How to Install Kitchen Faucets: DIY Guide
How To Install Kitchen Faucets by Yourself: DIY Guide
A kitchen faucet is one thing that you don’t think about until it starts to leak or stop working. And then, suddenly you’re in a stressful situation because you have no idea what to do!
When this happens, the best thing for most people to go for plumbing service and pay them hundreds of dollars.
However, if you want to save money by doing it yourself and learn how to install a kitchen faucet on your own, this blog post will show you exactly how.
Why should we install kitchen faucets by ourselves?
Too lazy to do it yourself! Would you like to call for a plumber? Well, wake up, as you can do it yourself with ease and save money at the same time.
If you are a DIYer, installing your kitchen faucet will cost only for materials, while hiring a plumber usually charges around $150-$250 per hour (even more!).
Moreover, most of them require advance notice, so they have to charge even before getting their service! That’s why many people tend not to call one when they need help with something like this.
Moreover, It takes less than an hour if you know what you are doing! You can find all the necessary materials (basin wrench and other tools) in your local hardware store. It will save both your money and time.
So, what are we waiting for? Let’s get started with this DIY guide about How to Install a Kitchen Faucet Now!!!
Also, don’t forget to read my Best Kitchen Faucets For Hard Water reviews here.
Tools Needed to Remove Old Faucets
- Basin wrench
- Drain pan (optional)
- Allen wrench or hex key set.
How to Remove Old Faucets?
- Turn off the water supply lines to your old faucet.
- Loosen and unscrew the nuts at the base of the old faucet using a basin wrench or pliers. If you can’t find any nuts – there might be some threaded rods that need to be loosened for removal (sometimes hidden under potted plants).
- Remove handles from both sides of the old faucet if installed; this will make it easier to remove from its location later on.
- If there’s a side sprayer, unscrew it from the bottom of the old faucet.
- Unscrew all attached hoses to the old faucet by hand with the help of an adjustable wrench or two wrenches in case one is not enough. Be careful when working near hot pipes; use gloves to avoid burns!
Tools Needed to Install kitchen Faucets
- Screwdriver (standard)
- Phillips screwdriver
- Pipe wrenches: One 18 inches and one 12 inches.
- Plumber’s Putty: Standard, Gray.
- Drain Cleaner – If your pipes are blocked with food and other debris, then it may be necessary to use a drain cleaner before installing a new faucet for the installation process to go smoothly.Learn How To Use A Drain Cleaner Safely And Effectively by clicking here!
How to Install Kitchen Faucets? A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Check for the gasket whether it’s already placed or not. If not, then put the gasket at the bottom of the kitchen faucet stem.
Check the escutcheon plate for shanks of their own, or your new kitchen faucet has 3-holes, then you don’t need a gasket.
Step 2: Glide the under-parts into the shank and pipelines. Make sure the new kitchen faucet remains in the correct position.
Step 3: Place the washer and the mounting clip onto the shank using a basin wrench.
Step 4: After connecting the water supply lines to the correct supply inlets of the new faucet for hot and cold water, seal the threaded parts with thread tape to prevent water leakage.
The size of your new lines’ connections does not match with the old ones! Don’t worry; you can use adapters (buy from the local hardware store).
Step 5: Don’t forget to turn the kitchen faucet handle off. Now, move the handle a bit to turn on the cold water supply first and check for any leakage at the threaded joints.
Secure the joints by using more tape.
Step 6: Now, turn the kitchen faucet on and let the water flow for few minutes to clear the pipes.
How to install a kitchen faucet with a sprayer? Well, connect the sprayer and tailpipe up altogether.
If your kitchen faucet is a pull-out/pull-down type, then put a bucket under the sink for the water from the tailpipe.
There are some other types of kitchen faucets available in the market. Still, we have covered the basics of faucet installation altogether.
Also, don’t forget to read my Best Kitchen Faucet For Low Water Pressure reviews here.
Your Burning Questions and My Answers
Do you need plumbers putty to install a faucet?
Many pieces of pipe joints and fittings are put together without any adhesive or sealant. Plumbers Putty is designed to provide a seal for the joint.
The sticky sides react when they contact themselves or other wet surfaces, forming a water-tight bond within seconds, so there’s no problematic DIY mixing required either!
A few thin coats of this product can form a durable layer that seals leaks easily in most situations.
In instances where this doesn’t work, using some other type of paste made from carnauba wax and linseed oil can be helpful.
How long does it take to install a kitchen faucet?
It depends on how the plumbing is set up. A home improvement retail store should have everything you need to get the job done if it’s already new.
However, if your pipes are coming out from under your sink, then you’ll also need a few wrenches and pliers.
On average, though, it should take most people about 45 minutes or so.
Are touch kitchen faucets worth it?
Yes, touch kitchen faucets are worth it. The sensor technology and ideas behind these are the same as those found in smartphones and other electronic devices.
Touch faucets save money because they can help reduce water usage. Still, newer models also offer other water-saving features, such as aerators that regulate flow to just one or two gallons per minute.
By using a touch faucet rather than regular ones, you’ll be able to identify for yourself how much water is being used by turning on and off taps.
However, if you are in a budget and looking for a good faucet that’s worth then read our reviews on Best Kitchen Faucets Under $100 Here.
Do touch faucets require electricity?
You need a power supply to run the touch faucet, but it can be battery or mains-powered.
Touchless with a battery backup can last up to five years and is very high-tech. Touchless with MPP and no batteries need no less than 110 volts, 220 volts at 208/230v, or 440 volts split.
If your home has a voltage-like line, you need only 1 (expensive) transformer (MCC). On 240 volt single phase, use one of those three transformers in series for the Smart faucet.
How much do plumbers charge to install a kitchen faucet?
A plumber may charge as little as $70 or up to around $500. It depends on the type of faucet you choose and where you live in the United States.
If they’ve got a long distance to drive, then it will cost more money. Plumbers also typically charge more if they need extensive repairing or replumbing before installing the faucet.
I think that people who use PEX pipe for their plumbing are unethical because it degrades much quicker than copper pipe because of all the bacteria buildup- but that’s just my opinion!
Final Thoughts
The best way to install a new kitchen faucet is by following our step-by-step instructions. If you’ve been putting off the project because it seems too hard, we hope this post will convince you that DIY can be fun!
Don’t forget to take pictures of your progress and share them with us on Facebook or Instagram to celebrate all your successes along the way.
We know what it feels like when things are tough and want to make sure you don’t have any additional worries while tackling this task alone.
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