How to Install a Kitchen Faucet
A new kitchen faucet refreshes the whole sink, and it's one of the few plumbing jobs you can knock out in an hour. The hardest part is working under the sink.
What You'll Need
- Basin wrench
- Adjustable wrench
- Channel locks
- Bucket and towel
- Plumber's putty or silicone
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Braided supply lines (often included)
Step-by-Step
- Shut off the waterClose the hot and cold valves under the sink. Open the faucet to release pressure and confirm the water is off.
- Disconnect the supply linesPlace a bucket under the connections, then unscrew both supply lines from the faucet shanks with channel locks.
- Remove the old faucetUse the basin wrench to loosen the mounting nuts under the sink. Lift the old faucet out from above.
- Clean the sink deckScrape off old putty, silicone, and mineral buildup so the new faucet seats flat against a clean surface.
- Install the new gasketSet the supplied gasket or a thin bead of plumber's putty around the faucet base.
- Drop the new faucet inFeed the hoses and shanks through the sink holes, then tighten the mounting hardware from below.
- Connect the supply linesAttach the hot to the left, cold to the right. Snug — don't crank — with a wrench.
- Turn on and checkRemove the aerator, open the valves slowly, and let water run for a minute to flush debris. Reinstall the aerator and check every joint for leaks.
Pro tipA basin wrench reaches the hard-to-grab nuts up under the sink. Without one, this job becomes much harder.
If you don't think you can do it, let our experts help.