How to Replace Sink Faucet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Is your kitchen sink faucet more of a drippy nuisance than a functional fixture? A leaky or outdated faucet can waste gallons of water each year, not to mention the constant, irritating drip-drip-drip that can drive anyone mad. Beyond the water waste and annoyance, a new faucet can dramatically update the look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom, adding value and convenience to your home.

Replacing a sink faucet might seem daunting, but with the right tools and a little guidance, it’s a project many homeowners can tackle themselves, saving on plumbing costs. This guide will walk you through each step of the process, from gathering your supplies to tightening the final connections, ensuring a smooth and successful installation. You’ll be surprised at how satisfying it is to transform your sink with a brand-new faucet!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sink Faucet Replacement

What tools do I need to replace a sink faucet?

Replacing a sink faucet requires a collection of plumbing tools designed to disconnect the old faucet and install the new one safely and effectively. Essential tools include an adjustable wrench, basin wrench (sink wrench), plumber’s putty or silicone sealant, a screwdriver (both Phillips and flathead), pliers, a bucket or towels to catch water, and possibly a penetrating oil (like WD-40) to loosen stubborn connections. Having these tools on hand will make the process much smoother and help prevent damage to your plumbing.

Expanding on the essentials, a basin wrench (also known as a sink wrench) is specifically designed to reach the nuts that secure the faucet to the sink from underneath, where space is limited. This is arguably the most important specialized tool for the job. The adjustable wrench is useful for loosening and tightening supply line connections and other fittings. The screwdrivers are needed for removing or installing any screws that hold parts in place. Beyond the standard tools, consider a few optional items that can be very helpful. A small work light can illuminate the dark space under the sink. Gloves protect your hands. A small hacksaw or tubing cutter might be necessary if you need to shorten existing supply lines, although usually flexible supply lines are preferred as replacements to avoid cutting. Remember to also have the new faucet, its accompanying hardware, and thread seal tape (Teflon tape) ready before you start.

How do I shut off the water supply before replacing a faucet?

Before replacing a sink faucet, it’s crucial to shut off the water supply to prevent flooding. Typically, you’ll find shut-off valves located directly under the sink, one for hot water and one for cold. Turn both valves clockwise until they are fully closed. Test that the water is off by turning on the faucet; only a dribble or nothing should come out.

Before you start any faucet replacement, properly shutting off the water is non-negotiable. Ignoring this step will result in a potentially messy and damaging situation as soon as you disconnect the old faucet. Locate the shut-off valves, which are usually small, oval-shaped handles or knobs, connected to the supply lines leading to your faucet. They are almost always directly beneath the sink cabinet. If you can’t find shut-off valves, or if they’re corroded and won’t turn, you will need to shut off the main water supply to your entire house. If you must shut off the main water supply, it’s usually located in the basement, garage, or near the water meter. Make sure everyone in the house knows the water will be temporarily unavailable. After turning off the water at either the sink or the main supply, open the faucet you are replacing and any other faucets on the same level of the house to relieve any remaining pressure in the pipes. This will minimize the amount of residual water that spills out when you disconnect the old faucet. It is also wise to keep a bucket and some towels handy to catch any drips.

What’s the best way to remove a stuck or corroded faucet nut?

The best way to remove a stuck or corroded faucet nut involves a combination of penetrating oil, specialized tools like a basin wrench or faucet nut splitter, and patience. Begin by applying penetrating oil liberally to the nut and surrounding threads and letting it soak for at least 15-30 minutes. Then, try using a basin wrench to grip the nut and apply steady pressure. If the nut remains stuck or is severely corroded, a faucet nut splitter may be necessary to carefully break the nut without damaging the faucet or sink.

Penetrating oil is crucial because it loosens the rust and corrosion that bind the nut to the faucet threads. WD-40 is often mentioned, but products specifically designed as penetrating oils, such as Liquid Wrench or PB Blaster, tend to work better. Applying heat from a heat gun (used carefully and avoiding overheating nearby pipes or materials) can also help expand the metal and further loosen the corrosion, but always use caution and wear appropriate safety gear.

A basin wrench, also known as a sink wrench, is designed with a long handle and a swiveling jaw specifically for reaching and gripping nuts in tight spaces under a sink. When using a basin wrench, ensure the jaw is securely gripping the nut before applying force. If the nut is too corroded or rounded to grip effectively, a faucet nut splitter offers a more direct approach. This tool uses a hardened blade to carefully score and then break the nut. Exercise extreme caution when using a nut splitter to avoid damaging the faucet body or sink itself. It may be necessary to make multiple small cuts rather than attempting to split the nut in one go.

How do I choose the right replacement faucet for my sink?

Choosing the right replacement faucet involves considering your sink’s configuration (number of holes and spacing), desired style and finish, functionality needs (like pull-down sprayers or water-saving features), and your budget. Matching the faucet to your existing plumbing and décor will ensure a seamless and satisfying upgrade.

