What You Need to Replace Kitchen Faucet Installations

In most cases, you'll need the following when replacing your faucet:

• Basin wrench
• Flashlight
• Adjustable wrenches
• Putty knife
• New supply lines
• Small bucket
• Plumber's tape
• Silicone caulk

What to Consider Before Shopping for Your New Faucet

When replacing the faucet in an existing kitchen sink, check to see how many holes there are underneath the sink to secure the faucet. Typically, there will be anywhere from one to four holes. The number of holes will determine which type of faucet will work with your sink. While you can install a single-hole faucet in a sink with three or four holes using a deck plate, you can't install a three- or four-holed faucet in a sink with one hole. Here are a few recommendations.

How to Remove the Existing Faucet

You can remove the old faucet using a basin wrench, but you may need someone to assist you. Follow these steps to uninstall your existing faucet to prep the sink for the new model.

1. Switch Off Water

The first step is to turn off the water valves beneath the sink. Make sure you turn on the faucet to relieve any pressure in the lines and, if needed, disconnect the power to the garbage disposal to avoid injury.

2. Take a Photo as a Reminder

Prior to disconnecting the faucet, take a picture of the configuration, which you'll be able to use as a reference when installing the new faucet. You can also show a salesperson your current setup when shopping for your new faucet, as he or she may be able to guide you to a compatible installation.

3. Catch Falling Water

Place a small bucket beneath the supply lines as you disconnect them to catch any water.

4. Keep the Faucet Secure

Here is where you will need a second pair of hands. As you use the basin wrench to detach the faucet from under the sink, have someone else hold the faucet above.

5. Remove the Faucet and Clean the Area

Now you can remove the faucet from the sink and clean up any remaining grime or loose sealant where the faucet was installed, which will prepare the space for the new faucet.

6. Measure for Supply Lines

A majority of new kitchen faucets will include water supply lines, but to prepare in the event your faucet doesn't come with them, you may want to measure for new supply lines. It's often inadvisable to use the old supply lines if they're in poor condition.

Steps for Installing Your New Kitchen Faucet

Unless the manufacturer's installation instructions provide different information, here are the general steps needed to install a new kitchen faucet. Before you get started, make sure you have plenty of light to work with underneath the sink using a flashlight, work light, or lantern.

1. Set the Deck Plate

The first step will involve placing the trim ring, or plastic or rubber gasket, over the holes in the sink and setting the deck plate in place. Regarding the amount of putty or caulk you'll want to use when installing, refer to the manufacturer's guidelines.

2. Place the Faucet On the Sink

Now you can install the faucet into the hole or multiple holes.

3. Secure the Faucet with Nuts and Washers

Install any washers and nuts needed to hold the sink in place, wiping away any excess caulk or putty in the process.

4. Connect the Pull-Down to the Water Supply Pipe

If you're installing a pull-down faucet, attach the hose to the pipe, and pull down on the water hose and attach the accompanying weight. Note that the weight requires ample clearance to hang beneath the sink.

5. Reconnect the Water Supply Lines

Now you can connect the faucet to the supply lines. In some cases, you may need to use plumber's tape to do the job. However, you should try to avoid overtightening the lines, so make sure they're just secure enough to prevent leaking.

6. Turn the Water On

You can switch the water on at this point and see if there are any leaks, turning the water back off and tightening if necessary.

7. Remove the Aerator

Disconnect the aerator from the new faucet and let the water run directly through the faucet to check for water flow strength and clear the lines. Check again for any leakage along the water supply lines and make the necessary adjustments.

8. Switch Off the Faucet and Re-attach the Aerator

Once you've made sure no leaking is taking place and there's ample water flow in the faucet, you can re-connect the aerator to the faucet. If you have a garbage disposal, you can also restore power to get it running again.

Adhering to all of these steps, you should be able to efficiently install your new faucet in no time, particularly if your new faucet is well-designed and built with durable materials. Always try to find a kitchen faucet from a reputable manufacturer for the best results.

Always Follow the Manufacturer's Instructions for Specific Details

To keep the installation process seamless, you should refer to the manufacturer's instructions for any steps in addition or contrary to the ones listed here. You may find that there are other crucial aspects of the installation that will help prevent leaks and any potential damage and wear. Adequately preparing beforehand with all of the right tools and materials can help keep installation smooth from start to finish. Kitchen knife sharpener