A Step-By-Step Guide to Installing a New Kitchen Faucet By Yourself

There are plenty of reasons for installing a new kitchen faucet by yourself. Perhaps the old one was the proverbial “old leaky faucet,” or maybe you’re simply thinking about updating your kitchen sink from its current 1980s vibe. Either way, replacing your old faucet and installing the new one yourself is sure to be more cost-efficient than hiring a professional to do the job.

Installing a new faucet in your kitchen can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a little know-how, even a novice handyman can successfully complete this DIY job. In the following step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of replacing your old faucet with a new one, from start to finish.

 Tools & Materials Needed for Replacing Kitchen Faucets:

• New kitchen faucet
• Adjustable wrench
• Plumber’s tape (Teflon tape)
• Bucket or towel
• Basin wrench
• Adjustable pliers
• Screwdriver
• Silicone sealant

 How to Remove Old Kitchen Faucet & Replace It With New Model

Step 1: Turn Off Water

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary tools and supplies listed above, you’ll want to turn off the water supply to your kitchen sink by locating the shut-off valves underneath the sink and turning them clockwise (right). Be sure to place your bucket or towels underneath the sink to catch any dripping water.

Step 2: Remove Old Kitchen Faucet

Next, you’ll want to disconnect the water supply lines from the shut-off valves using an adjustable wrench to unscrew the nut connecting the two. Then, remove the mounting nuts that are holding the old faucet in place. If there’s a nut securing the tailpiece to the sink, remove that as well. Once the nuts are removed, you should be able to gently lift the old faucet out of the sink.

Step 3: Prepare Sink for the New Faucet

After cleaning the area around the sink thoroughly—being sure to remove any old residue or debris with a putty knife—place the rubber or plastic gasket or trim ring over the faucet holes and set the deck plate. Refer to the sinks’ instructions manual for the use of caulk or plumbers' putty. 

Step 4: Install New Kitchen Faucet

Locate the mounting holes on the sink and then gather all the tubes hanging from the bottom of the spout and insert the faucet into the center hole. Once everything is through the hole, you’ll want to secure the faucet in place under the sink using the mounting nuts that are provided with the newly bought faucet. You can use a basin wrench to securely tighten the nuts.

Step 5: Connect the Water Supply Lines

Next, attach the water supply lines from the new faucet to the shut-off valves. Hand-tighten the nuts onto the valve threads and then, using an adjustable wrench, give the nuts an additional turn—but be careful not to overtighten, or you risk damaging the threads.

Note: If you have a pull-down faucet, you’ll need to attach the quick-connect hose to the supply line. Pull down on down the hose and attach the weight so that it hangs freely and with clearance underneath the sink.

Step 6: Check for Leaks and Tighten

Open the shut-off valves to turn on the water supply slowly. Check the connections for any leaks, and if there are leaks present, use a wrench to tighten the connection slightly until the leaking stops. Again, avoid over-tightening to avoid damaging the seals.

Step 7: Apply Silicone Sealant

Some new faucets will require a silicone sealant. If yours does, simply apply a bead of silicone sealant around the base of the faucet where it meets the sink to help prevent water from seeping underneath the faucet. Wipe away any excess sealant with a damp cloth.

Voila! You’ve successfully installed your new kitchen faucet! The key to the entire process is taking your time and following each step carefully, double-checking the processes before proceeding to ensure a smooth, error-free installation. And remember, if you encounter any issues or challenges when installing a new kitchen faucet, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional, either in an online forum or by having one come out to your house—it’s always best to make sure the job is done right the first time. 

If you’re in the market to buy kitchen faucets for a new build, or you're updating the kitchen sink of your current house, Wholesale Home has an outstanding array of new and different styles of faucets. 

Check out our inventory today!