How to Install a New Kitchen Faucet

FAUCETS are the workhorses of the kitchen, yet they are often the first thing to show their age through leaks, mineral buildup, or failing finishes. Replacing one might seem like a daunting plumbing task, but it is actually one of the most rewarding afternoon projects you can undertake. With a bit of patience and the right grip on a wrench, you can transform the look and functionality of your sink in under two hours. A job done well leaves you with a faucet that sits perfectly flush against the deck, moves smoothly without any resistance, and provides a bone-dry connection underneath the basin. The secret isn't in high-end tools; it is in ensuring your seals are tight, your supply lines aren't kinked, and you have adequately cleared the old grime before seating the new fixture.

Kill the Water Supply. Locate the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them clockwise until they stop. Open the faucet handles to bleed out any remaining pressure and confirm the water is off.
Loosen Every Connection. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts connecting the water supply lines to the shut-off valves. Have a towel ready to soak up any trapped water in the lines.
Extract the Old Faucet. Use a basin wrench to reach the nuts securing the faucet to the underside of the sink deck. Unscrew these until the faucet is loose enough to lift out from above.
Bare the Mounting Surface. Scrub away all old putty, mineral deposits, or soap scum from the area where the old faucet sat. A clean surface is mandatory for a watertight seal on the new gasket.
Seat the New Fixture. Feed the new faucet supply lines and the mounting shank through the holes in the sink. Position the gasket or decorative base plate according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pressure Test the Seal. Hand-tighten the supply lines to the shut-off valves, then give them a final quarter-turn with a wrench. Slowly turn the water back on and check every connection for leaks.