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The Beginner’s Guide to Faucet Installation (Without the Flooding Your Kitchen)

The Beginner’s Guide to Faucet Installation (Without the Flooding Your Kitchen)

Whether you’re replacing an old leaky faucet or upgrading to something that actually looks good, faucet installation is one of the easiest plumbing projects a homeowner can tackle. And yes you can do it without calling a plumber or soaking your cabinet. This guide will walk you through how to install a faucet step by step, with beginner-friendly tips, common mistakes to avoid, and tools that make the job easier.

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Tools & Materials You’ll Need

Tools We Recommend
Beginner Power Tools Guide

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

Before anything else, locate the hot and cold water shutoff valves under your sink and twist them clockwise to turn them off. Open the faucet to relieve any pressure.

✅ Pro Tip: If your valves are stuck or leaking, shut off your main water line.

Step 2: Disconnect the Old Faucet

Use your adjustable wrench to unscrew the water supply lines. Then, using a faucet wrench (or serious flexibility), reach up behind the sink to loosen the nuts holding the faucet in place.

Remove any mounting brackets or seals and lift the faucet out from above.

Step 3: Clean the Sink Surface

Wipe away any old plumber’s putty, mineral deposits, or gunk left behind. This is your chance to get that grimy area spotless before the new faucet goes in.

Step 4: Install the New Faucet

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to seat the faucet properly. Most faucets come with a gasket or putty ring to prevent leaks between the sink and faucet base.

Insert the faucet through the mounting holes and secure it underneath with the provided nuts and washers. Tighten them evenly but don’t overtighten.

Step 5: Connect the Water Supply Lines

Wrap plumber’s tape around the threads and reconnect the hot and cold supply lines. Make sure they’re snug but not overly tight.

If your faucet includes a pull-down sprayer, connect that hose now as well, using the included quick-connect or weight mechanism.

Step 6: Test for Leaks

Turn your water supply valves back on slowly. Let the faucet run for a minute or two and check underneath for any drips or leaks. Tighten connections as needed.

✅ Pro Tip: Place a dry paper towel under the supply valves you’ll see water drops clearly if anything is leaking.

Bonus: Replace a Leaky Supply Line While You’re At It

If your braided lines are more than 5–7 years old or showing signs of corrosion, swap them out during the install. It’s cheap insurance against a future cabinet flood.

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

These picks offer a great balance of style, function, and beginner-friendly install:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting to flush the lines before use (run water to clear debris)
  • Over-tightening supply lines and cracking threads
  • Not using plumber’s tape on threaded connections
  • Misaligning the gasket or baseplate
  • Skipping the leak test

Final Word: You Can Absolutely Do This

Learning how to install a faucet might feel intimidating, but it’s one of the easiest plumbing projects you’ll take on as a homeowner. The payoff is instant no more drips, better function, and a cleaner look.

Just take your time, follow each step, and don’t skip the cleanup or test. Once you’ve done it once, you’ll wonder why you ever paid someone else to do it.

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