Replacing a faucet is one of the most satisfying beginner plumbing jobs: an hour or two of work for a visible upgrade. The hardest part is usually working on your back in a cramped cabinet.
Choose a faucet that fits
Look under the sink and count the holes in the sink or countertop:
- Single hole: one-handle faucets. Many come with a deck plate to cover extra holes.
- Centerset (4-inch spread): common in bathrooms, handles and spout on one base.
- Widespread (8 inches or more): separate handles and spout.
- Kitchen sinks often have an extra hole for a sprayer or soap dispenser.
Check the reach and height of the spout too, so water lands in the middle of the basin and tall pots fit underneath.
Tools
Adjustable wrench, basin wrench (a long-handled tool made for the nuts behind the sink), bucket, towels, flashlight, and new braided stainless supply lines if they are not included.
Removing the old faucet
- Close the shutoff valves under the sink and open the faucet to release pressure.
- Disconnect the supply lines at the valves, with a bucket underneath.
- Loosen the mounting nuts under the sink with the basin wrench. Old nuts may be corroded; penetrating oil helps.
- Lift the faucet out and clean the old putty or sealant from the sink.
Installing the new one
- Fit the gasket or apply plumber’s putty under the base, as the instructions say. Do not use putty on some stone countertops; it can stain.
- Set the faucet in place, and from below thread on and tighten the mounting nuts. Check that the faucet is straight from above before the final tightening.
- Connect the supply lines: hot on the left, cold on the right. Hand-tighten, then a quarter turn with a wrench. Do not overtighten.
- On kitchen pull-down faucets, attach the hose weight so the spray head retracts properly.
- Remove the aerator, open the valves and run water for a minute to flush debris, then put the aerator back.
Check for leaks
Wipe all connections dry and check again after an hour with a dry paper towel. Small drips usually come from a connection that needs a slight tightening.
If your current faucet simply drips, a repair may be enough: see how to fix a leaky faucet. Finishes such as chrome, brushed nickel or matte black are compared in the different types of plumbing fixtures.
