Introduction
Is your kitchen faucet dripping, outdated, or just not working like it used to? Replacing a kitchen faucet is a great way to upgrade your kitchen without a full remodel. You don’t need to be a plumber to do it, either—with the right tools and a little patience, you can get it done in under an hour. In this guide, you’ll learn how to replace a kitchen faucet step by step, whether you’re swapping out a basic model or upgrading to a pull-down sprayer.
Why Replacing a Faucet Matters in the Kitchen
Your faucet is one of the most used fixtures in your kitchen. A new faucet can:
- Fix leaks that waste water and increase utility bills
- Improve functionality with better pressure or features like sprayers
- Update your kitchen’s look for a cleaner, more modern feel
- Increase resale value with updated hardware
- Enhance hygiene with features like touchless or pull-out faucets
Replacing your faucet can breathe new life into your kitchen with minimal cost and effort.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing a Kitchen Faucet
Before you start, make sure your new faucet fits your existing sink and layout.
1. Gather Your Tools and Materials
You’ll need:
- New kitchen faucet
- Basin wrench or adjustable wrench
- Plumber’s tape (Teflon tape)
- Bucket or towel
- Flashlight (optional but helpful under the sink)
- Putty knife or scraper (if removing old sealant)
- Silicone caulk or plumber’s putty (as required by your faucet)
Kitchen Tip: Check the faucet box—it may include necessary hardware and step-by-step instructions specific to your model.
2. Turn Off the Water Supply
Look under the sink for two shutoff valves—one for hot water and one for cold.
- Turn both valves clockwise to shut off
- Turn on the faucet to release remaining water and relieve pressure
- Place a bucket or towel under the faucet connections to catch drips
Reminder: If you don’t have shutoff valves, you’ll need to turn off the water at the main supply line.
3. Disconnect Water Supply Lines
Using a wrench, disconnect the hot and cold water supply lines from the faucet.
- Loosen the nuts counterclockwise
- Catch any remaining water in your bucket or towel
- Inspect the lines—if they’re old or corroded, consider replacing them with flexible braided hoses
Pro Tip: Label or remember which line is hot and which is cold for reconnection.
4. Remove the Old Faucet
Under the sink, locate the mounting nuts or brackets holding the faucet in place.
- Use a basin wrench to loosen and remove the nuts
- Once loose, lift the old faucet out from above
- Scrape away any old caulk or plumber’s putty around the base with a putty knife
Kitchen Tip: This step can be tricky in tight spaces—take your time and use a flashlight if needed.
5. Clean the Sink Surface
Before installing the new faucet, clean the area around the mounting holes.
- Remove any buildup, grime, or leftover putty
- Wipe down with a mild cleaner and let it dry completely
Reminder: A clean surface ensures a proper seal with the new faucet.
6. Install the New Faucet
Follow your faucet’s specific instructions, but here’s the general process:
- Insert the faucet’s supply lines and mounting shank(s) through the sink holes
- Use the included gasket or plumber’s putty under the faucet base (check manufacturer instructions)
- From under the sink, secure the faucet with mounting nuts or brackets
- Tighten by hand first, then finish with a wrench or basin wrench
Pro Tip: Have a helper hold the faucet in place above the sink while you tighten the fittings below.
7. Connect the Water Supply Lines
Attach the hot and cold supply lines to the corresponding shutoff valves.
- Wrap the threads with plumber’s tape to ensure a tight seal
- Use a wrench to tighten the nuts—snug, but not overly tight
- Double-check all connections before restoring water
Note: Some newer faucets come with pre-attached supply lines—just connect the ends to your shutoff valves.
8. Turn On the Water and Check for Leaks
Slowly turn on the shutoff valves under the sink.
- Open the faucet to allow water to flow and air to purge from the system
- Check all connections for leaks
- Tighten any fittings as needed and dry off drips
Kitchen Tip: Let water run for a minute to flush out debris from the new faucet.
9. Seal the Base (If Needed)
Some faucet bases require sealing with silicone caulk after installation.
- Run a thin bead around the base of the faucet
- Smooth with a damp finger or cloth
- Wipe away excess and let dry as directed
Reminder: Don’t use silicone if your faucet includes a gasket or mounting plate—check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common errors to ensure a successful installation:
Mistake 1: Forgetting to Shut Off Water
Solution: Always shut off both hot and cold supply valves before beginning.
Mistake 2: Reusing Damaged Supply Lines
Solution: Inspect and replace old or corroded hoses with new, flexible ones.
Mistake 3: Over-Tightening Connections
Solution: Hand-tighten, then give a final snug turn with a wrench. Over-tightening can strip threads or crack components.
Mistake 4: Skipping the Sealant
Solution: Apply plumber’s putty or silicone if your faucet doesn’t include a built-in gasket.
Mistake 5: Not Testing Before Finishing
Solution: Always check for leaks and smooth operation before finishing up and putting away your tools.
Extra Tips & Kitchen Hacks
Here are a few tips to make the job easier:
Tip 1: Take a Photo Before Starting
Photograph the existing faucet and connections to use as a reference when installing the new one.
Tip 2: Use a Basin Wrench Extension
If space under the sink is tight, an extended basin wrench gives you better reach and leverage.
Tip 3: Upgrade to a Pull-Down Sprayer
While you’re replacing your faucet, consider upgrading to a pull-down or touch-activated model for added functionality.
Next Task: Once your faucet is installed, learn how to clean and shine your sink for a sparkling kitchen makeover.
Conclusion
Replacing a kitchen faucet may seem intimidating, but it’s a doable DIY project that can dramatically improve your kitchen’s functionality and appearance. With just a few tools and the right steps, you can swap out that leaky or outdated faucet and enjoy a clean, efficient upgrade. Take your time, follow this guide, and your new faucet will be up and running in no time.
Bookmark this guide so you’re ready the next time your kitchen faucet needs an upgrade!