Most homeowners willing to replace a kitchen faucet would probably worry about the cost and time. More so if it involves replacing the old one and installing a new faucet.
However, it’s a simple DIY; you can save a lot in terms of labor cost. Likewise, it saves you on future repair and replacement costs.
There are many reasons to replace the faucet. Could be you’ve just moved into a new home and feel that there’s a need to do some renovation. Maybe you are having spray head problems with your kitchen faucet?
Or better still, the old one is leaking and replacing it with a new one is the only option.
Whatever the reason, with the right hardware and tool, and by following instructions, it’s a simple process. Below here, we explore how to replace kitchen faucet in easy steps. Keep reading.
07 Steps To Replace Kitchen Faucet
Definitely, it’s gonna be a multi-step process. I tried to explain the whole process in small steps one at a time so that you don’t get confused. Follow these steps:
Step 01: Gather tools and hardware
Undoubtedly, replacing a kitchen faucet involves removing the old one and installing a new one. With this in mind, the first step is to have the tools and hardware ready.
These materials are readily available in a hardware store near you. Although online stores also supply these tools and materials, it’s essential to use local stores so that you can get answers to any concerns or questions from your provider.
There’s no need to worry if you forget to buy something since replacing a kitchen faucet may require many trips to the hardware store.
For this project, you’ll need the following tools and materials
- Screwdriver
- Pipe wrench
- An adjustable wrench
- Pliers for slip joint
- Hammer
- Tube cutter
- Handsaw
- Wrench set
- Shut-off valves
- Sandpaper
- New faucet
- Supply tubes
- P-trap
- Silicone Caulk
- Measuring tape
- Putty knife
- A bucket
Step 02: Inspect under the kitchen sink
Inspect the old faucet and establish the type of hardware that you’ll need for the task. Check under the sink and see if you’ll see any shut-off valves that feed the faucet. If they’re none, then they need to be in your budget.
If they’re present, check if they’re working correctly and whether there’s a need for a replacement. You can turn the hot or cold water and shut off the valves. If there’s a leakage, then include the shut-off valves in your list.
It’s critical to shop for valves that are compatible with your faucet for proper installation. Most often, copper types are easy to fit, and plumbers prefer installing them since they’re also durable.
The next step is to inspect the supply tubes by checking if you need new ones. If the old require replacement, measure the size and include them on your list.
Supply pipes should have a guarantee for many years without rupturing. Also, they should be easy to route around any obstacles and not to twist.
Step 03: Shop for a new faucet
Before picking the right faucet to replace the old one, don’t be tricked by price. Ensure you select something that will last longer and save you on repair or replacement costs.
Some expensive options are made of dense material and durable parts. However, choose a brand that you know and one which is easier to find a replacement part if need be.
Therefore before hitting the store, check how many holes are present. It makes it easier for you to install a new one. For instance, if the faucet has one hole, it can fit in a sink with three holes. However, if there are four holes, you may need to add a deck plate.
The caulk or the putty will be necessary when installing the washer. However, it’s essential to follow the manufacturers’ instructions on their installation.
Step 04: Read the manufacturer’s instructions
Before you embark on the project, it’s essential to read the manufacturer’s guide. It gives you an insight into the dos and don’ts when replacing a faucet. Also, you can get quick answers to any questions besides some tips on installation.
Step 05: Remove the old faucet
Removing an old faucet is the most difficult task as they may be unexpected issues such as rusty pipes and unreachable nuts.
Also, the fittings could be far out of reach. With all these problems, you could take more time here and it’s important to start early.
However, once you’re past this step, installing a new faucet is pretty easy. All you need is to have materials ready and follow instructions.
- Shut off the water supply
Start by turning the water valves off, turn the faucet to release pressure, and turn the power off. After that, detach the drain lines since they could be blocking your access to the supply pipes and faucet.
Also, disconnect the P-traps. There will be some residual water down there, and it’s vital to have a buck to collect the water.
- Remove far end nuts
A basin wrench helps in the removal and replacement of unreachable nuts that would generally hamper the removal of the old faucet.
Usually, a new faucet is made of plastic fasteners, which are easy to loosen or tighten by use of the hand. A basin wrench makes it easier to loosen or tighten the fasteners in tricky places.
- Take a photo and detach the drain lines
Before detaching the drain lines, take a photo with your phone or a camera to refer to when fixing back. It may be necessary to remove the drain lines to reach the faucet. Here, you’ll need a pipe wrench for this task.
If you don’t have a pipe wrench, then you can use a slip joint plier. When cutting the copper tubes, a tubbing cutter will do a clean job.
However, if the copper lines are near a mini tube cutter will be of assistance. Open-end wrench help to disconnect and 1hook the water lines in place.
- Remove the garbage disposer
Disconnect the garbage disposer, and if it’s connected to the electricity, switch off its circuit breaker. Separate it and keep it away with the electrical wires still connected.