Before heading to the store or browsing online, carefully examine your existing sink. The number of holes drilled in your sink deck dictates the type of faucet you can install. A single-hole sink limits you to single-handle faucets or widespread faucets with an escutcheon plate to cover unused holes. Three-hole sinks typically accommodate widespread faucets with separate handles and a spout, or center-set faucets with a 4-inch spread. Also, measure the distance between the centers of the outer holes if you have a three-hole sink; this “center-to-center” measurement is crucial for selecting the correct widespread faucet. Take photos of your existing setup, including the under-sink plumbing connections. Consider the style and finish you desire. Faucets come in various styles, from traditional to modern, and finishes like chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and matte black. Choose a style that complements your bathroom or kitchen décor. A durable finish is essential to resist corrosion and tarnishing. Consider the faucet’s functionality: Do you want a pull-down sprayer for easier cleaning? Do you need a high-arc spout for filling tall pots? Are water-saving features important to you? WaterSense-labeled faucets can save water and money. Finally, set a budget and research brands known for quality and durability. Reading online reviews can provide valuable insights into faucet performance and customer satisfaction.

How do I properly connect the new faucet’s water supply lines?

Connecting your new faucet’s water supply lines involves attaching the faucet’s supply tubes to the shut-off valves under your sink, ensuring a watertight seal. This typically involves hand-tightening the connections initially, followed by a slight tightening with a wrench, while carefully avoiding over-tightening which can damage the connections.

First, before you begin, make sure the shut-off valves are completely closed to prevent water from flowing. Then, carefully thread the faucet’s supply lines (either flexible hoses or copper tubes) onto the corresponding shut-off valves. Start by hand-tightening the connections to ensure proper alignment. If using compression fittings, the process might involve sliding a nut and ferrule onto the supply tube before connecting it to the valve. After hand-tightening, use a wrench to gently tighten the connection an additional quarter to half turn. Avoid excessive force, as over-tightening can strip the threads or damage the fittings, leading to leaks. After making the connections, slowly turn on the shut-off valves to check for leaks. Inspect the connections closely for any signs of water seepage. If a leak is detected, carefully tighten the connection slightly further, a small increment at a time. It’s generally better to tighten incrementally and re-check than to over-tighten and cause damage. If the leak persists, you may need to disassemble the connection, inspect the threads for damage, and consider using Teflon tape (plumber’s tape) on the threads of the valve or supply line to improve the seal. Remember to wrap the tape in the direction that the fitting will tighten.

What’s the correct way to apply plumber’s putty or silicone sealant?

When replacing a sink faucet, the correct way to apply plumber’s putty is to roll it into a rope and place it under the faucet base where it meets the sink, ensuring a complete seal before tightening the faucet in place; for silicone sealant, apply a thin, even bead to the underside of the faucet base and around any connections to create a watertight barrier after the faucet is installed and dry. The choice between them often depends on the application area and personal preference, with plumber’s putty being easier to work with for initial seating and silicone sealant providing a more durable, long-lasting seal, especially in areas prone to movement or vibration.

For plumber’s putty, clean the sink surface thoroughly. Roll the putty between your hands to form a rope approximately ½ inch in diameter. Apply this rope around the entire underside of the faucet base where it will contact the sink surface. Press the faucet into place, tightening the mounting hardware underneath the sink. The excess putty will squeeze out; remove this excess with a putty knife or your finger, smoothing the remaining putty to create a neat and waterproof seal. It’s important to use enough putty to ensure a complete seal, but not so much that it makes a mess that’s hard to clean.

Silicone sealant requires a different approach. After the faucet is installed and securely tightened, apply a thin, even bead of silicone sealant around the base of the faucet where it meets the sink. You can also apply it to any exposed threads or connections after tightening. Use a caulking gun for a controlled application. Immediately smooth the bead with a wet finger or a sealant smoothing tool for a professional finish. Allow the silicone to fully cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions before using the faucet. This is crucial to prevent leaks. Note that silicone sealant can be more difficult to remove than plumber’s putty if future repairs are needed.

Consider these points when choosing between the two:

• **Plumber’s Putty:** Easier to work with and clean up, good for creating an initial seal, can dry out and crack over time.
• **Silicone Sealant:** More durable and long-lasting, resistant to water and temperature changes, can be more difficult to remove.

How do I test for leaks after installing the new faucet?

The most effective way to test for leaks after installing a new faucet is to first visually inspect all connections, then slowly turn on both hot and cold water supplies to a low pressure. Carefully observe all connection points, including where the supply lines connect to the faucet, the faucet base where it meets the sink, and the drain connections. Increase the water pressure gradually while continuing to observe for any signs of water droplets or moisture.

After visually inspecting and testing with low water pressure, increase the water flow to full pressure for both hot and cold water. Pay close attention to the areas where you connected the supply lines to the faucet and the shut-off valves under the sink. Run water down the drain for a few minutes, checking for leaks around the drain flange, tailpiece, and any other drain connections you may have disturbed during the faucet installation. It is helpful to use a dry paper towel to dab around these areas; this makes even minor leaks immediately apparent. If you detect any leaks, immediately turn off the water supply. Tighten the connections slightly with the appropriate wrench, being careful not to overtighten and damage the fittings. Remember to support the back of the fitting with a second wrench to prevent twisting the pipes. Once tightened, repeat the water pressure test. If leaks persist after tightening, you may need to disassemble the connection, inspect the threads and sealing surfaces for damage, and potentially reapply plumber’s tape or pipe joint compound, or replace the connection.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully replaced your sink faucet. Hopefully, this guide made the process a little less daunting and a lot more rewarding. Thanks for reading, and we hope you’ll come back soon for more helpful DIY tips and tricks to keep your home running smoothly!