Upgrade your sink in no time with this step-by-step guide
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jason has helped me with multiple household projects, with the most recent being new door installation. He has always showed up on time and organized and has done an incredible job! Jason is very professional and he's now my go-to for anything around my house that needs to be fixed or...
Huff Garage Rescue, LLCCole has been handling plumbing and general contracting for our four properties over the past three years, and he’s always done a great job. Most recently, he installed a sink and countertop in our retail store where none existed before, and it turned out exactly how we needed. He’s...
ANB Renovations LLC1st Choice Renew is simply the best! We hired them for a complete home renovation, and they transformed our space into something truly amazing. The team attention to detail and commitment to quality were evident throughout the project. They were easy to work with, very responsive, and always...
Save A DimeThis company went above and beyond with their work, chimney sweeps are usually pretty messy, but the clean up was spot on.!! Josh explained every thing that he was doing, and the things that he was checking to make sure the chimney was safe for me and my family. He was very professional,...
Supreme brick & chimneyCustom Paint Jobs LLC turned our outdated bathroom into a modern masterpiece.
Custom Paint Jobs, LLCExcellent customer service and knowledge. I was recommend to him from my neighbour. My front door and window came in great and were installed beautifully perfectly, I m very satisfied with their excellent work, so decided to order one more big bow window for my living room. I cant wait for...
Window Depot USA of Central OhioIf I could give 10 stars for Kitchen Tune Up, I would. I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Kitchen Tune Up and the entire team involved in the process of my kitchen project. They went above and beyond as far as service and quality with my cabinets, paint, countertops, and...
It was wonderful working with Yordy and his team. They were very professional and are experts in what they do. They have completed the work on time, with better quality and with in fairly reasonable price. We just started with backsplash work , but liking his work, we went on to provide...
Flooring SolutionsWe were having 2”x 2” tile installed . There was a small installation error and the new additional replacement tile was from a different lot and the colors didn’t match. Joe assured us that he would rectify everything , which he did without hesitation. We decided to go with the 18” x 36” tile...
CarifaTileThey work that 360 did on my kitchen cabinets is nothing short of amazing. I still cannot believe the difference from before and after. Jon and Jeff were both so incredibly professional throughout the whole process and their communications with me were constant and consistent. These guys...
360 Painting ColumbusFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Your faucet plays a major role in your kitchen's overall design and functionality. Learn how much it costs to install a kitchen faucet based on brand, type, and city.
Sink installation costs depend on the type of sink, the material, and the labor. This guide can help you budget for your project—from pedestal to farmhouse.
Whether or not the cost of installing a pot filler is worth it depends on your kitchen needs. Learn why the faucet itself is often the least expensive factor.
If your faucet hasn’t been working like it used to, you might need a replacement. Here’s how to replace a kitchen faucet like a plumbing pro.
Whether you go with a classic faucet or a modern touchless one, you have plenty of options. Here are fourteen popular types of kitchen faucets to fit any home.
Installing a new kitchen sink involves removing the old sink and putting in the new one. Follow these steps to learn how to install a kitchen sink like a pro.
