Installing a new faucet in your kitchen makes a great DIY project for your home and isn’t hard. Because the steps for installing a faucet depend on the model you pick out, carefully follow the instructions that come with it.

    Replacing a kitchen faucet is a three-step process that involves removing the old faucet, cleaning the sink, and installing the new faucet. Let’s look at the full process and what you need to handle the installation.

    When you buy a new faucet, take measurements of the existing holes on the back of your sink and countertop to ensure proper fit. Consider the style and finish that will best match your kitchen decor.



    Tools and Materials

    You will need a basic set of tools and materials to install a faucet for your kitchen sink.

    Tools You Need

    Here are the basic tools you’ll need:

    • Flashlight or work light
    • Pliers or basin wrench
    • Protective eyewear or goggles
    • Putty knife
    • Two adjustable wrenches
    • Utility knife

    The adjustable wrenches help with loosening nuts and fittings, while the pliers or basin wrenches grip the faucet body. The putty knife scrapes away old putty, and goggles protect your eyes.

    Materials You Need

    Here are the needed materials for a faucet installation:

    • Kitchen faucet
    • Hot and cold supply lines
    • Plumber’s putty (optional)
    • Baking soda or cleanser
    • An old toothbrush or scrub brush
    • Towels, sponge, and bucket

    Plumber’s putty helps seal the base while baking soda or a cleanser removes grime. An old toothbrush or scrub brush cleans the sink surface. Have towels, a sponge, and a bucket on hand to clean up any water.


    How to Remove a Faucet

    Removing the old faucet is an important first step. Be methodical and take precautions. Here are the steps to follow.

    1. Clean out the cabinet under the sink to allow room to work. Remove any items stored under the sink to get the space you need to access pipes, valves, and fittings.
    1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet at the cut-off valves under the sink, then turn on the faucet to see if the water has stopped flowing. If the water lines under the sink do not have cut-off valves, turn the water off for the entire house at the water meter or where the main water line enters the house in the basement. Shutting off the water prevents leaks or other issues when removing supply lines.
    1. Undo the water supply lines to the faucet by turning the nut counterclockwise. Use two wrenches, one to keep the cut-off valve from twisting and the other to turn the nut that secures the supply line. Have one wrench hold the valve steady so you do not damage the plumbing.
    1. Unscrew the hold-down nuts under the countertop that secures the faucet in place using adjustable pliers or a special basin wrench. These nuts clamp the faucet base to the underside of the counter.
    1. Gently wiggle the faucet back and forth to loosen it. With the supply lines and mounting nuts detached, the faucet should loosen. Take care not to damage sink surfaces.
    1. Remove the old faucet by pulling the water supply lines up through the holes in the sink. Lift the faucet body out of the mounting holes once detached.
    1. Scrap off any old putty from the sink with a putty knife, being careful not to scratch the sink. Remove leftover plumber’s putty so the new faucet base seals properly.
    1. Clean the surface of the sink under and around the faucet holes using baking soda and an old toothbrush. Eliminate grime and residue so the new faucet mounts cleanly to the sink.

    Follow these steps carefully to avoid issues or leaks when installing the replacement. Having the right tools on hand also makes the process easier.


    How to Install a Faucet

    With the old unit removed, now install the shiny new faucet. Take care to position it correctly and make watertight connections. The steps to take are:

