How to Replace an Old Faucet - Kitchen Cabinets

Introduction

Replacing an old, worn out faucet with a new one can seem like a daunting task. But it’s actually a fairly straightforward home improvement project that most DIYers can tackle in just an hour or two.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of how to replace an old faucet step-by-step. We’ll cover:

Reasons for replacing an old faucet
Choosing the right replacement faucet
Gathering the necessary tools
Shutting off water supply lines
Removing the old faucet
Installing the new faucet
Attaching supply lines and testing for leaks
Restoring water supply and checking functionality

By the end of this guide, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to swap out that leaky, dripping, hard-to-use old faucet for a brand new, functional one that will improve the look and use of your bathroom or kitchen.

So turn off the water valves, gather your tools, and let’s get started!

Why Replace an Old Faucet?

There are a few common reasons why you may need or want to undertake a faucet replacement project:

Leaks: If your old faucet is leaking from the spout or handles, replacing it can stop the dripping and prevent water damage. Leaks tend to get worse over time if left unaddressed.

Missing/broken parts: Over years of use, important faucet parts like washers, O-rings, aerator screens, and cartridges can wear out or go missing altogether. Complete faucet replacement may be necessary if you can’t find replacement parts.

Functionality issues: Stiff handles, broken sprayer hose, loose spout, etc. all affect the ease of use. Installing a new faucet restores full function.

Appearance: Some old faucets just look outdated or dirty. A new faucet can modernize the look of a kitchen or bathroom.

Low water pressure: Older faucets often have lower flow rates. Replacing with a high-efficiency faucet improves water pressure.

Adding features: If you want to add a pull-down sprayer, touch-free activation, or a soap dispenser, you’ll need to swap out the whole faucet.

Choosing a Replacement Faucet

Once you’ve decided to replace a faucet, your next step is to select the right new one. Here are the key factors to consider:

Faucet type: The most common types are single-handle (one lever controls temp and flow), centerset (separate hot/cold handles), widespread (handles mounted further apart).
Mounting configuration: Will the new faucet be installed on the sink, counter, or wall?
Hole requirements: Make sure the new faucet fits the existing sink holes, or plan to drill more holes.
Finish: Popular finishes include chrome, stainless steel, bronze, nickel, black, white, and matte.
Style: Contemporary, traditional, modern, transitional – choose a style that fits your space.
Features: Consider convenient add-ons like pull-down sprayers, touchless activation, soap dispensers.
Water efficiency: Newer faucets have flow rates of 1.5 gpm or less, saving water.
Quality and budget: In general, higher cost means better quality materials and mechanisms.

Once you’ve narrowed down the options, purchase your new faucet and any additional supplies needed for installation. It’s best to have the replacement faucet on hand before beginning the project.

Gathering Necessary Tools and Supplies

Replacing a faucet requires just a few basic tools:

Adjustable wrenches
Basin wrench
Plumber’s putty or silicone sealant
Supply lines
Teflon tape
Flashlight
Cloths or bucket to catch water

Additional supplies may be needed for certain installation scenarios. For example:

Drill for installing new mounting holes
Wire cutters/crimping tool for connecting supply lines
Thread tape or pipe joint compound for threaded connections
Quick-connect supply line adapters for some faucet models

Make sure you have all the tools and supplies on hand before turning off the water and beginning the faucet replacement process.

Shutting Off the Water Supply Lines

Before removing the old faucet, you need to shut off the hot and cold water supply lines. This prevents water from gushing out when you disconnect the faucet.

Here’s how to shut off the water:

Locate the shut-off valves – Usually under the sink or near the water meter. Many sinks have two separate valves for hot and cold water.
Turn valves clockwise to shut off – Use a wrench or pliers to fully close the valves and stop water flow. Test by opening the faucet momentarily to make sure water has stopped.
Open faucet to relieve pressure – Once water is shut off, briefly turn on the faucet to drain out residual water in the lines. This makes disconnecting the faucet easier.
Check for leaks – Look for any drips or leaks coming from the shut-off valves before moving forward. Tighten as needed.

Once the water supply is safely shut off with no leaks, you’re ready to remove the old faucet.

Removing the Old Faucet

With the water lines disconnected, it’s time to remove the old, worn out faucet:

Clean sink area – Remove everything from around and underneath the faucet. A clean workspace makes the job much easier.
Disconnect and detach supply lines – Unscrew the supply lines from the faucet inlet tubes using pliers or wrenches.
Remove faucet mounting nuts – There are usually two nuts holding the faucet in place – one above and one below the sink. Use a basin wrench to reach up and loosen the nuts.
Lift faucet out of sink holes – Once the nuts are detached, lift the faucet out of the sink holes. You may need to wiggle it free if there’s buildup.
Clean sink deck and faucet holes – Use a cloth or towel to clear away any putty, buildup, or debris before installing the new faucet.
Inspect sink area for needed repairs – While accessible, check the sink, countertop, and supply lines for any other problems needing attention before the new faucet installation.

