How To Change Kitchen Faucet Easily Step-by-Step

Can you change a kitchen faucet yourself? Yes, you absolutely can! With a little preparation and our easy-to-follow guide, changing your kitchen faucet is a manageable DIY project. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully remove your old kitchen faucet and install a new one, saving you money and giving you a refreshed kitchen. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen faucet or fix a leaky kitchen faucet, this new faucet installation guide has you covered.

Changing your kitchen faucet might seem daunting, but it’s a straightforward process. This in-depth guide will help you swap out your kitchen tap with confidence. We’ll cover the tools you’ll need, how to prepare your workspace, the step-by-step process for removing the old faucet, and how to install your new kitchen faucet replacement.

How To Change Kitchen Faucet
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Why Change Your Kitchen Faucet?

There are several good reasons to consider a kitchen faucet replacement. Perhaps your current faucet is old and worn out, leading to leaks and drips that waste water and increase your utility bills. A leaky kitchen faucet can be more than just an annoyance; it can lead to water damage and mold if left unaddressed.

Beyond repairs, you might want to upgrade your kitchen faucet for aesthetic reasons. A new faucet can dramatically change the look and feel of your kitchen, bringing it up to date with modern styles and finishes. Many new faucets also come with enhanced features like pull-down sprayers, touchless technology, or improved water efficiency, making them more practical and enjoyable to use. This DIY kitchen faucet change can be a satisfying way to enhance your home.

What You’ll Need: Tools and Materials

Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and materials. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and prevent interruptions.

Essential Tools

Adjustable Wrenches (Two): These are crucial for loosening and tightening nuts and fittings. Having two allows you to hold one part steady while turning another.
Basin Wrench: This specialized tool is designed to reach those awkward nuts located under the sink where standard wrenches can’t fit. It’s a lifesaver for removing and installing the faucet.
Pliers (Channel-lock or Slip-joint): Useful for gripping and turning various components.
Screwdrivers (Phillips and Flathead): You might need these for securing mounting hardware or other small parts.
Bucket: To catch any residual water when disconnecting supply lines.
Towels or Rags: For cleaning up spills and drying components.
Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from debris or dripping water.
Work Light or Headlamp: The area under the sink is often dark.
Plumber’s Putty or Silicone Caulk: To create a watertight seal around the base of the new faucet.
Penetrating Oil (Optional but Recommended): For loosening stubborn, corroded nuts.
Bucket or Container for Debris: To keep your workspace tidy.

New Faucet Components

Your new kitchen faucet should come with its own set of mounting hardware, gaskets, and sometimes even flexible supply lines. Check the box to ensure all parts are present before you start.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Kitchen Faucet

This section breaks down the process of removing your old kitchen faucet and installing a new one into manageable steps.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Shut Off Water

Safety and preparation are key. Before you can remove kitchen faucet components, you need to ensure no water is flowing.

Clear Everything from Under the Sink: Remove cleaning supplies, trash cans, and anything else stored in the cabinet under your sink. This will give you ample room to work.
Place a Bucket and Towels: Position a bucket directly under the water supply lines to catch any water that remains in the pipes. Lay down towels to absorb drips.
Shut Off the Water Supply: Locate the hot and cold water shut-off valves under the sink. They are usually small knobs or levers attached to the pipes coming out of the wall. Turn these valves clockwise until they are firmly closed.
Turn On the Old Faucet: Open both the hot and cold handles on your old faucet to release any remaining water pressure and drain the lines. Let it run until no more water comes out.

Step 2: Disconnect the Water Supply Lines

Now you’ll disconnect the flexible hoses that connect the shut-off valves to the faucet itself.

Loosen the Supply Line Nuts: Using an adjustable wrench, carefully loosen the nuts connecting the supply lines to the shut-off valves. Remember to have your bucket ready for any residual water.
Disconnect from the Faucet: Underneath the sink, you’ll see where the supply lines connect to the faucet tailpieces. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen these nuts. If the faucet has integrated supply lines, you’ll disconnect them directly from the faucet body.
Remove Supply Lines: Once loosened, gently pull the supply lines away from the faucet and the shut-off valves.

