Can I replace a faucet myself?
What the job involves
You will shut off the water supply, disconnect the old faucet's supply lines, remove the mounting nuts, and pull the faucet out. Then you clean the sink deck, apply plumber's putty or silicone, and install the new faucet in reverse order. Most faucets come with instructions and a basin wrench makes reaching nuts under the sink much easier.
The job is straightforward for a standard kitchen or bathroom faucet with flexible supply lines. If you have a one-piece faucet with rigid copper lines or a corroded shutoff valve, you may need to cut pipes or replace valves, which is more advanced.
Tools and materials
Gather an adjustable wrench, basin wrench, screwdriver, bucket, towel, and new supply lines (they often come with the faucet but check). Teflon tape or pipe dope for threaded connections helps prevent leaks.
If your shutoff valves are old and won't close fully, buy new quarter-turn valves and replace them while you're at it. That adds time but saves future headaches.
- Adjustable wrench and basin wrench
- Screwdriver (Phillips and flathead)
- Bucket and old towels
- New supply lines (if not included)
- Plumber's putty or silicone caulk
- Teflon tape or pipe dope
When to call a pro
Call a plumber if you find rusted-through pipes, a leaking shutoff valve you can't replace, or if the sink drain also needs work. Also, if the faucet is part of a complicated system like a pull-down sprayer with multiple connections, a pro can save you time.
If you're renting, get your landlord's permission before replacing a faucet. In some jurisdictions, tenants are not allowed to make plumbing changes.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to turn off the water at the shutoff valves and then opening the faucet to release pressure.
- Overtightening connections, which can crack plastic nuts or strip threads and cause leaks.
- Not checking for leaks after installation by running water and watching under the sink for several minutes.
