DIY Kitchen Faucet Replacement in 3 Easy Steps
Is your kitchen faucet leaking, sputtering, or just looking worse for wear? Replacing an old faucet with a new one can completely transform the look and function of your kitchen sink. With some basic DIY skills and tools, you can install a new faucet yourself in just a few hours.
To complete this project, you'll need a few simple supplies: adjustable wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, flashlight, plumbers putty, Teflon tape, and possibly a drill with hole saw attachment. With the right preparation and careful attention to each step, you can have your new kitchen faucet installed by the end of the day.
Step 1 - Removing the Old Faucet
Before installing the new faucet, the first step is removing the existing one. Start by shutting off the hot and cold water supply lines under the sink.
Turn Off Water Supply
Locate the hot and cold shut-off valves below the sink. They are typically colored red for hot and blue for cold. Turn the valves clockwise as far as they will go to shut off the water supply. Test the faucet to confirm the water is off.
Detach Supply Lines
With the water off, use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nut connections where the supply lines link to the faucet inlets. Unscrew the nuts completely and set them aside. Pull the supply lines off the inlets.
Remove Mounting Hardware
Now remove the nuts, screws, and washers that secure the faucet body to the sink deck. In most cases you can unscrew them with adjustable wrenches or pliers. Lift the faucet up and off the sink.
Unscrew Drain P-Trap
Under the sink, locate the P-trap assembly that connects to the drain tailpiece. Use slip-joint pliers to loosen the slip nuts and remove the tailpiece from the faucet spout outlet. Removing the P-trap will allow space to install the new faucet.
Step 2 - Installing the New Faucet
With the old faucet removed, it's time to install the replacement model. Make sure it fits your existing sink holes before proceeding.
Prepare Sink Holes
Set the new faucet on the sink deck to check that the holes line up. If they don't, use a hole saw to drill new openings for the faucet body and handles. File down any rough edges.
Set Faucet Base
Apply plumber's putty around the bottom of the new faucet base to create a watertight seal. Insert the faucet tailpieces through the sink holes. Set the faucet in place.
Secure Faucet
From below, replace any washers and nuts that fit the new faucet tailpieces. Tighten with wrenches or pliers, but don't overtighten. The plumber's putty will help seal the base.
Connect Supply Lines
Attach the flexible supply lines to the inlets on the new faucet. Tighten the connections with adjustable wrenches. Coat threads with Teflon tape to prevent leaks.
Connect Drain P-Trap
Connect the P-trap slip nuts to the new tailpiece. Make sure they are tight. Reattach any other drain pieces below the P-trap.
Step 3 - Testing and Completing Installation
With all the connections secured, the final step is confirming proper operation.
Turn Water Back On
Slowly turn the hot and cold shut-off valves counterclockwise to restore water supply. Check for leaks as pressure builds. Tighten any connections if needed.
Flush Faucet
Temporarily remove the aerator tip and turn the faucet on full hot. Let it run to flush debris from the lines. Turn off after water runs clear.
Reattach Aerator
Replace the aerator tip on the end of the faucet spout once flushing is complete. Hand tighten only.
Confirm Proper Operation
Turn the handles to test hot and cold water flow. Ensure the faucet head, sprayer, and other features work properly before completing install.
Clean Up
Use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess plumber's putty or Teflon tape residue. Coil up any hoses and store your tools until the next project.
Upgrading to a new kitchen faucet can make your sink look and function like new again. With the right tools and preparation, you can tackle a faucet replacement yourself in just a few hours. Just remember to shut off the water supply, remove the old faucet completely, install the new faucet carefully, and test for leaks. Follow these steps and you'll be washing dishes or showing off your upgraded kitchen in no time.
Be sure to inspect supply lines, gaskets, and washers periodically to maintain your new faucet. Catching and replacing worn parts early prevents leaks and damage down the road. A functioning faucet is essential to every kitchen, so take good care of your shiny new upgrade.