How to Swap Out a Kitchen Sink Faucet

Faucets are the hardest working components in your kitchen, yet they are often the first thing to show their age through drips, leaks, or mineral buildup. Replacing an old, tired faucet is a high-impact upgrade that immediately elevates the functionality and aesthetic of your sink area. When done correctly, this is a clean, straightforward process that refreshes your workspace and restores proper water flow. Success in this project hinges on patience while working in the cramped, dark space under the sink. You will be dealing with tight fittings and potential corrosion, so having the right tools—specifically a basin wrench—is non-negotiable. Plan for a few hours, keep a bucket and rags handy for the inevitable spills, and you will finish with a reliable fixture that serves you for years to come.

1. Kill the pressure first. Locate the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them clockwise until they are fully closed. Open the faucet handles to relieve remaining pressure and drain the lines.
2. Drain and disconnect. Place a bucket under the connections to catch excess water. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the supply lines from the shut-off valves, then unscrew the lines from the faucet shanks.
3. Free the old faucet. Use a basin wrench to reach up behind the sink bowl and unscrew the mounting nuts securing the old faucet to the countertop. Lift the faucet away from the top of the sink.
4. Clear the stage completely. Scrub away old putty, mineral deposits, and grime from the sink surface using a plastic scraper and mild cleaner. A clean, flat surface is essential for a watertight seal on your new faucet.
5. Mount the new fixture. Feed the new faucet supply lines and the mounting shank through the sink hole. From underneath, thread the mounting washer and nut onto the shank and tighten securely while ensuring the faucet is straight.
6. Secure the water supply. Attach the supply lines to the corresponding hot and cold shut-off valves. Tighten the nuts firmly with a wrench, but do not overtighten, as this can crack the plastic fittings.
7. Verify the seal holds. Turn the water supply valves back on slowly. Open the faucet and let the water run for a few minutes while inspecting the connections underneath for any signs of moisture.