When installing a new kitchen sink faucet, a plumber notices that the hot and cold water supply lines are reversed at the stub-outs. What is the most appropriate action to take before connecting the faucet?

Question: When installing a new kitchen sink faucet, a plumber notices that the hot and cold water supply lines are reversed at the stub-outs. What is the most appropriate action to take before connecting the faucet?

Answer options:

• Install the faucet as is, as the internal cartridge will correct the flow direction.
• Attempt to switch the supply lines at the main shut-off valve to correct the orientation. ✅ Use flexible supply lines to cross over and connect hot to hot and cold to cold.
• Advise the client that the rough-in is incorrect and it needs to be repiped.

Correct answer: Use flexible supply lines to cross over and connect hot to hot and cold to cold.

Explanation: The most practical and common solution is to use flexible supply lines that can cross over without kinking to connect the hot faucet inlet to the hot supply and the cold faucet inlet to the cold supply. Switching lines at the main shut-off is usually not feasible, and repiping the rough-in is an unnecessary expense for a simple crossover.