How to Install a Kitchen Faucet

 

Whether you’re replacing a leaky old faucet or you’re giving your kitchen a stylish upgrade, installing a kitchen faucet on your own can be relatively easy if you properly prepared for the task. Once you’ve chosen a that suits your needs and style, check that it includes all the necessary accessories, such as a plastic gasket, which will seal the base of the faucet to keep water from leaking.

It’s always recommended that you read the faucet manufacturer’s instructions. If you need some additional help, the following kitchen faucet installation tips will be your guide – read on to learn how to easily replace your faucet.

Tools/Items You May Need

• Basin wrench (optional) – This long tool will make it easier for you to reach behind the sink and remove the two nuts that hold the faucet in place on your sink.
• Plumbers’ putty and tape (optional) – If your new faucet doesn’t come with a gasket, this putty can be used as a sealant at its base.
• Portable lamp – If the area beneath your sink is dark, this light will make your workspace brighter and easier to work in.
• Towels – These will soak up any water that leaks during installation.
• Cleaning supplies – After you remove your old faucet, you may want to clean hard water deposits and dirt on your sink before putting a new faucet in.
• Safety glasses and gloves – These will protect your eyes and hands during installation.
• Replacement water supply lines – If your water lines are old or damaged, now’s a good opportunity to replace them.

Installing a Kitchen Faucet

1. Clear the area around your sink, including the countertops and the cabinet beneath it.

2. Shut off your sink’s water supply. Underneath the sink, there should be two water valves: one for the hot water and the other for the cold water. Twist both valves clockwise to turn the water off.

3. Locate the tube nut above each water valve, and then loosen the nut in order to remove the water tubes from the valves. Since water may come out of the tubes when they’re removed, a towel will come in handy during this step.

4. Remove the nuts that secure your old faucet. If the nuts are located in a hard-to-reach place, the basin wrench will be especially helpful during this step.

5. Now that the nuts have been removed, lift your old faucet out of the sink – the water tube should also come out with it. At this time, you should examine your water supply lines and see if they need to be replaced.

6. Clean the sink area and be sure to scrape away any old plumber’s putty, mineral deposits and other debris.

7. Install the new faucet and attach any new tubes if needed. In addition, you can also install any additional faucet accessories, such as soap or lotion dispensers. If your faucet did not come with a gasket, you’ll want to put some plumbers’ putty at the base before you put the faucet in. Tighten the new nuts by hand first, then take a step back and make sure everything is properly fitted. If all looks good, continue tightening the nuts.

8. Screw the water supply tubes into the valves beneath the sink and tighten the nuts.

9. Turn the water supply valves on and ensure there are no leaks. You may want to wait about ten minutes and check again.

10. Turn on your faucet and enjoy a job well done!