HOW TO REPLACE A KITCHEN SINK FAUCET

Home improvement projects are exciting, whether you're going with the help of a pro or diving headfirst into a DIY build. And if you're tired of an old faucet that drips, is broken, or looks outdated, you'll be happy to hear that installing new kitchen faucets is surprisingly DIY-friendly! When it comes to learning how to replace kitchen faucets, you need only follow a few key steps.

REPLACE YOUR KITCHEN FAUCET IN 8 STEPS

Replacing your kitchen faucet is achievable for even the least experienced homeowner. All you need is a little know-how, patience, and time to do it right. Doing the installation yourself could help you save money that you could spend on other home remodel projects or even purchasing an upgraded faucet.

Whether you’ve been searching "how to replace kitchen faucet with a sprayer" or "how to replace kitchen faucet 3 holes,” following these eight steps can help you with installing any kitchen faucet. Check out this step-by-step guide that details every part of the installation process, so you can replace your old one like a pro.

1. Prep for Installation

Before installing your faucet, you'll want to check a few things first. Start by going underneath the sink to see how many holes your old faucet and sink use. Determining this early on will help you select the correct size and type of kitchen faucet.

You'll also want to remove anything sitting underneath the sink that could get in the way. If there's an electrical outlet under your sink, ensure no power is going to it once you start working since it's common for water to leak or drip during the installation.

This project calls for a few standard tools, but you'll benefit from grabbing a few additional materials to make the installation more manageable. These include:

• A flashlight
• A shallow pan
• Old towels to soak up water
• A pillow for comfort
• Safety goggles to protect your eyes

You can also refer to the faucet's instruction manual, which usually tells you what specific tools you need or if they supply them. Once you have everything in order, it's time to start the installation in earnest!

2. Shut Water Off at Supply Valves

You want to prevent water from making a mess once you start working, so your first step during the installation is to turn off the hot and cold water valves. It's as simple as turning them clockwise, but you may need pliers or a rag if they're tricky to adjust.

If you don't see any shut-off valves under your sink, turn off the water supply to the entire house. Once you finish, you can open the faucet handles. This step will relieve pressure in the lines so it doesn't build as you work.

3. Disconnect Water Supply Lines

It's time to say goodbye to the old faucet; disconnect your current fixture from the water supply lines attached to the hot and cold valves. They should be connected to the valves with the help of a threaded nut.

An adjustable wrench is handy during this step, and you can turn the nuts counterclockwise to loosen them. Don't forget to stabilize the water pipe as you loosen it so you aren't disrupting any connections behind your cabinet.

4. Remove Faucet Connections

The other supply line connection will be toward the top, underneath the old faucet. You should see a valve, the mounting nut, and the supply line attached to the faucet. If you have a single-handle faucet, these are usually made so that the hardware can slide easily over the supply line.

The line is also already built-in and part of the spout assembly for single-handle faucets, with no cold or hot water handles. Two-handle center faucets, on the other hand, will have two supply lines connected to the hot or cold valve. You'll have to unscrew the supply connection before removing the mounting nuts.

If you're struggling to remove any hardware, you can use oils like PB Blaster to dislodge any rust or grime causing the pieces to adhere.

5. Remove the Old Faucet

There's additional mounting hardware that attaches the faucet to the cabinet. Disconnect the hardware to remove the faucet easily. It can help if someone can hold the faucet while you loosen and remove the hardware with a basin wrench.

Two-handle faucet models will have these mounts on the hot and cold valves. After the faucet is out, this is an excellent time to clean up any grime or caulk before you install your new one.

6. Install the New Faucet

If you're a DIYer searching for "installing new kitchen faucet," then this step is for you. Start with reading the manufacturer's instructions from cover to cover; no matter how confident you are, you want to know how your individual sink operates, what tools you'll need, and what information there is on the warranty should things take an unexpected turn, either during the installation or after.

There are different ways to install different faucets, so following the instructions you find is important. Because there are so many variables — such as single-handle, one-hole, or three-hole sinks — every sink will have some unique quirks you'll want to learn before installing.

For example, the steps you find when you search for “how to replace a kitchen faucet with sprayer” will be slightly different from a faucet without one. The way the supply lines are labeled can also differ from faucet to faucet. However, the next few steps are essentially universal to all faucets.

7. Anchor Hot and Cold Valves

Anchoring your hot and cold water valves ensures they stay put. Think of it like the reverse of what you did to remove your old faucet; check for mounting hardware, and if you're installing a single-handle faucet, the escutcheon plate and tailpiece.

Once everything has been accounted for, place your gasket underneath the escutcheon plate and slide it over the supply lines, positioning it on the surface of the sink. Screw the mounting nut tightly, then tighten the mounting screws to ensure the cabinet provides adequate support.

Don't tighten everything completely until you know the faucet is correctly aligned, so you can still adjust if necessary. You can have someone help to check the alignment while you're underneath the sink.

