They were ideal for various fuel lines on the engine and they didn't round them over.

 

[kloudie1]

1

 

[Rich Stidger]

I apologize in advance for not providing this info much sooner. After seeing the additional pix of the faucet in question, I knew that I had replaced this same faucet in my aft head with a single lever control. Then I finally realized that I had saved the original faucet because I am a pack rat.
So I pulled it off my storage-of-useless-stuff shelf and took some photos. These should clearly show how this faucet comes apart.

 

[jssailem]

It screws down from the top.

That is so not like any home plumbing. It may require a lot of PB BLaster or penetrating oil spray to release corrossion You may need to somehow hold the threaded plate in place to break the threads free.

Looks like an easy to install - hell of a MXxxxxx to uninstall. Would explain the notes I read about frustration and boat owners removing the sink cabinet to change out a faucet.

 

[MandyM]

This is all great advice. We have cobbled together a functional fix (for now) but will try to apply these ideas when weather keeps us at the dock for a weekend and we have time to attempt.

 

[CrispyCringle]

I apologize in advance for not providing this info much sooner. After seeing the additional pix of the faucet in question, I knew that I had replaced this same faucet in my aft head with a single lever control. Then I finally realized that I had saved the original faucet because I am a pack rat.
So I pulled it off my storage-of-useless-stuff shelf and took some photos. These should clearly show how this faucet comes apart.
View attachment 237816View attachment 237817View attachment 237818View attachment 237819View attachment 237820

Ive put in a lot of faucets before, but Ive never seen one like that. When I saw the OPs pics it didnt make sense. No way to turn the nut with the supply lines in the way. I thought it was some one-time use thing that is sometimes used to save the manufacturer a few dollars. I dont know why some faucet designers feel like they have to reinvent the wheel sometimes. Anyway, nice job figuring that one out. I may have had to go full medieval on it if I encountered that.

 

[Scott B]

How about trying, take the water lines off, the plastic nuts, then try twisting the tap itself on top of the counter to loosen the nut below the counter. Even if you have to use a pipe wrench or something, the tap itself is despensible anyways.

 

[MandyM]

Thanks for all your help. The faucet is off! First step was removing the top section that was screwed in. From there is came apart piece by piece in a very logical manner. Numbered pics attached so the next person with this issue can see the process.