You can replace a kitchen faucet in two to four hours with basic tools

A kitchen faucet replacement is one of the most straightforward plumbing jobs a homeowner can do. You do not need a plumber's license or special training — just a wrench, a bucket, and patience to work in a tight space under the sink. The hardest part is usually disconnecting the old faucet and clearing away old caulk, not the installation itself.

The process works the same way whether you are replacing a single-handle faucet, a two-handle model, or a pull-down sprayer faucet. You shut off the water, disconnect the supply lines, remove the old faucet, and install the new one. Most new faucets come with instructions specific to that model, and following those instructions is more important than following a generic guide.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn off the water supply valves under the sink before you start, and test that the water is off by turning on the faucet at the sink.
  • You will need an adjustable wrench or basin wrench, a bucket to catch water, and possibly a screwdriver and putty knife to remove old caulk.
  • Disconnect the supply lines (the flexible hoses bringing water in) and the drain line if your faucet has a sprayer, then unbolt the old faucet from underneath.
  • Install the new faucet by reversing the steps: bolt it down, reconnect the supply lines, and test for leaks before you caulk around the base.
  • If you cannot disconnect a bolt or the old faucet is stuck, call a plumber rather than forcing it — damage to the sink or countertop is expensive to repair.

Shut off the water and gather your tools

Look under your sink. You will see two small valves on the water supply lines — one for hot water, one for cold. Turn both valves clockwise until they stop. They should turn a quarter turn or a half turn; do not force them. Then go to the sink and turn on the faucet to confirm the water is off. If water still comes out, the valves are not fully closed or they are broken, and you should not proceed until they work.

Place a bucket under the supply lines. When you disconnect them, a small amount of water will spill out. Have towels ready as well. The tools you will need are an adjustable wrench (or a basin wrench, which is designed for tight spaces under sinks), a screwdriver, and possibly a putty knife if old caulk is sealed around the faucet base. Your new faucet will come with its own hardware — bolts, washers, and gaskets — so you do not need to buy those separately.

Disconnect the old faucet from the supply lines

The supply lines are the flexible hoses connected to the faucet. They screw onto the faucet body underneath the sink. Use your wrench to turn the nut at the base of each supply line counterclockwise. You may need to hold the faucet steady with your other hand so it does not spin. Once the nuts are loose, unscrew them by hand and pull the supply lines away from the faucet.

If your old faucet has a sprayer hose, it will also be connected underneath. Disconnect it the same way — turn the nut counterclockwise and pull the hose free. If the connection is stuck or corroded, explore a penetrating oil (like WD-40) and wait 15 minutes before trying again. Do not use excessive force; if it will not budge, stop and call a plumber.

Remove the old faucet from the sink

The faucet is bolted to the sink from underneath. Look up at the underside of the sink where the faucet comes through. You will see one, two, or three bolts (depending on the faucet model) holding the faucet down. Use your wrench to turn these bolts counterclockwise. As you loosen them, the faucet will become loose at the top. Once all bolts are removed, you can pull the old faucet up and out of the sink.

Before you install the new faucet, clean the sink surface where the old one sat. Use a putty knife to scrape away old caulk or plumber's putty. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth and let it dry. This gives the new faucet a clean surface to seal against and prevents water from pooling under the base.

Install the new faucet and reconnect the water

Place the new faucet into the hole(s) in your sink. Most new faucets come with a rubber gasket or foam ring that sits between the faucet base and the sink — this is what creates the water-tight seal. Make sure this gasket is in place before you push the faucet down. From underneath, insert the bolts through the faucet mounting holes and hand-tighten them first. Once they are snug, use your wrench to tighten them fully, but do not over-tighten — you are looking for snug, not crushing force.

Now reconnect the supply lines. The hot line (usually red or marked with an H) goes to the hot water valve; the cold line (usually blue or marked with a C) goes to the cold water valve. Hand-tighten the nuts first, then use your wrench to snug them down. If your faucet has a sprayer hose, connect that as well. Once everything is connected, turn the water supply valves back on slowly. Turn on the faucet and check for leaks at every connection point. If you see drips, tighten the nut a quarter turn and test again.

Seal the faucet base and test everything

Once the water is running without leaks, explore a bead of caulk around the base of the faucet where it meets the sink. Use a caulk gun and silicone caulk (not acrylic — silicone resists water better). Run a smooth line all the way around, then use a wet finger or a caulk tool to smooth it out. Let the caulk cure for 24 hours before you use the sink heavily.

Test the faucet fully: turn the handle through its full range, test both hot and cold water, and if you have a sprayer, pull it out and make sure it works. Check under the sink one more time for any drips. If everything is dry and working, you are done. If you see a leak that you cannot tighten away, or if the faucet does not work as expected, stop using it and call a plumber — do not try to disassemble it further.

When to call a plumber instead

Some situations call for professional help. If the supply line valves under your sink will not turn or are leaking, a plumber can replace them. If the old faucet bolts are corroded and will not budge even after penetrating oil and waiting, forcing them risks cracking the sink or countertop. If your sink has a garbage disposal or dishwasher connection, those lines may need to be disconnected as well, and a plumber can do that safely without damaging the appliances.

If you are not comfortable working in tight spaces or you have never done plumbing work before, there is no shame in hiring someone. The cost of a plumber for a faucet replacement is usually $150 to $300 in labor, which is reasonable insurance against accidentally breaking something more expensive. A new sink or countertop costs far more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn off the water at the main if the valves under the sink do not work?

Yes. If the shutoff valves are broken or stuck, you will need to find your main water shutoff — usually in the basement, crawlspace, or outside near the foundation — and turn off the water there. Once the main is off, you can work on the faucet. While you have the plumber out to fix the faucet, ask them to replace those shutoff valves; they are inexpensive and you will need them to work in the future.

What if water leaks from under the sink after I reconnect the supply lines?

Turn off the water, place a bucket underneath, and tighten the nut at that connection point a quarter turn with your wrench. Turn the water back on and check again. If it still leaks, turn off the water, disconnect the line, and look at the nut and the ferrule (the small metal ring). If the ferrule is damaged or the nut is cracked, you may need to replace that supply line. Most hardware stores sell replacement supply lines for $10 to $20.

Can I install a faucet with a different number of holes than my old one?

If your new faucet needs fewer holes than your sink has, you can cover the extra holes with decorative caps that come with the faucet or buy them separately. If your new faucet needs more holes than your sink has, you will need to drill new holes, which requires a drill and a ceramic tile bit if your sink is porcelain. This is a job to leave to a plumber unless you have done it before.

How long does a new kitchen faucet usually last?

A mid-range faucet (roughly $100 to $300) typically lasts 15 to 20 years with normal use. Higher-end faucets can last 25 years or longer. The most common failure point is the cartridge or valve inside the handle, which can sometimes be replaced without replacing the whole faucet — ask the manufacturer if a replacement cartridge is available for your model.

What is the difference between a cartridge faucet and a ball faucet?

A ball faucet has a single rounded handle that moves over a rounded cap; a cartridge faucet has a handle that moves up and down or side to side over a cylindrical cartridge inside. From an installation standpoint, there is no difference — both are removed and installed the same way. The difference matters only if something breaks inside and you need to repair it, because the parts are not interchangeable.