How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet

Learn how to replace a kitchen faucet with just a few tools and a little time! Whether you need a repair or want to upgrade your faucet, this is an easy project you can do yourself!

Who hasn’t had a leaky faucet and wondered if they should replace it themselves? Replacing a kitchen faucet is one of the easiest DIY projects you can tackle. We will walk you through the process of removing and installing a two-handle kitchen faucet with a sprayer. The hardest part of this project might be selecting a faucet. There are so many to choose from, you might be there a while.

What to do BEFORE replacing your kitchen sink

Buy your replacement kitchen sink faucet.
Remove everything from under the sink. A clothesbasket makes this task a lot easier.
A bucket or shallow bowl is handy to catch any water dripping or running.
Put towels or a pillow to support your head and back while working under the sink.
Have pliers, an adjustable wrench, and a one-gallon Ziplock bag within reach.
Locate and read the instructions that came with your new faucet.

How to install a Kitchen faucet and sprayer?

Step 1: You will need to do a few things before you begin.

Set up the area underneath your sink to simplify the process. Check your new faucet to make sure all pieces are included, and read the instructions to get an idea of what you need to do.

Step 2: Record the faucet code for future use.

The faucet code is stamped or engraved on the backside of the faucet base. For future reference, write this number on the front of the instructions. If the faucet ever needs parts, you will need this number to ensure you are getting the correct parts, and you can’t see this number when the faucet is installed. Best to save yourself the time and trouble now!

Step 3: Close the valves for the water supply lines to the faucet.

Step 4: Remove the hot water line and cold water line from the faucet.

You will need a wrench to loosen these water lines; eventually, you can finish this task with your hand. Have a towel and pan close by to catch any water that might escape while removing the lines.

Step 5: Remove the nuts that hold the faucet securely to the sink.

You will probably need a pair of pliers or a wrench to get the hardware/nuts loose.

Step 6: Remove the sprayer line from the faucet.

Again, you might have to use a wrench to loosen the line or release the quick connection that secures the line.

Step 7: Prepare the sink for the faucet replacement.

Clean the sink of any buildup that might have been under or behind the faucet and sink holes. My old faucet had a deck plate / gasket, and the junk that accumulated under the deck plate had to be cleaned from the stainless steel sink before installing the new faucet.

Step 8: Seat the new kitchen faucet.

You are ready to install your new faucet. This new faucet does not have a deck plate. Instead, it comes with a seal to prevent moisture from getting between the sink and countertop. This step is easier if someone holds the faucet in place while you secure the faucet from under the sink with the mounting nut supplied with the sink. Applying Teflon tape or plumber’s putty to the hot and cold water connections before setting the faucet is recommended; you have a much better work environment before entering the tight space under the sink.

Now is also a good time to seat the sprayer base. Have your helper place the base and hold it in place while you tighten the washer from under the sink. Be careful not to over-tighten the washers.

Step 9: Seat the new sprayer and quick connect.

The sprayer hose needs to be seated into the sprayer head. When it is fully seated, you will hear a slight click. Once the base is installed, thread the quick-connect end of the sprayer hose through the sprayer base and gently push the quick-connect in place on the faucet.

Step 10: Attach the faucet handles.

If the handles identify hot and cold, ensure the handle placement matches the water supply. If you have installed a single-handle faucet, hot and cold will be correct if you attach the supply lines to the correct input valve under the sink

Step 11: Connect the plumbing supply lines.

Reconnect the supply lines. Hand tighten as much as possible, then finish the task with a wrench. Be careful not to overtighten the washer, or threaded values can be damaged.

Step 12: Turn the water supply on.

Turn the water supply on. I suggest doing it one line at a time to allow more time to check each connection for leaks. Have a rag handy to wipe up any leaks that might occur.

Step 13: Run the faucet and check for leaks.

First, remove the aerator; this allows for any debris in the faucet to be washed out and not interfere with the function of the aerator (the little screen where the water comes out). Once you have run each line, return the aerator.

Step 14: Save the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once you have completed the installation and there are no leaks, put the instructions in the Ziplock bag and secure the bag to the back wall of the cabinet. Alternatively, if you have a file for other owners’ manuals, put it with the other manuals. The manual will be very useful if you ever need to address any issues or order parts for the faucet.

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