How to replace a faucet

We'll remove the old faucet and install the new one—kitchen or bathroom.

What you'll need

At a glance

Shut off the water supply under the sink and disconnect the supply lines before removing the old faucet.
Remove the mounting nuts under the sink to free the old faucet; clean the sink deck and mounting holes.
Install the new faucet with gaskets and plumber putty or silicone as directed; tighten the mounting hardware.
Connect the supply lines to the shutoff valves—use new supply lines if the old ones are corroded or kinked.
Turn the water back on slowly and check for leaks at connections and the base.

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Goal: Replace the faucet from shutoff to final test.

Shut off the water at the valves under the sink. Open the faucet to release pressure.
Good: Water is off. Proceed to Disconnect supply lines.
Bad: Valves will not close—call a plumber before proceeding.

Goal: Remove the old faucet’s connections.

Place a bucket under the connections. Loosen the supply line nuts with a wrench.
Disconnect the sprayer hose if present. Remove the mounting nuts and lift the old faucet out.
Good: Old faucet is removed. Proceed to Clean and install.
Bad: Nuts are stuck—use penetrating oil or a basin wrench for extra grip.

Goal: Prepare the deck and install the new faucet.

Clean the sink deck. Insert the new faucet through the mounting holes. Tighten the mounting hardware from below.
Good: Faucet is seated firmly. Proceed to Connect supply lines.
Bad: Mounting holes do not match—you may need a different faucet or deck plate.

Goal: Attach hot and cold lines to the shutoff valves.

Connect hot to hot (usually left), cold to cold (usually right). Hand-tighten, then snug with a wrench.
Connect the sprayer hose if present. Reinstall the drain assembly.
Good: All connections secure. Proceed to Turn on water and test.
Bad: Supply lines leak—check that the rubber gaskets are in place and connections are not cross-threaded.

Goal: Restore water and verify no leaks.

Turn the shutoff valves on slowly. Check every connection. Run hot and cold water.
Good: No leaks; full flow. Proceed to Verification.
Bad: Leak at a connection—tighten slightly or replace the supply line if the connection is damaged.

Call a plumber if:

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

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