Free Guide to Replacing Your Kitchen Faucet

Understanding Kitchen Faucet Basics and Types

Kitchen faucets come in several different styles, and understanding the differences can help you choose the right replacement for your space. Each type has distinct features that affect how water flows, where it sprays, and how you control the temperature and volume.

The most common kitchen faucet style is the single-handle faucet, where one lever or knob controls both water temperature and flow. This design became popular in the 1980s and remains widespread in modern kitchens. Single-handle faucets are compact and require less counter space than older designs. They typically cost between $50 and $300, depending on the brand and materials used.

Double-handle faucets feature separate controls for hot and cold water. You'll find one handle on the left (traditionally hot) and one on the right (traditionally cold). These faucets often have a more traditional or decorative appearance and are common in older homes. While they use more counter space, many people prefer their classic look. Prices generally range from $40 to $250.

Pull-down and pull-out faucets have sprayer heads that extend toward you or pull out from the faucet body. Pull-down models feature a sprayer that moves downward on a hose, while pull-out models have a sprayer that pulls horizontally. These designs offer more flexibility for filling pots, cleaning the sink, and washing vegetables. They typically cost $100 to $400.

Other options include wall-mounted faucets (installed directly into the wall instead of the countertop), touchless sensor faucets (activated by motion), and specialty faucets with filtered water dispensers or instant hot water features. Wall-mounted models range from $150 to $500, while sensor faucets cost $200 to $600.

The material of your faucet matters for durability and appearance. Brass construction offers longevity and resists corrosion well. Stainless steel provides a modern look and resists fingerprints. Chrome plating creates a shiny finish but may require more frequent cleaning. Nickel finishes are durable and don't show water spots as easily.

Practical Takeaway: Before shopping for a replacement, identify your current faucet type by counting the handles and noting the sprayer style. Take a photo of your existing faucet and measure the distance between the handles (called the "spread"). This information will help you find a compatible replacement and avoid purchasing the wrong type.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Replacing a kitchen faucet is a project you can complete with basic tools that many homeowners already have. You don't need expensive or specialized equipment to do this work successfully. Most installations take between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on how corroded the old faucet is and how easily the new one fits into the existing space.

Essential tools for faucet replacement include an adjustable wrench, a basin wrench (a specialized tool designed specifically for working in tight spaces under the sink), and a Phillips head screwdriver. An adjustable wrench typically costs $10 to $20, while a basin wrench runs $15 to $30. You may already own these items. A Phillips head screwdriver is standard in most toolboxes.

Additional helpful tools include a flashlight or headlamp so you can see clearly under the sink, a putty knife for scraping away old caulk or plumber's putty, and a bucket or towels to catch water that remains in the supply lines. Pliers are useful for holding nuts in place while you turn bolts. A rag or sponge helps clean away debris and mineral deposits.

Materials you'll need include plumber's putty or a silicone caulk bead to seal the area where the faucet meets the countertop. Most new faucets come with supply lines already attached, but if yours don't, you'll need flexible stainless steel supply lines. These are inexpensive (usually $5 to $15 per pair) and are sold at any hardware or home improvement store.

Before you start, locate your home's main water shut-off valve. This valve controls water flow to your entire house and is essential in case you need to stop water unexpectedly. Most main shut-off valves are located near the water meter or where the water line enters your home. Some older homes have the valve in the basement; newer homes often have it in a utility area or garage. Turn the valve to the right to close it. If you're unfamiliar with your shut-off location, spend time finding it before you begin work.

You should also know how to turn off water specifically to the kitchen sink. Look under the sink for two small valves on the hot and cold water supply lines. These look like small faucets with handles on top or to the side. Turn each one clockwise to shut off water to just your sink. This way, you don't have to shut off water to your whole house if you're comfortable working with just the sink valves.

Practical Takeaway: Gather all your tools and materials before you start work. Create a small "tool kit" in a bucket or bag and keep it within reach of your sink workspace. This prevents frustrating trips back and forth to find items you need mid-project. Test your basin wrench with your faucet before fully committing to the replacement, as older faucets sometimes have unusual fitting sizes.

Removing Your Old Faucet

Removing the old faucet is typically the most challenging part of a faucet replacement, especially if the faucet is old or if mineral deposits have built up around the connections. Taking your time with this step and using the right technique prevents damage to your sink and makes the rest of the project much easier.

Start by shutting off water to your sink using the valves under the sink. Turn both the hot and cold valves clockwise until they stop. You don't need to force them—just turn until they close naturally. Turn on your faucet at the sink to confirm that water has stopped. If water still flows, your shut-off valves may not be working properly. In that case, locate your home's main water shut-off valve and turn that off instead.

Next, disconnect the supply lines from under the sink. Place a bucket or towel under the connections to catch any water remaining in the lines. Using your adjustable wrench, turn the nuts that connect the supply lines to the faucet. These nuts are usually brass-colored and about the size of a quarter. Turn counterclockwise until the nuts are loose enough to remove by hand. Once loose, carefully unscrew them the rest of the way and set them aside. Most supply lines will drain into your bucket; some may drip for several minutes.

Now you'll disconnect the faucet from the top of the sink. Faucets attach to the sink deck in different ways depending on their age and style. Most common modern faucets use a large center nut called the deck nut or mounting nut. This nut is located directly under where the faucet body meets the sink deck. You'll need your basin wrench to reach and turn this nut. A basin wrench has an adjustable jaw that you can tighten around the nut, and a long handle that extends back toward you. It's specifically designed to work in the tight space under a sink.

To use a basin wrench, position it around the mounting nut with the jaw facing upward (for a nut that needs to be turned counterclockwise). Push the wrench handle forward firmly while simultaneously pulling it toward you in a ratcheting motion. This back-and-forth movement gradually loosens the nut. Once it's loose enough, continue turning it by hand. If the nut is very tight, apply a penetrating oil (like WD-40) and wait 15 minutes before trying again.

Once the deck nut is removed, the faucet body should lift away from the sink. You may need to wiggle it gently or apply slight upward pressure. If the faucet won't budge, check underneath again to ensure you've removed all connecting nuts. Some faucets also have a set screw that holds them in place—look for a small screw on the side of the faucet body and remove it if present.

After removing the faucet, use your putty knife to scrape away old plumber's putty or caulk from the sink deck. This debris needs to be completely removed so your new faucet sits flush