8. Connect Water and Flush Lines

You can reconnect your water by affixing each supply line to the proper water valve. Screw the lines by hand first, then tighten with your adjustable wrench. Just as you did when removing the old fixture, you'll want to keep the water supply valve pipe steady, so you don't damage connections opposite the cabinet.

Test your faucet and sprayer. If you notice any leaks or drips from the spray hose or faucet, you may need to tighten your connections — but avoid overdoing it. Now that the installation is almost complete, you can run the tap to flush out your lines. This step will help clear out any debris stuck in them.

You should also have an aerator that you'll want to unscrew from the new faucet's shaft. Some faucets have a tool for this, but many can be done by hand. With the aerator off, you're free to run your water for around a minute, turning it up as high as it can go. Turn off your water, replace your aerator, and congratulations — now you know how to install a new kitchen faucet from start to finish!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Do you still have a question that needs answering or some quick clarification? Take a look at these common questions to learn even more about installing a new kitchen faucet!

How Many Holes Do I Need in My Countertop or Sink for a Kitchen Faucet?

It depends on which kind of faucet you'd like to install. Most sinks or counters will have anywhere from one to four holes. The extra holes are reserved for things like sprayers, garbage disposals, or soap dispensers.

If you only have one hole, you'll have more limited options for which models you can install. It doesn't always mean more holes are better, especially if you aren't interested in the extra features.

What Is the Proper Spacing or Spread Between the Holes for a Kitchen Faucet?

The correct spacing between your holes can vary, but you'll usually see an 8-inch spread on the center, which fits most center-set faucets perfectly. However, 4 or 6 inch spreads are also common, so the "proper" spacing will vary between sinks or the countertop layout.

Measure your current distance between holes to ensure you have enough room for the features you want; crowding these fixtures can be a nuisance to deal with, while spreading them too far apart can look like a strange design choice.

Can I Install a Single-Handle Faucet if I Have Multiple Holes?

Yes, you can install a single-handle faucet if your sink has multiple holes. But note that you won't be able to install a double-handle faucet if you only have a one-hole sink. That's why it's recommended to double-check which one you have before you purchase your new faucet.

Depending on which model you purchase, you may need to cover or adapt other holes using a deck plate, so keep this in mind when you're shopping, as it could complicate your installation.

How Do I Properly Measure and Select the Right Size Faucet for My Sink or Countertop?

Measuring your sink or countertop is a crucial step you need to take before you purchase a new faucet. If you want to buy a sink with a similar style, you can easily take the measurements of your current sink and find a comparable model.

Homeowners interested in buying new styles should check their mounting holes to ensure the type they're interested in is compatible with the installation area. If your setup has more than one hole, start by measuring the distance between the hole furthest to the left of the center and the one furthest to the right.

This measurement is listed as the "minimum faucet center" width when shopping for faucets. Spout reach and height can be equally important to know if you have cabinets or windows above your sink. Measure this space so you don't accidentally buy something too tall.

How Do I Ensure a Proper and Leak-Free Installation of the Kitchen Faucet?

You can ensure a leak-free installation when you remember specific steps, like ensuring you properly anchor hot and cold water lines. It would be best to get an extra pair of eyes to check over the installation while you’re working with the hardware at the bottom of the sink.

You should also be ready to apply silicone, caulk, or plumber's putty to the sink and gasket to give a better seal. Use the putty if you need to get into a tight spot and want something more malleable, and use silicone for enhanced waterproofing.

Can I Install a Kitchen Faucet with a Sprayer or Soap Dispenser Even if I Don't Have a Dedicated Hole for It?

Unfortunately, many faucets will require a dedicated hole for add-ons like these or depend on more advanced techniques to install them successfully. However, some workarounds are just as good. For example, investing in a pull-down faucet if you don't have a hole for a sprayer is a great compromise.

Should I Hire a Professional Plumber for Faucet Installation, or Can I Do It Myself?

Your answer will depend on how confident you are in your ability to install a new faucet. While you can DIY install your faucet with some basic home improvement skills and the steps in this guide, you could also consider hiring a professional to simplify the process.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Kitchen Faucet?

If you're going the DIY route, you can save a decent chunk of change since you won't be paying for labor.

Keep in mind that more premium models like stainless steel faucets can cost more than basic fixtures, and you may need to purchase supplies like a putty knife, silicone, different wrenches, plumber's putty, and potentially even washers or other pieces of hardware if your faucet doesn't come with them.

How Do You Replace a Kitchen Faucet with a Different Number of Handles?

If you're upgrading to a model with two separate knobs for hot and cold water or need to remove an existing one, you're probably curious about how to replace a kitchen faucet with two handles.

Fortunately, the process isn't much different from installing other faucets. The most significant difference is that you'll make sure you're connecting the right handle to the right water supply line so you don't end up with cold water coming out of the hot tap.

If you need to know how to replace a single-handle kitchen faucet, it's a similar story. When you're connecting or disconnecting the water supply lines, you'll notice these valves are attached to the spout assembly. Each should be labeled as hot or cold so that you can connect them to the proper supply valves.

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