Step 3: Remove the Old Faucet

This is where you might need that basin wrench. The faucet is typically held in place by mounting nuts from underneath the sink.

Locate Mounting Nuts: Look up under the sink at the base of your faucet. You’ll see the threaded shanks of the faucet tailpieces, secured by large nuts and possibly washers or a mounting plate.
Use the Basin Wrench: Fit the jaws of your basin wrench onto a mounting nut. The long handle allows you to turn the nut from an awkward angle.
Loosen and Remove Nuts: Turn the nuts counter-clockwise to loosen them. This can sometimes be challenging if they are corroded. A penetrating oil spray can help if they are stuck. Remove any washers or mounting plates as well.
Lift Out the Old Faucet: Once all mounting nuts are removed, the old faucet should be loose. Gently lift it up and out from the top of the sink. You may need to wiggle it slightly if there’s old putty or caulk sealing it.

Step 4: Clean the Sink Surface

Before you install new kitchen faucet hardware, it’s essential to clean the area where the old faucet was mounted.

Remove Old Putty and Caulk: Use a putty knife or scraper to carefully remove any old plumber’s putty or caulk from the sink surface around the faucet holes.
Clean Thoroughly: Wipe down the area with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner to remove any dirt, grime, or residue. A clean surface ensures a good seal for your new faucet.

Step 5: Install the New Kitchen Faucet

This is the most exciting part – installing your new kitchen faucet! The exact method can vary slightly depending on the faucet design, so always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Mounting the Faucet

Prepare the New Faucet: If your new faucet doesn’t have integrated supply lines, attach the new flexible supply lines to the faucet tailpieces now. Tighten them by hand first, then use a wrench to give them a quarter-turn. Do not overtighten.
Apply Plumber’s Putty or Sealant: Most faucets come with a gasket or require plumber’s putty or silicone caulk to seal the base against the sink. If using putty, roll it into a rope about half an inch thick and place it around the underside of the faucet base or escutcheon plate. If using caulk, apply a thin bead.
Position the Faucet: Carefully insert the faucet’s tailpieces and mounting posts through the holes in the sink or countertop from the top. Ensure the faucet is facing the correct direction and is properly aligned.
Secure from Below: From underneath the sink, slide any provided washers and then the mounting nuts onto the faucet’s tailpieces. Hand-tighten them first to ensure the faucet is seated correctly and doesn’t wobble.
Tighten Mounting Nuts: Use your basin wrench or the tool provided with your faucet to securely tighten the mounting nuts. Tighten them evenly, alternating between nuts if there are multiple. Don’t overtighten, as this can damage the sink or faucet.

Connecting Supply Lines

Connect to Shut-off Valves: Connect the free ends of your new flexible supply lines to the corresponding hot and cold water shut-off valves. Ensure the hot line connects to the hot valve and the cold line to the cold valve.
Tighten Connections: Hand-tighten the nuts first, then use an adjustable wrench to tighten them snugly – usually a quarter-turn past hand-tight. Again, avoid overtightening, which can strip threads or damage the fittings.

Connecting the Drain Assembly (If Applicable)

Some faucet replacements may also involve replacing the drain assembly.

Apply Putty/Sealant: Apply plumber’s putty or silicone sealant to the underside of the drain flange.
Insert and Secure: Insert the drain flange into the sink drain hole. From underneath, attach the drain body and tighten it using the provided nuts and washer.
Connect Tailpiece: Connect the new faucet’s tailpiece to the drain assembly, tightening securely.

Step 6: Test for Leaks

This is a crucial step to ensure your kitchen faucet replacement was successful.

Turn Water Back On Slowly: Slowly turn the hot and cold water shut-off valves back on by turning them counter-clockwise.
Check All Connections: Carefully inspect all the connections you made: where the supply lines attach to the shut-off valves and where they attach to the faucet. Look and feel for any drips or moisture.
Turn On the New Faucet: Turn on the new faucet handles, first cold, then hot. Let the water run for a minute. Check again for leaks at all connection points and around the base of the faucet.
Address Any Leaks: If you find any small drips, try tightening the offending connection slightly (about an eighth of a turn). If a leak persists, you may need to disconnect the line, reapply putty or Teflon tape (for threaded connections), and reconnect.

