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Replacing a Kitchen Faucet? Check the Supply Fit First

Updated 2026-10-06 · Sources verified 2026-07-20

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Short answer: check with your building department. Strictly read, FBC 105.2 exempts only repairs that do NOT replace fixtures or valves, and Orange County publishes no fixture-swap exemption — commonly treated as minor work, but confirm (OC sub-trades: 407-836-5564). The full rule and its official source are below, with the code requirements and mistakes that trip up Orlando homeowners.

The permit answer

Check with your building department. Strictly read, FBC 105.2 exempts only repairs that do NOT replace fixtures or valves, and Orange County publishes no fixture-swap exemption — commonly treated as minor work, but confirm (OC sub-trades: 407-836-5564).
Source: https://up.codes/viewer/florida/fl-building-code-2023/chapter/1/scope-and-administration

Orange County and the City of Orlando run separate permit offices with separate portals — and your mailing address alone doesn't tell you which one covers your home. Check which permit office covers your address →

Key facts before you start

Check the connection BEFORE buying: Moen faucets 'typically utilize either flexible supplies with 3/8" compression fittings or 1/2" IPS connections' — if the existing supply lines or shut-off valves don't fit, get the adapter for that model (Moen's Replacement Part Locator gives the connection type).
Shut off both supply valves under the sink first (Moen: 'The water supply shut off valves must be turned off'); Delta's tool list adds a bucket, flashlight and safety glasses for the work under the sink.
Supply lines: blue = cold, red = hot. Hand-tighten, then 'one wrench turn past finger-tight should be tight enough' (Delta). Kohler: supply hoses 'must not be taut, kinked, or twisted'; if coiled, 'maintain an inside diameter of minimum Ø76mm' (~3 in).
Pull-down hose: slide the hose weight onto the hose before connecting (Delta). Quick connects lock with a press or an audible click — then 'gently tug on the quick connect to verify it is secure' (Moen). Where the outlet hose has a threaded connector, Kohler says tighten it by hand: 'Do not use a pliers or a wrench.'
Flush before first use: 'Remove aerator and black sealing gasket above it', set the handle to full-on mixed and flush two minutes (Delta: in the first days 'a small amount of debris may be flushed out of your pipe system'). Then 'Check all connections for leaks' (Kohler) and reinstall the aerator.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for a kitchen faucet replacement in Orange County, FL?

Check with your building department. Strictly read, FBC 105.2 exempts only repairs that do NOT replace fixtures or valves, and Orange County publishes no fixture-swap exemption — commonly treated as minor work, but confirm (OC sub-trades: 407-836-5564).

What's the biggest safety risk to know about before a kitchen faucet replacement?

Shut off both supply valves under the sink first (Moen: 'The water supply shut off valves must be turned off'); Delta's tool list adds a bucket, flashlight and safety glasses for the work under the sink.

What tools or parts do I need to get right for a kitchen faucet replacement?

Supply lines: blue = cold, red = hot. Hand-tighten, then 'one wrench turn past finger-tight should be tight enough' (Delta). (~3 in)

Related repairs

Sources

https://solutions.moen.com/FAQ's/FAQ's-Installation_And_Repair/Installation/I_just_purchased_a_new_faucet_and_my_existing_supply_lines_will_not_fit_on_your_faucet._What_can_be_done_to_correct_this%3F
https://solutions.moen.com/Article_Library/Removing_Quick_Connects
https://www.deltafaucet.com/il/home-improvement-101/how-install-kitchen-faucet
https://www.deltafaucet.com/node/272
https://techcomm.kohler.com/techcomm/pdf/1439198-H2.pdf

This guide is general informational content, not professional or legal advice. Codes and county rules change — confirm permit requirements with your local building department, and use a licensed professional for electrical, gas, structural, or main-line plumbing work.

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