Whether it’s on how to replace a kitchen sink faucet, or the kitchen sprayer hose, or any other Do-it-yourself task, my dad would always be on top of it. Numerous hours of my childhood have been spent observing my dad doing plumbing and electrical repairs around the house. In addition to being a silent observer, my role also extended to playing a helper in all his projects.

My role didn’t entail much, just handing him the tools that he asked and making sure the light was pointing in the right space. It sounds easy, I know, but when you’re twelve and have a box full of tools in front of you, it’s tough not to crack under pressure. Slowly but steadily, I learned the basics, understood the difference between a combination wrench, which was my dad’s go-to tool to remove any stubborn nut that won’t unscrew and a basin wrench which was a true help to remove connections in hard to reach places, such as sink clamps beneath our sink.

Now in my 20s and living alone, I face a familiar foe in my kitchen, a leaky faucet. As soon as I walk into my kitchen, I can hear the sound of water splashing against the sink. To be honest, I have put the project to replace my kitchen faucet for some time now. I ask myself, is this something I can do alone? Wouldn’t it be easier to call a professional?

I’m sure these are questions that you ask yourself as well. Through my experience observing my dad, I can say that you require just two things to replace your kitchen faucet, preparedness, and proper technique. In this guide, I lay down the steps that you can take to replace your kitchen faucet.

Average Cost To Replace A Kitchen Sink Faucet

The cost to replace your kitchen sink faucet will depend on the faucet choose to buy. There are various types of faucets in the market that cater to the needs of one to four-hole sinks. These include – single-hand faucets, double-hand faucets, pull out faucets, touchless faucets, etc.

Based on your choice and type of faucet, your total expense can vary between $40-$500.

Time Required

It can take between 1-2 hours to replace your kitchen sink faucet. Patience is key in this project as there are various connections such as water valves and supply lines that need to be carefully disconnected and then re-attached. To ensure that you do not cause leaks between connections and end up with water in your cabinet, work slowly and take your time with this project.

Tools & Materials

• Screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench
• Hammer
• Handsaw

• Pipe wrench
• Slip joint pliers
• Tube cutter
• Wrench set

Preparing to replace your kitchen sink faucet

Before starting the process of removing your old faucet, review these essential sink parts –

Countertop Holes

Look underneath the countertop to check the number of existing holes in your current sink. Based on the number of holes, you’ll need to decide between buying a new faucet. A three-hole faucet will not fit in a one-hole sink for obvious reasons. However, if you want to replace a three-hole faucet with a one-hole faucet, you can simply use a deck plate to cover the open holes.

Shutoff Valves

These are the valves that control the main water supply to your faucet. They are located underneath the sink and usually attached to the main water pipe. Shut off the valves and check if they work. If water still drips from the faucet after the valves are closed, you will need to replace them.

If you do not have water valves installed, you must buy them. Your water pipes are usually ½ in copper supply pipes. If not, then buy valves based on the size of your pipes accordingly. Solderless “compression fitting” valves are the easiest to install and use.

Before you begin the process of removing your old faucet, close both the shutoff valves.

Supply Tubes

These are pipes that connect to the valves on one side and your faucet on the other. If your existing supply tubes are old, then buy new ones to avoid future leaks or ruptures. Stainless steel-sleeved supply tubes are the best in the market. They provide rupture-free service for years, and due to their flexibility, they can be easily routed through obstacles beneath your sink.

Basin Wrench

Maneuvering and reaching connection beneath or behind your sink is a difficult task. Especially if you have a deep sink, reaching the clamps beneath your faucet is a tall order. Having a Basin Wrench is a lifesaver in these situations. This tool is made specifically to make it easier to reach these connections and detach your faucet. Additionally, the Basin Wrench’s spring-loaded jaws make it a versatile tool for loosening or tightening nuts in tight spaces.

Once you have reviewed all the parts mentioned above, you can begin to replace your kitchen sink faucet.