Even if the garbage disposer is large, remove then reattach once you’ve installed the faucet. It helps if you can unplug and pull from the cabinet to prevent blocking. Next, remove the dishwasher release line.
If there is some paint falling off, put a rag underneath to collect the remains. Tap the retainer ring using a hammer to detach the disposer. Tap in a counter-clockwise manner. Continue tapping the retainer line to ensure it loosens.
If you need to replace the old valve, then you need to cut the supply line. Start by shutting off the water supply underneath the sink. This step is ideal if no valves are connecting the old faucet to the water supply.
Next, open the faucet alongside the lower one to drain any water. If you need to install new valves, then cut the supply lines located underneath the fittings. A hacksaw or tube cutter is ideal for this exercise.
A basin wrench will help in loosening the nuts at the back of the sink. Also, remove the nozzle pipe, and now your old faucet will detach effortlessly. Lastly, fix the jaws of the basin wrench on the locking nuts.
- Check if any parts are blocking the removal of faucet
Once you have pulled out the cleansers and anything under your kitchen sink, do a full inspection and see if you can access the faucet.
Are there things blocking the way, such as p-traps and pipes? Remove them, and if they’re in a bad state, you can always replace them.
Sometimes it may not be easy to loosen all the nuts despite following the instructions. Here you may need some oil to loosen the nuts. Soak the wires in oil and try loosening once again. If still, this doesn’t work, then pull the stops and the sink to get to the nuts.
Some pipes may be rusty, especially the chrome types. Those need replacement with a new one. Plastic pipes are replaceable, therefore remove them gently.
Clamping down the sink might be the only solution here to get to those stubborn nuts. Here, lose all the screws at the base of the sink and pull the sink.
Alternatively, cut off the caulk between the sink and the countertop. You’ll need a regular knife to do this, then pull the sink. Then, use a pipe wrench or the locking plier to remove the old faucet.
- Clean the residue and cover the faucet
After removing the faucet, hopefully, effortlessly, it’s time to clean the area under the sink. You can use the sandpaper on the area where the old faucet was attaching and clear any residue or rust.
Before installation, you can enhance the appeal of the new faucet by installing a cover. Also, you can use the putty or caulk to hold it into place.
Step 06: Installing the new faucet
Typically a faucet has four holes; however, only the three will be covered, leaving you with a blank one. You can use this for putting soap or fixing a hot water system. Yet, the installation of the faucet should be done underneath the kitchen sink.
- a) Fix the new faucet
Now that you’ve successfully removed the old faucet, it’s now time to fix the new faucet. For this exercise, it’s essential to read the manufacturer’s instructions about assembly.
With the faucet opening facing you, attach the flange. Ensure its properly aligning and tighten its nuts just below the kitchen sink.
- b) Tighten the nuts
Next, tighten the nut that helps mount the faucet. But before you do that, ensure you’re not fixing in an anticlockwise manner. Gently place the washer alongside the thread and tighten the nut. Spread the tubes evenly using a manufacturer’s tool.
Then fix the overhang nut firmly using an open-end wrench. This is done in stages up to a sixth revolution every time. The next step is to install the spray pipe tightly on the faucet’s supply tube. Here, you’ll need to thread and make tighter entirely.
You may need to pull the spray nozzle from the faucet pipe just to ensure the pipe operates easily. After that, mount the spray as per instructions on the manual.
Using a pen, put marks on the supply line just above the location of the compression nuts to establish where to cut. Before that, tighten the valves on each supply tube.
- c) Reattach the supply lines
Now, attach the tube to the lines. Initially, using sandpaper, clean the tubing, and gently slip-up the fastener, compression loop, and the valve on the pipe and firmly tighten up.
At this point, close the regulator or valve and allow the water value to let in water. Inspect for any leakages. Put a bucket underneath and wait for a few minutes to check whether there are any drops.
- d) Reattach the drain lines, P-traps, and garbage disposal.
The next step is to reattach every other accessory, such as the P-traps and the garbage disposal. As mentioned earlier in this text, if the parts are old and worn out, you can replace them with new ones.
However, it’s important to be careful when tightening to prevent breaking the parts.
Step 07: Finalizing the project
Once the new faucet is in place, it’s time to wrap up the work. Clear off any residues from the site such as the sealants since they can harden. Turn on the main water supply and keep on always checking for any leaks. Any leakages need to be fixed right away, as it may be costly in the future. Now watch the instructional video to recap the entire process:
Conclusion
You have got the most in-depth guide on how to replace kitchen faucet. Replacing a faucet is a simple DIY project which you can easily do without external help.
It helps if you can have the right materials, tools, and hardware for the job. Also, ensure you follow all the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid messing up.
Since a replacement may require several new parts, it’s critical to do a thorough inspection of the kitchen sink and note down what you need for the project.
If there are any new items needed, plan ahead, and budget. You’ll have enough time shopping for the replacement instead of abandoning the project midway to search for the same.
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