How to Replace a Kitchen or Bathroom Faucet
Replace your kitchen or bathroom faucet yourself. Complete step-by-step DIY guide with tips for removing old faucets and installing new ones.
Project Snapshot
- Category: DIY
- Difficulty: intermediate
- Estimated time: 1-2 hours
- Estimated cost: $50-$300
- Reading time: 10 min
Guide
# How to Replace a Kitchen or Bathroom Faucet
Replacing a faucet is one of the most impactful DIY upgrades you can make. A new faucet can transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom while improving functionality. This project typically takes 1-2 hours and requires only basic tools.
## Before You Start
### Choosing Your New Faucet
- Measure your sink: Count the number of holes (1, 3, or 4) and measure the spacing
- Match the configuration: Single-hole, centerset (4"), or widespread (8")
- Consider features: Pull-down sprayer, touchless, water-saving aerators
### Gathering Supplies
Most faucets come with mounting hardware, but you'll need to provide your own supply lines. Braided stainless steel supply lines are recommended for durability.
## Step-by-Step Installation
### 1. Shut Off the Water
Turn off both hot and cold shut-off valves under the sink. Open the faucet to release pressure and drain remaining water.
### 2. Disconnect Supply Lines
Place a bucket under the connections. Use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the supply lines from the shut-off valves.
### 3. Remove the Old Faucet
This is often the hardest part! The mounting nuts are located under the sink.
- Use a basin wrench to reach the nuts
- Remove any mounting hardware
- Lift out the old faucet from above
### 4. Clean the Sink Surface
Remove old plumber's putty or silicone. Clean the area thoroughly with a non-abrasive cleaner.
### 5. Install the New Faucet
- Apply plumber's putty or use the included gasket
- Insert the faucet through the mounting holes
- Hand-tighten mounting nuts from below
- Use the basin wrench for final tightening
### 6. Connect Supply Lines
- Wrap valve threads with Teflon tape
- Connect hot (left) and cold (right) supply lines
- Hand-tighten, then 1/4 turn with wrench
### 7. Install the Drain Assembly (if included)
Many faucet kits include a matching drain assembly:
- Apply plumber's putty around the drain flange
- Insert from above, tighten from below
- Connect the pop-up linkage
### 8. Test for Leaks
- Turn on shut-off valves slowly
- Check all connections for leaks
- Run both hot and cold water
- Test the sprayer and all functions
## Pro Tips
- Take photos before disconnecting anything
- Replace old supply lines while you have access
- Consider adding shut-off valves if none exist
- Keep the faucet manual for future reference
Step-by-Step Plan
-
Shut Off the Water
Turn off both hot and cold shut-off valves under the sink. Open faucet to release pressure.
-
Disconnect Supply Lines
Place bucket under connections and use adjustable wrench to disconnect supply lines.
-
Remove the Old Faucet
Use a basin wrench to remove mounting nuts from below. Lift out the old faucet from above.
-
Clean the Sink Surface
Remove old putty or silicone. Clean the area thoroughly with non-abrasive cleaner.
-
Install New Faucet
Apply putty or gasket, insert faucet through holes, and tighten mounting nuts from below.
-
Connect Supply Lines
Apply Teflon tape to valve threads. Connect hot (left) and cold (right) lines. Hand-tighten plus 1/4 turn.
-
Install Drain Assembly
If included, apply putty around drain flange, insert from above, and connect pop-up linkage.
-
Test for Leaks
Turn on valves slowly, check all connections, run both hot and cold water, test all functions.
Tools Needed
- Basin wrench
- Adjustable wrench
- Bucket
- Flashlight
- Pliers
- Putty knife
Materials Needed
- New faucet
- Braided supply lines
- Plumber's putty
- Teflon tape
Safety Notes
Topics
- Plumbing
- Faucet
- Installation
- Intermediate DIY
- Upgrade
Turn This Into a Plan
ChatDIY can adapt this guide to your measurements, materials, tools, and timeline.