How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet: Tools and Steps

How to replace a kitchen faucet: shut off both supply valves, open the tap to drain the lines, disconnect the supply lines and mounting nuts, lift out the old faucet, clean the sink deck, install the new faucet with its gasket, tighten the nuts from below, reconnect the water, flush the aerator and check every joint for leaks.

It is a one-evening DIY job.

How to replace a kitchen faucet: before you start

Count the holes in your sink, usually one, three or four, and buy a faucet that suits that layout. A deck plate covers extra holes. Check the supply connection sizes, and buy new braided supply lines if the old ones are cracked or short. Clear out the under-sink cabinet and put a bucket and towel down.

Quick facts: how to replace a kitchen faucet
Time	About 1 to 2 hours
Tools	Basin wrench, adjustable wrench, screwdriver, bucket, flashlight, plumber's putty if the kit needs it
Parts	New faucet, supply lines, deck plate if needed
Stop	If the shutoff valves leak or will not turn; call a plumber

Step by step

1. Turn off both shutoff valves under the sink. If there are none, shut off the main water supply.
2. Open the old faucet to release pressure and drain the lines.
3. Disconnect the supply lines from the shutoff valves. Expect a little water.
4. Loosen the mounting nuts underneath with a basin wrench, which reaches into tight space. Disconnect the sprayer hose if there is one.
5. Lift out the old faucet and clean the sink surface of old putty and scale.
6. Install the new faucet by feeding the lines through the holes with the gasket or deck plate in place.
7. Tighten the mounting nuts from below and attach the weight or hose guide on a pull-down spout as the instructions say.
8. Connect the supply lines to the shutoff valves, hot on the left and cold on the right as a rule, and tighten by hand plus a quarter turn.
9. Remove the aerator, turn on the water slowly and flush for a minute to clear debris. Replace the aerator.
10. Check for leaks by running your hand along each joint and the cabinet floor.

Single-hole versus three-hole sinks

Sink	Faucet choice
One hole	Single-handle faucet, or a deck plate for a three-hole faucet
Three holes	Two-handle faucet, or a single-handle faucet with a deck plate
Four holes	Faucet plus sprayer or soap dispenser

Common mistakes

Forgetting the gasket, crossing hot and cold lines, over-tightening plastic nuts, and not flushing the lines so grit clogs the aerator are the typical problems. Take a photo before you disconnect anything, which makes reassembly easier.

Keeping it working

Clean the aerator every few months to keep flow strong, wipe the faucet with mild soap and check the supply lines for kinks once a year. Replace them every few years, or when you see bulges, rust or leaks.

Choosing the right faucet for your sink

Before you buy, measure the distance between the holes, check whether the sink has a deck plate and decide on a style. Pull-down and pull-out spouts are handy for rinsing, single-handle models are easy to use with wet hands and two-handle models suit traditional kitchens. Check the maximum counter thickness the faucet supports, and the finish you want. Reading the instructions before you start is the best way to learn how to replace a kitchen faucet without surprises.

After you finish

Run the water for a full minute, hot and cold, and check under the sink with a dry paper towel for any drip. Look again after an hour and again the next day. Keep the receipt and the manual in a kitchen drawer, because the model number helps if you need a replacement cartridge later.

When to call a professional

If the shutoff valves are stuck or leak when turned, pipes are corroded or the sink needs to be removed, a plumber can fix those quickly and safely. Knowing how to replace a kitchen faucet gives you a good idea of whether the job is routine or hides a plumbing problem.

Related reading

• How to Fix a Leaky Faucet: Find the Type, Replace the Part
• How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink: Plunger, Trap and Snake
• Outdoor Faucet Leaking? Find the Leak, Fix It, Winterize
• How to Replace a Garbage Disposal: Steps, Wiring and Safety

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