Before You Shop

If you're replacing the faucet in your existing sink, look underneath the sink to see how many holes it has - usually between 1 and 4. This determines the type of faucet that will work with your sink. A one-hole faucet can be installed in a 3- or 4-hole sink by adding a deck plate, but not vice versa.

Remove the Old Faucet

Removing the existing faucet isn't difficult, but you will need a basin wrench and an extra set of hands.

Step 1

Turn off the water valves under the sink. Turn on the faucet to relieve pressure in the lines. Turn off power to the disposal, if applicable.

Step 2

Snap a picture of the plumbing configuration before disconnecting to use as a reference later.

Step 3

disconnecting faucet supply lines with a wrench

Use a small bucket under the connections to catch water as you disconnect supply lines.

Step 4

underside of sink showing the nuts to loosen for faucet replacement

Have someone hold the faucet in place from above the cabinet, while you use a basin wrench to loosen and remove the nuts holding the faucet.

Step 5

removing old faucet from the sink

Remove the faucet and clean grime and / or sealant from the sink's surface.

Install the New Faucet

Now that you've removed the old faucet, it's time to install the new one.

Caution

Because all faucets are different, defer to the manufacturer's installation instructions.

Step 1

placing deck plate over gaskets in faucet installation

Place the rubber or plastic gasket, or trim ring, over the faucet holes in the sink and set the deck plate. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions regarding the use of caulk or plumber's putty in gasket installation.

Step 2

running the lines through the holes for new faucet installation

Feed faucet lines into the hole(s).

Step 3

using a wrench to tighten base nuts underneath the sink

Install washers and nuts underneath the sink. If you used caulk or plumber's putty for the gasket / trim ring installation, wipe away excess underneath the sink.

Step 4

pull-down weight hanging freely beneath sink basin in new faucet installation

For pull-down faucets, attach the quick-connect hose to the supply pipe. Pull down on the hose and attach the weight.

Good to Know

The weight needs clearance to hang freely underneath the sink.

Step 5

wrench tightening supply line of new kitchen faucet

Connect water supply lines. Use plumber's tape if necessary. Watch our video: What Is Plumber's Tape?

Caution

Do not overtighten supply line connections.

Step 6

water supply turned to on in new faucet installation

Turn the water on slowly and check for leaks. Tighten connections if necessary.

Step 7

aerator removed from new kitchen faucet

Remove the aerator from the faucet. Slowly turn the water on and let it run, aerator-free, for a few minutes to clear the lines. Recheck everything for leaks and make readjustments.

Step 8

replacing aerator into the end of the new kitchen faucet

Turn the faucet off and replace the aerator.