If you’ve got a broken sink faucet and want to replace it yourself, we’ll tell you how to take off the broken one, select a new one, and install it!
Tools and Materials
- Basin wrench
- Adjustable wrench
- Small bucket
- Putty knife
- Kitchen faucet
- Supply lines
- Silicone caulk
- Plumber’s tape
STOP!
Before you head out and buy a new faucet to replace your old one, you want to make sure it’s going to fit! Look underneath your sink to see how many holes it has. It should be between 1 and 4. You need to buy a sink that’s comparable with the number of holes.
Remove the Old Faucet
Step 1
Turn off the water valves underneath your sink. Turn the faucet on to relieve pressure from the water lines. If you have a food disposal, make sure to turn it off.
Step 2
Take a picture of the plumbing configuration, showing which tube goes where, and use it for reference when installing the new faucet.
Step 3
Put a bucket below supply lines and disconnect them.
Step 4
Use the basin wrench to loosen and remove the nuts holding the faucet in place.
Step 5
Remove the faucet and clean the grit, grime, and sealant from the surface of the sink.
Install the New Faucet
All sinks are different and you should follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Here are the basics and it should work for your sink.
Step 1
Place the rubber or plastic gasket over the faucet holes in the sink and place the deck plate over the right area. Use either caulk or plumber’s putty.
Step 2
Feed the faucet lines into the holes from top to bottom.
Step 3
Go underneath the sink and install the washers and nuts to connect the faucet lines. Wipe away any excess caulk or plumber’s putty away from the lines before it dries.
Step 4
If you have a pull-down faucet, attach the quick-connect hose to the water supply pipe. Pull the hose down to form a U and attach the weight.
Step 5
Connect and turn on all water lines. Make sure not to overtighten supply line connections.
Step 6
Turn the water on slowly, checking for leaks. Tighten connections if necessary.
Step 7
Remove the aerator from the faucet. Slowly turn the water on and let it run for a few minutes to clear the lines. Recheck everything for leaks.
Step 8
Reinstall the aerator.
For any bigger jobs, call Bauer Construction for help! Browse through our blog for lots more do-it-yourself projects. Have a project in mind? Call 847-553-5331 and ask for Jeff.