Removing Old Kitchen Sink Faucet

1. Turn on the faucet to relieve pressure in the lines and remove any excess water stuck in the pipes.
2. Additionally, switch off the power to the garbage disposer if you have one.
3. Disconnect the water supply lines – 

• The supply lines are pipes that run from the faucet to the water valves. Furthermore, a threaded nut will be connecting each line to the valve
• Using a wrench, remove the nut by turning it counterclockwise. Holding the nut it in place loosen the supply line to prevent damage to the main connections behind the cabinets.
• Keep a small bucket under the pipes to catch water as you disconnect supply lines.
• Once you have disconnected one of the lines, repeat the procedure for the other one. 
• Furthermore, check your water valves for leaks after turning them off. If any leakage is seen you will need to replace a faulty water valve. Remember to shut the main water supply to the house below replacing the valves.

4. Remove Faucet –

• The old faucet will be connected to the sink by some mounting hardware. 
• A single handle kitchen faucet’s mounting hardware will be connected to a single shank containing the hot and cold supply lines.
• Conversely, for a two-handle faucet, the mounts will usually be individually attached to the hot and cold valves.
• You’ll have to detach both the mounts individually to remove the faucet.
• Using a wrench, loosen the nuts on the hardware. Once they are loose, turn them using your hand to remove completely.
• Once the mounting hardware is removed, pull on the faucet to remove it from the sink.

When you’re finished, clean the area around the sink with an approved cleaner. Make sure there is no caulk on the counter before installing your new faucet

Replacing the Kitchen Sink Faucet

5. Based on the type of faucet you bought, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble it.
6. The installation of your faucet will also depend on the type and manufacturer. Different faucets will have different mounting hardware. The manufacturer provides this hardware.
7. Regardless of the type of faucet you have chosen, these are the necessary steps you need to take to attach your faucet to the sink.
8. Attach the gasket and deck plate to the faucet hole opening in your sink. Following the manufacturer’s instruction use the appropriate amount of chalk or plumber’s putty for gasket installation.
9. Seal the new faucet –

• If using a gasket, put the gasket on the lip of the plate and thread the hoses through. 
• If using plumber’s putty, apply around the base of the faucet and set it in place. Again, this will depend on the type of faucet that you have bought.

10. Attach washers and nuts on the underside of the sink to hold the mounting hardware provided in place 
11. Lastly, use a wrench to tighten the nuts and ensure that the faucet is maintained correctly in place.

12. Connect the water supply lines –

SINGLE HANDLE FAUCET

• A single handle faucet usually has hot and cold valves as part of the spout assembly. In some models, the faucet also includes flexible supply lines.
• The supply lines have lables “hot” and “cold” accordingly.
• Using a wrench, attach these supply lines to the hot and cold water valves. Make sure not to make them too tight as this will make it difficult to replace or remove the lines in the future.
• In case that your faucet does not come with supply lines, measure the size of the valves, and buy appropriate supply lines.

TWO HANDLE FAUCET

• Two-handle faucets have individual shanks coming from the hot and cold valves. Shanks are usually half-inch threads, to which a supply line needs to be attached.
• If your manufacturer does not provide supply lines, then measure the size of the shank and water valves to buy the correct supply line.
• Attach the supply line to the shanks and appropriate water valves using a wrench.

After attaching all connections, open the water valves. Check for leaks at all connections, including at the shanks and the valves. Additionally, use a wrench to tighten any loose connections.

13. Flush the lines –

• Unscrew the aerator from the shaft of the faucet.
• Once the aerator is removed, turn your faucet’s handle to the maximum and let it run for a few minutes.
• This will help flush out any debris in the pipes or faucet.

Finally, let the water run for a few minutes. At the same time, carefully review all the connections to make sure they are secure. Not only will your new faucet give your kitchen a new look, but you also won’t have to worry about any plinking sound each time you enter your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions: How To Replace A Kitchen Sink Faucet

Do I need to buy new supply lines?

Check the condition of your existing supply lines. If they are in good condition then you can simply attach them to your new faucet. If they are a few years old, it is advisable to buy new ones.What type of faucet should I buy?

This will ultimately depend on your budget and type of sink. You can choose from single-hand faucets, double-hand faucets, pull out faucets, touchless faucets, etc.