Thoroughly cleaning the faucet deck and holes ensures proper sealing when you install the replacement faucet. Now let’s get the new faucet in place!

Installing the New Faucet

Installation is easier than removal in most cases. Here are the basic steps:

Read manufacturer instructions! – Follow the specific directions included with your new faucet.
Apply putty or sealant – Put a ring around the underside of the faucet base to prevent leaks.
Insert new faucet – Carefully lower the new faucet through the holes in the sink deck.
Install base nuts or brackets – Tighten mounting nuts or brackets from below the sink to secure the faucet.
Connect water supply lines – Attach flexible supply lines from shut-off valves to the faucet inlet tubes.
Make adjustments – Adjust faucet height, spout rotation, handle alignment if needed.

Take your time when installing the new faucet to ensure proper placement. Don’t fully tighten nuts and fittings until the faucet is properly positioned and sealed.

Attaching Supply Lines and Testing for Leaks

New supply lines complete the water connection:

Flexible stainless steel lines are easy to maneuver and durable.
Use Teflon tape on threaded supply line nuts for leak protection.
Hand tighten first then use pliers or wrenches for a light tightening. Don’t overtighten!
Turn water back on slowly through valves to check for leaks.
Tighten any leaky connections before completely opening valves.
Check underneath sink for drips and tighten as needed. Small leaks can be sealed with plumber’s putty.

Let the faucet run open for a few minutes and inspect all connections for drips or leaks. Doing leak tests now prevents major problems down the road.

Restoring Water Supply and Testing Faucet Function

Once supply lines are securely attached with no leaks, restore full water supply:

Remove aerator before turning water back on to flush debris from lines.
Turn hot and cold water valves on slowly. Turning one valve at a time helps prevent pressure surges.
Check flow at spout. Turn faucet handles on and off, change temperatures from hot to cold.
Test sprayer hose, if your faucet has one. Make sure it retracts smoothly and water flow/pressure is good.
Replace aerator when flushing is complete. Hand tighten only.
Check drain seal around sink strainer. Tighten if needed to prevent leaks.
Turn on faucet hot and cold – Let it run a few minutes to make sure all is working properly.

Take your time testing out all functions – sprayer, temperatures, handles, etc. Your patience ensures you won’t have to take it apart again later!

How to Replace an Old Faucet – FAQs

Still have some questions about tackling a faucet replacement project? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What do I do if my sink has three holes but my faucet only needs two?

Use a deck plate. Available in chrome, brushed nickel, etc., it covers the extra unused hole neatly. Just slide the deck plate over the two faucet holes before installing the new faucet.

Can I upgrade my old kitchen faucet to a pull-out sprayer model?

Yes, usually. Going from a regular spout to pull-out sprayer requires no extra holes. Just look for replacement faucets compatible with your existing setup.

Do I need plumbers putty for faucet installation?

Plumbers putty or silicone sealant is recommended to prevent leaks around the faucet base. It provides a water-tight seal between the new faucet and sink surface. Apply plumber’s putty or silicone around the underside of the faucet base before setting it in place.

Why is there a gap between my new faucet and the backsplash?

An escutcheon may be needed. If there is a visible gap after installing the new faucet, place a decorative escutcheon around the faucet base to cover the space. Escutcheons screw into place and come in finish colors to match faucets.

Can I convert my kitchen faucet from two handles to just one?

Yes, but additional holes may be required. Going from a 4-inch centerset faucet to single-handle usually requires drilling 1-3 extra holes for the new fixture. Check your cabinet clearances first before drilling.

How do I stop my new kitchen faucet from swiveling?

Tighten the faucet base mounting nuts with a basin wrench or locking pliers. This prevents the faucet from moving side-to-side. Just don’t overtighten – you can crack a sink by tightening too much!

Conclusion

While it may seem intimidating if you’ve never done it before, replacing an old faucet is a straightforward project that most DIYers can accomplish themselves. The right tools, careful planning, and patience at each installation step will ensure you end up with a fully functional faucet free of leaks or other problems.

Taking your time to make the correct sink preparations, safely remove the old faucet, neatly install the new replacement fixture, securely attach all fittings, and thoroughly test operation allows your project to go smoothly from start to finish.

Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying the updated look and renewed convenience of your bathroom or kitchen with a brand new, leak-free faucet!