If you already own the tools, this DIY is a no-brainer.
Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
What you'll need:
TOOLS
Flashlight
Adjustable wrench
Towel
Safety goggles
SUPPLIES
Teflon tape (optional)
Plumber’s putty
A staple in any kitchen, your faucet likely gets used as often as your bathroom faucet, especially if you’re a seasoned home chef. Experienced DIYers can learn how to install a kitchen faucet by following the steps below, but if you’re on the fence about taking on the task, you can always enlist the help of a local plumber to help with this kitchen remodel project.
Prepping to Install a Kitchen Faucet
Before you put your plumber hat on, you can take a few steps to ensure you’re adequately prepared to install your faucet. First, check underneath the existing faucet to see how many holes your current sink uses. This way, you won’t attempt to install a 3-hole faucet in a two-hole sink. Since there are several different types of faucets, this knowledge will help you determine which type to buy as a replacement. Keep in mind that you should not DIY install a smart kitchen faucet, as its touchless features have a complicated installation process that requires professional help.
It’s also smart to grab a flashlight and a few old towels in case any water leaks out during the job. You can also clear out any cleaning supplies or other items stored under your sink, since you’ll be working in tight quarters. Don’t forget to turn off any electrical outlets underneath your sink before you get started.
Turn Off the Water Supply
Photo: The Toidi / Adobe Stock
Open the cabinets underneath your sink and locate the valves to your hot and cold water supply. Turn both valves clockwise to shut off the water to your faucet. If you need to get a better grip, try using a dish rag or a pair of pliers. You may need to shut off water to the entire house if you don’t have stop valves for your current faucet.
After the water supply is off, you’ll need to disconnect the water lines connected to your hot and cold valves. You should see a nut in front of the valves and before the water line. Take your adjustable wrench and turn each nut counterclockwise, making sure the water pipe is stabilized. Once the lines are disconnected, place a towel underneath them and let them sit for about an hour to catch any drips. If they’re leaky, you’ll need to replace the water lines before installing the faucet.
Remove Faucet Connections
Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / DigitalVision / Getty Images
If you’re replacing an existing faucet, your next move is to disconnect its supply lines with a wrench, and then remove them from the faucet itself. You’ll also need to remove the mounting nuts that connect the faucet to the sink during this step.
Take Out the Old Faucet
Lift out the faucet and apply pressure to break the seal from any leftover caulk. Once the faucet is out, scrub the area around it with a multipurpose cleaning solution before putting the new faucet in place.
Thread the new faucet into place with the mounting holes serving as your guide. If you have a friend or family member who can be another set of eyes, have them check to ensure the faucet is in the right location before securing it into place. Then, tighten it and reattach the supply lines.
After you attach them by hand, use your wrench to secure the lines. Some plumbers recommend wrapping the threads of each valve with a strip of teflon tape, but this is more of a reinforcement and not a necessity.
Turn the hot and cold valves counterclockwise to restore water to the lines. Once the water is turned on, test out your faucet to ensure there aren’t any leaks or kinks in the lines. You may also want to flush the lines by unscrewing the aerator from the shaft of the faucet and turning the handle on at full pressure. Let it run for about 60 seconds, then turn it off and replace the aerator.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Kitchen faucet installation costs can range from $160 to $400, depending on the type of faucet, location, and replacement difficulty. If you’re confident in your DIY skills, you can save money by taking on the project yourself and following the provided steps. If you want to hire a professional but still reduce costs, you can remove the current faucet yourself so that labor isn’t as pricey.
However, if you’re installing a smart kitchen faucet or don’t have the time or tools necessary, it’s worth contacting a local faucet installer who can likely do the job in less time than it takes you to read the instructions. Plus, they can ensure that the new faucet will fit the sink before installing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, all faucets are not compatible with all sinks. Because your countertops and your sink likely have a set number of holes already built in, you’ll need to find a faucet with the same amount of holes to work with your existing sink.
No, you don’t need plumbing experience to install a faucet, but it can certainly help. As long as you have the right tools and materials, kitchen faucet installation is a manageable DIY project for people with the skills and patience to complete it.