Step 7: Final Touches and Cleanup

Wipe Down: Wipe away any excess plumber’s putty or caulk from around the base of the faucet.
Reorganize Under the Sink: Once you’re confident there are no leaks, put everything back under your sink.
Test Faucet Features: Test any special features of your new faucet, such as sprayers or water filters, to ensure they are working correctly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful work, you might encounter minor hiccups. Here are some common problems and their solutions.

Leaky Connections

Cause: Loose fittings or faulty seals.
Solution: Gently tighten the connection. If that doesn’t work, shut off the water, disconnect the fitting, check the threads for damage, and reapply plumber’s tape or putty before reconnecting. Ensure you’re using the correct type of sealant for the material.

Stubborn Mounting Nuts

Cause: Corrosion or overtightening from previous installation.
Solution: Apply penetrating oil to the threads and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. You may need to reapply. Use the basin wrench to apply steady, firm pressure. If it still won’t budge, you might consider a mini-hacksaw or oscillating tool to carefully cut the nut, being extremely cautious not to damage the sink or faucet body.

Faucet Wobbles

Cause: Mounting nuts are not tight enough, or the sink surface is uneven.
Solution: Tighten the mounting nuts from underneath. If the sink surface is slightly uneven, a thicker bead of silicone caulk under the faucet base might help create a stable seal.

Low Water Pressure from New Faucet

Cause: Debris in the aerator, kinked supply lines, or shut-off valves not fully open.
Solution: Unscrew the aerator at the tip of the faucet spout and clean out any sediment. Ensure the flexible supply lines are not bent or kinked. Double-check that the shut-off valves are fully open.

When to Call a Professional

While this guide makes changing a kitchen faucet achievable for most DIYers, there are situations where it’s best to call a plumber:

Corroded Pipes: If the shut-off valves themselves are corroded and difficult to turn or show signs of damage.
Unusual Plumbing: If your plumbing setup is complex or uses old, non-standard fittings.
Lack of Confidence: If you feel uncomfortable at any stage of the process or are unsure about a particular step.
Persistent Leaks: If you’ve tried troubleshooting and still can’t stop leaks.
Damage to Sink or Countertop: If you accidentally damage your sink or countertop during the process.

A professional plumber has the experience and specialized tools to handle these situations safely and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How long does it usually take to change a kitchen faucet?

A: For a DIYer with all the tools and a straightforward installation, changing a kitchen faucet typically takes between 1 to 3 hours. It can take longer if you encounter unexpected problems like corroded parts or if it’s your first time tackling such a project.

Q2: Do I need a special tool to remove an old faucet?

A: Yes, a basin wrench is highly recommended, and often essential, for removing the mounting nuts that hold the faucet in place underneath the sink. These nuts are usually in a very tight and awkward space.

Q3: What should I use to seal the new faucet to the sink?

A: Most new faucets come with a rubber gasket or O-ring that provides a watertight seal. If your faucet doesn’t, or if the manufacturer recommends it, you can use plumber’s putty or silicone caulk around the base of the faucet where it meets the sink. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Q4: Can I reuse my old supply lines?

A: It’s generally not recommended. Old supply lines can become brittle or develop internal wear, increasing the risk of leaks or bursts. Most new faucets come with new, flexible supply lines, and it’s best to use them for a secure connection.

Q5: What if the new faucet has a different number of holes than my old one?

A: Many new faucets are designed to fit sinks with different hole configurations. They often come with an escutcheon plate (also called a deck plate) that covers any extra holes in the sink. Make sure to check if your new faucet includes one if needed.

Q6: How do I fix a leaky kitchen faucet if I don’t want to replace it entirely?

A: For a leaky kitchen faucet repair, the cause is often a worn-out cartridge, O-ring, or washer inside the faucet. You would typically shut off the water, disassemble the faucet handle, remove the faulty part, replace it with an identical new one, and then reassemble the faucet. This is a separate process from a full kitchen faucet replacement.

By following these steps, you can confidently tackle the task of changing your kitchen faucet, giving your kitchen a fresh look and ensuring efficient water use. Enjoy your new faucet!