Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Kitchen Faucet for a Fresh Kitchen Update

Installing a kitchen faucet is a quick and cost-effective way to update your kitchen. Most faucets can be installed for about $100 and in under an hour. It’s also a great opportunity to inspect the plumbing under the sink for any necessary repairs or upgrades.

Before You Begin

Single-handle faucets are ideal for sinks with one hole on the back rim, as all water lines feed through this hole, creating a sleek, easy-to-clean design. However, if your sink has three holes, you can still use a single-handle faucet by adding a deck plate to cover the extra holes and leave the center one open.

Tip
The extra sink holes can be used for soap dispensers or covered with hole covers. If you add a reverse osmosis system, these holes can also be used for a separate drinking water tap.

What You’ll Need

Tools

• Basin wrench
• Pliers
• Flashlight

Materials

• Single-handle kitchen faucet
• Deck plate (for three-hole sinks)
• PFTE or Teflon tape

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Kitchen Faucet

1. Shut Off the Water Supply
Turn the hot and cold valve handles clockwise to shut off the water supply to the faucet. The valves are located inside the sink base cabinet.

Tip:
If the valves are hard to turn off, you can turn off the water supply for the entire house at the main shut-off valve.

2. Remove the Old Faucet
Disconnect the flexible water supply lines from the supply valves. Unscrew the locking nut securing the faucet to the sink, then pull the faucet assembly with the attached lines from the sink.

3. Clean the Sink Rim
Remove soap scum and debris from the rim around the faucet holes to ensure the new faucet sits securely and flat.

4. Add the Deck Plate (If Needed)
For sinks with three holes, place the deck plate over the holes and fit the silicone or rubber gasket into the top of the plate.

5. Insert the Supply Lines into the Sink
Feed the faucet’s flexible water supply lines into the center hole. These lines are often pre-attached to the faucet, so bundle them and guide them into place.

6. Secure the Faucet with the Locking Nut
From below the sink, screw the locking nut onto the faucet’s threaded shank. Tighten it by hand, then use the basin wrench for a secure fit.

Note:
Some faucet kits come with a plastic tightening tool similar to a basin wrench.

7. Attach the Counterweight (If Applicable)
If the faucet includes a pull-down sprayer, attach the counterweight about 3 to 4 inches above the lowest point of the sprayer hose. Some hoses have a marked location for the counterweight.

8. Apply Pipe Tape to the Valves
Wrap Teflon tape around the male threads of the shut-off valves, turning the tape clockwise.

9. Connect the Water Supply Lines
Attach the faucet’s supply lines to the hot and cold shut-off valves. Hand-tighten them, then use pliers to secure them further.

10. Test the Faucet
Turn the water supply valves counter-clockwise to turn them on. Check for leaks around the faucet and the threaded connections using a flashlight. Turn on the faucet and inspect for any leaks near the faucet base.

Tips for a Smooth Installation

• Leaks are most likely to appear immediately if something was installed incorrectly or if the faucet is defective.
• Don’t attach the counterweight directly to the bottom of the sprayer hose loop; it should be placed a few inches higher.
• Double-check that the hot and cold water lines are connected to the correct valves.
• Ensure that 3/8-inch water lines are compatible with 1/2-inch valves, or use adapters.

When to Call a Professional

Most homeowners can handle faucet installation on their own. However, if you have a specialty faucet like a wall-mounted pot filler or one that connects to a tankless water heater, it’s best to hire a professional plumber for installation.

FAQ

Do I need a plumber to install a kitchen faucet?
A plumber isn’t necessary for most kitchen faucet installations, and many homeowners can complete the task themselves. However, if accessing the sink from below is difficult, you may want to consider professional help.

How much does it cost to install a kitchen faucet?
Installing a kitchen faucet by yourself usually costs between $75 and $125, depending on the cost of the faucet. Additional materials are generally not required.

Do I need caulk to install a kitchen faucet?
Caulk is typically not required for faucet installation. As long as the sink rim is clean and in good condition, the included gaskets should create a proper seal without needing additional caulk.