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Question:

fixing a faucet connection problem?

I just wanted to replace my kitchen sink but now that we have it in my cold water hose wont fit into the cold water valve.. they are both female ends. is there an adaptor i can use? do i have to replace the valve with a valve that has the right connection? and lastly what are these parts all called so i wont look like an idiot at the hardware store. thatnks for the help every one!

Answer:

Please okorder , or the like) I can't tell what valve you're referring to.
nothing to be ashamed of , take one sample and ask the hard ware store your problem, I am sure they will be more than happy to assist you , this will be more practical and save time, good luck, not forgetting to be honest
Well, the first thing the hardware person is gonna ask is "What kind of plumbing do you have?" (Copper, plastic, iron?) If the two female ends you have are of the same type (1/2" NPT, for example -- NPT standing for National Pipe Thread, and the 1/2" referring to the "nominal" inside diameter of the pipe, which is actually considerably larger), then it's a simple fix: Get a short 1/2" galvanized iron "nipple" (which, despite its name, has two threaded male ends), and that should go between the two female connectors and solve the problem. If the threads don't match on one side or the other, you'll need an adapter, which the hardware store can provide. If your valve is functional, you shouldn't have to replace it. Be sure to use teflon tape on the threads: As you're facing one of the male ends, tightly wrap a strip of the tape clockwise two full laps around the threads. (By wrapping it clockwise, the twisting of the female fitting onto it won't undo the tape.) The teflon tape not only fills any flaws in the metal surfaces; it also lubricates the joint so you can get it good and tight. PVC plastic pipe generally has NPT fittings for attaching fixtures; copper might have the same, or have "flare" or "compression" connections. Galvanized iron pipe always is fitted with NPT threads, and 1/2" is most common for kitchen and bathroom. PS: I just now saw your photos, which weren't yet posted when I started writing this. The pictures are too small for me to be sure what you have there, but maybe the problem is just that you have two connector tubes! Take one of 'em off at the other end, and attach the free end of the other one there. In selecting which one to detach, the one coming from the plumbing is probably far easier to access; the one going up to the faucet would require a basin wrench -- not a fun tool to use -- and a flashlight, and three hands! Congratulations on doing it yourself!

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