Plumbing work in the kitchen is one of the expensive works. But for all plumbing works, you don’t need to call a plumber, and installing a kitchen faucet is one of them. Kitchen faucet installation might be a huge task for you but with proper guidance, you can do it yourself.
So, if you’re wondering, “Can I install a kitchen sink faucet myself?” – the answer is yes. Here are simple steps with proper guidance to install a faucet in your kitchen.
Which Tools and Materials Do You Need To Install a Kitchen Faucet?
Tools
- Adjustable wrench
- Pipe wrench
- Basin wrench
- Plumber’s tape (Teflon tape)
- Screwdrivers (both flathead and Phillips)
- Plunger
- Bucket or towels (for water cleanup)
Materials
- New kitchen sink faucet
- Flexible supply lines
- Plumber’s putty or silicone caulk
- Safety goggles
- Work gloves
- Flashlight (for better visibility under the sink)
How To Install a Kitchen Sink Faucet Yourself?
Installing a kitchen sink faucet is generally considered a moderate-level DIY project. If you have some prior plumbing knowledge, it would be helpful for you.
Prepare Area
Before starting to install the kitchen faucet, it is essential for you to set the installation area properly. It will make the installation process smooth and also ensure your safety.
Start with turning off the water supply to the faucet. Locate the shut-off valves under your sink or, if necessary, turn off the main water supply to your home.
Once you’ve cut off the water supply, it’s time to prepare the sink area. Remove any dishes, utensils, or objects from the sink itself and the surrounding countertop. By clearing the work area you get enough room to work.
- Use a bright flashlight or headlamp to illuminate the area. This will help you see clearly under the sink.
- Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands from sharp edges and debris.
- Organize your tools and materials neatly within reach. This prevents unnecessary fumbling and saves time.
Start With Removing Old Faucet
The installation process of a new kitchen sink faucet begins with the removal of the old one. If your kitchen is new and there is no old faucet, you should skip this step and go to the next one.
Disconnect Water Supply Lines
Under the sink, you will find the water supply lines that are connected to the old faucet. They might be flexible hoses or copper pipes.
Here adjustable wrench is a helpful tool to disconnect these water supply lines. While removing these supply lines, there might be some water drip out, so place the bucket under the connection to catch the water.
Remote Faucet Mounting Nuts
After removing the water supply lines, you can access the mounting nuts. These nuts secure the faucet in its place.
Use your basin wrench or an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove these nuts. If the nuts are rusted or stubborn, applying penetrating oil can help ease their removal.
After removing the mounting nuts, the faucet is free to lift out.
Now Install The New Kitchen Faucet Yourself
Now your old faucet is removed from the sink and you are ready to install the new kitchen sink faucet. Here are steps to ensure a well-working and leak-free installation of the faucet.
Unpack your new faucet and lay out all the components on a clean surface. With the faucet, you will get an installation instruction guide, you should read it for a better understanding of the parts of the faucet. Familiarize yourself with the various parts, as this will help streamline the installation process.
Clean The Sink Area
Before installing the new kitchen sink faucet, you should clean the sink area. Remove any debris, old caulk, or gunk to ensure a clean surface for the new installation. To clean these, you can use a knife or a scrapper. Now rinse the sink area with clean water.
Position The Faucet In the Right Place
Carefully position the faucet into the mounting holes on your sink. If you have a single-handle faucet, make sure its lever faces the desired direction for hot and cold water control. For a double-handle faucet, ensure the handles align appropriately.
When the faucet is positioned in the right place, secure it. To secure the faucet, you need to tighten its mounting nuts. First, tighten these nuts by hand as much as possible. After that, use a wrench to properly tighten these nuts.
Connect Water Supply Lines
The faucet gets water through water supply lines. In some faucets, these lines are pre-attached to make the installation easier. If they are not attached to your faucet, you will need to connect supply lines.
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There are 2 water supply lines for hot and cold water. Wrap Teflon tape on threads of water supply lines.
Tighten The Connections
Connect the hot water line to the water supply and the cold water line to the cold water supply and tighten them with the adjustable wrench. Avoid to over tighten them because it will lead to damage and leaks. If these connections are made of plastic, you need to be more cautious.
After tightening the connections, once again you should check the alignment of the faucet. Now everything is tightened properly, turn on the water supply. If you find any leak, turn off the water supply and tighten that connection properly.
Seal The Faucet Base
You should seal the base of the faucet with the plumber’s putty.
When installing a faucet, you’ll often have a flange or base that sits on the sink or countertop. Here is the plumber’s putty useful to create a watertight seal between this base and the surface that the faucet rests upon.
A small amount of plumber’s putty is rolled into a rope-like shape and then applied around the underside of the faucet’s base.
The putty helps create a seal that prevents water from seeping underneath the faucet.
Clean any excess plumber putty. Use a putty knife or a damp cloth to remove the excess putty, ensuring a neat and clean appearance.
Related
James Lewis is a seasoned plumber and faucet enthusiast who shares his expertise on Faucetsavvy.com. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he’s passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect faucet for their needs. He’s also dedicated to empowering DIY enthusiasts with the plumbing knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain their faucets.