Replace Kitchen Faucet
Turn off the water, remove the old kitchen faucet, install the new faucet and supply lines according to the manufacturer instructions, then restore water slowly and check carefully for leaks.
Tools
- Adjustable wrench
- Basin wrench
- Channel-lock pliers
- Bucket or shallow tray
- Towels or rags
- Flashlight
- Screwdriver
- Utility knife
Materials
- New kitchen faucet
- New supply lines if required
- Mounting hardware included with the faucet
- Gaskets or seals included with the faucet
- Plumber's putty or silicone sealant if specified by the faucet manufacturer
Safety
- Turn off both hot and cold shutoff valves under the sink and confirm the faucet no longer runs before disconnecting anything.
- Place a bucket and towels under the sink to catch residual water from the lines.
- Work slowly in the cabinet to avoid damaging supply lines, the sink, or the shutoff valves.
- Do not force old shutoff valves or corroded fittings; if they begin to twist, crack, or leak, stop and call a plumber.
- Follow the faucet manufacturer's instructions for gaskets, sealant, and tightening torque to avoid leaks or sink damage.
- Turn the water back on slowly and inspect all connections for several minutes, then recheck later for slow leaks.
Steps
Step 1: Prepare the area and shut off water
- Clear out the cabinet under the sink so you have room to work.
- Place a bucket or tray and towels under the faucet connections.
- Turn off the hot and cold shutoff valves under the sink by turning them clockwise.
- Open the existing faucet to relieve pressure and verify the water is off.
- Take a photo of the current supply line and faucet connections before removal.
Check: No water should flow, or only a brief residual drip should appear when the faucet is opened. · The bucket and towels should be positioned directly under the connections.
Step 2: Disconnect the supply lines
- Use an adjustable wrench or pliers to loosen the hot and cold supply line connections at the shutoff valves.
- Allow any trapped water to drain into the bucket.
- If the new faucet does not include supply lines, remove the old lines from the faucet side as well.
Check: Both supply lines should be fully disconnected without the shutoff valves turning in place. · There should be no continuing leak from the valves while they are closed.
Step 3: Remove the old faucet
- From below the sink, locate the faucet mounting nuts or bracket that secure the faucet to the sink or countertop.
- Use a basin wrench, screwdriver, or the tool specified by the faucet hardware to loosen and remove the mounting hardware.
- If there is a side sprayer or accessory, disconnect it as needed.
- Lift the old faucet out from above the sink.
- Scrape away old putty or sealant carefully and clean the mounting surface.
Check: The old faucet should lift out cleanly once all mounting hardware is removed. · The sink or countertop surface should be clean, flat, and free of old sealant debris.
Step 4: Assemble and position the new faucet
- Read the new faucet instructions fully before installing.
- Install any required gasket, deck plate, or base seal on the faucet as directed.
- If the manufacturer specifies plumber's putty or silicone, apply only as instructed.
- Feed the faucet lines and shank through the sink holes and set the faucet in place.
- Align the faucet so it sits straight and centered.
Check: The faucet base should sit flush on the sink or countertop with the correct gasket or seal in place. · The faucet should be aligned properly before tightening from below.
Step 5: Secure the faucet underneath
- From below the sink, install the mounting washers, bracket, and nuts in the order shown in the faucet instructions.
- Tighten the mounting hardware gradually so the faucet stays centered.
- Avoid over-tightening, which can crack components or distort the sink surface.
Check: The faucet should not twist or rock when moved by hand. · The faucet should still appear centered and straight from above.
Step 6: Connect the water lines
- Attach the faucet supply lines to the hot and cold shutoff valves, matching hot to hot and cold to cold.
- Start threads by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
- Tighten the connections with a wrench only until snug, following the faucet instructions.
- If your faucet includes a pull-down or pull-out hose, connect and route it exactly as directed so it moves freely.
Check: Each connection should thread on smoothly by hand at the start. · Supply lines should not be kinked, sharply bent, or rubbing on moving parts.
Step 7: Flush and test for leaks
- Remove the faucet aerator if the manufacturer recommends flushing debris before final use.
- Turn the shutoff valves back on slowly.
- Check all connections underneath for drips while the water pressure returns.
- Run hot and cold water through the faucet for a few minutes.
- Reinstall the aerator if removed.
- Dry all fittings with a towel and inspect again for fresh moisture.
Check: There should be no drips at the shutoff valves, supply line connections, faucet shank, or sprayer hose connections. · Water flow should be normal, and hot and cold should operate correctly.
Step 8: Recheck after use
- Leave the area under the sink accessible for a while instead of immediately filling the cabinet.
- Check again after 30 to 60 minutes and after the first day of normal use.
- Tighten only slightly if a connection has a minor drip and the manufacturer allows it.
Check: No slow leaks or damp spots should appear after the faucet has been used several times. · The shutoff valves and all fittings should remain dry.
