How to Install Kitchen Faucets

Sometimes replacing one simple item in a kitchen can result in a refreshed, revitalized look. Replacing old, worn kitchen faucets with shiny new ones is one way to accomplish this.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• New faucet parts (usually sold as a kit, which includes handles and faucets)
• Adjustable wrench
• Washers, screws, nuts and bolts in various sizes
• Flat-head or Phillips-head screwdriver
• Old cloths or rags

HOW TO INSTALL KITCHEN FAUCETS

1. Remove the old faucet set by exposing the screws in the handles, faucet, and/or base and unscrewing them, using the appropriate screwdriver. If the faucet set is one-piece, the screws or nuts and bolts may be located under the cabinet where the sink is located.

2. Take the old faucet parts to the store so you will know which size faucet parts to buy.

3. Purchase the new faucet parts. As stated earlier, most faucet parts now come in a “kit”, which includes everything needed to replace a kitchen faucet.

4. Turn the water off at the kitchen sink. Most sink pipes have individual shut-off valves which makes it possible to turn the water off to just the sink. Use old cloths or rags to wipe up any excess water that may be present.

5. Clean the area around where the old faucet parts set before installing the new ones. Remove built-up dirt, grease, or rust.

6. Following the instructions, fit the handles, faucet, and base onto the appropriate openings left by the old faucet parts. Use screwdrivers and/or adjustable wrenches as needed. If the faucet set is a one-piece type, simply fit the entire section over the area. If the right size replacement parts were purchased, everything should still fit where it belongs.

7. Install or replace any washers, spray heads, or filter parts that were or may be present on the faucet set.

8. Caulk around the areas of the faucet parts that sit on the counter, to avoid leaks or seepage.

9. Turn the water back on; check for leaks or water coming out of places where it should not be. If necessary, turn the water back off, re-tighten screws, nuts/bolts, and fasteners, check to see that all parts are fitting tightly, and turn the water back on. If everything that should stay dry stays dry, and everything that should have water and/or be wet is, you have accomplished your goal.

Tips & Warnings

• Once the water has been shut off to the sink, open the faucet fully and let all the water drain. This will allow you to work in a dry area.

• If your old faucet parts or set was outdated, check to see if the newer, more modern faucet kits will fit. Chances are they will, and this will allow you more leeway in choosing faucets that will add a whole new look to your kitchen.

• Take the opportunity while the water is shut off to see if any water pipes or water lines in the sink area need repairing or replacing. If so, purchase the necessary parts and do this when you replace the faucets.

• “What don’t fit, don’t force.” If the faucet set or parts does not fit properly, don’t try to make it happen. The faucet will not work properly; further, this can result in damage to the sink area.

• When turning the water back on, turn the cut-off valves back on slowly. Once they are fully on, turn the new faucet handle(s) on a little at a time. Air may have gotten into the lines during the repair/replacement process, and can cause water to gush out. Slowly operating the handle(s) will prevent this.

• Take care when attaching the faucet parts to both the top and bottom of the sink cabinet. Damage can occur, necessitating repair or replacement of other parts.