    1. If the base of your new faucet does not include a rubber gasket to seal it to the sink, apply the plumber’s putty to the sink under the faucet. The putty helps prevent leaks between the new faucet and sink surface.
    1. Install the faucet cover plate (if required) on the sink, making sure to center it on the sink. Tighten up the hold-down nuts under the sink with pliers or a basin wrench. Do not over-tighten plastic nuts. The cover plate provides a neat appearance while the tightened nuts securely anchor the new faucet.
    1. Mount the faucet and tighten it to the sink with the hold-down nuts using pliers or a basin wrench. Don’t over-tighten the plastic nuts. Position the faucet correctly before fully securing it.
    1. Attach hot and cold flexible water supply lines to the cut-off valves and faucet using two adjustable wrenches. Make sure the hot and cold supply lines are attached to the correct faucet lines. Properly connecting the hot and cold inputs prevents crossed connections.
    1. For faucets with a pullout sprayer, attach the counterweight to the sprayer hose. The weight helps retract and position the hose neatly without tangling or drooping.
    1. Unscrew the aerator from the end of the faucet and set it aside. The aerator mixes air into the water stream to prevent splashing. Temporarily removing it lets you flush residue and sediment from supply lines.
    1. Turn on the hot and cold water at the cut-off valves and check under the sink for leaks. Use the wrenches to tighten up the fittings until any leaks stop. Confirm all connections are watertight before completing the installation.
    1. Turn on the faucet and let the water run for a few minutes to clean any remaining debris out of the lines. The initial water flow clears out particles in supply pipes from the work.
    1. Turn off the faucet, screw on the aerator, and you’re done.

    Carefully following each installation step prevents leaks, damage, and other problems with your new faucet. Take precautions like protecting mounting surfaces, avoiding overtightening, and confirming watertight connections. Thoroughly flushing the lines also optimizes performance.


    Further Information

    Watch our video on How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet to find out more helpful details. Our step-by-step video walks through the entire process visually.


    So, Is Installing a Kitchen Faucet Difficult?

    Installing a kitchen faucet is an intermediate DIY project that’s manageable for a homeowner with basic skills. It involves removing supply lines, dismounting the old faucet, thoroughly cleaning mounting surfaces, and then reversing steps to install the replacement. Precise alignment, sealing, and securing the new unit takes patience and care. Having the proper tools and materials on hand is also key.

    While the process has several steps, none are overly complex for an amateur DIYer. The most physically demanding aspects are scraping off old putty and maneuvering the faucet into place. Expect the project to take a few hours your first time. Work methodically, re-read and follow instructions, and take safety precautions to minimize frustration.


    FAQs About Installing Kitchen Faucets

    What are the most important steps when installing a kitchen faucet?

    The most critical steps are properly aligning and positioning the new faucet, sealing its base to prevent leaks, securely tightening all mounting nuts, and connecting hot and cold supply lines correctly without cross-threading fittings. Rushing these aspects often causes problems.


    How do I avoid leaks with a newly installed kitchen faucet?

    To prevent leaks, thoroughly clean sink and countertop mounting surfaces to improve sealing. Use the plumber’s putty if the faucet base lacks a gasket. Carefully align fittings, tighten them gradually with adjustable wrenches, and check for water tightness before completing the job.


    What mistakes do people often make when replacing a kitchen faucet?

    Common mistakes people make when replacing a kitchen faucet involve damaging the sink or counter surfaces, overtightening plastic fittings and cracking them, and crossing hot and cold supply line connections. Minor mistakes include forgetting to flush residue and sediment from pipes and failing to secure pullout sprayer hoses.

    Replacing a kitchen faucet upgrades functionality and provides practice for amateur DIYers. Work through each installation step to limit your frustration on this project. Also, use the right tools.


    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Jonathon Jachura

    Jonathon Jachura

    Contributor

    Jonathon Jachura is a two-time homeowner with hands-on experience with HVAC, gutters, plumbing, lawn care, pest control, and other aspects of owning a home. He is passionate about home maintenance and finding the best services. His main goal is to educate others with crisp, concise descriptions that any homeowner can use. Jon uses his strong technical background to create engaging, easy-to-read, and informative guides. He does most of his home and lawn projects himself but hires professional companies for the “big things.” He knows what goes into finding the best service providers and contractors. Jon studied mechanical engineering at Purdue University in Indiana and worked in the HVAC industry for 12 years. Between his various home improvement projects, he enjoys the outdoors, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with his family.

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    Sabrina Lopez

    Editor

    Sabrina Lopez is a senior editor for Today’s Homeowner with over 7 years of writing and editing experience in digital media. She has reviewed content across categories that matter to homeowners, including HVAC services, home renovations, lawn and garden care, products for the home, and insurance services. When she’s not reviewing articles to make sure they are helpful, accessible, and engaging for homeowners like herself, Sabrina enjoys spending time with her family and their two parrots.

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