How to Install a New Kitchen Faucet | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner replace her kitchen faucet.
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Time: 1-2 hours
Cost: $50

Skill Level: Moderate

Tools List for Installing a New Kitchen Faucet:
Wrench
Basin wrench
Scissors
Screwdriver

Shopping List:
New faucet
Cover plate for fourth hole
Plumber’s putty

Steps:

1. Shut the water off to the faucet underneath the sink.
2. Disconnect the water hoses from the shutoff valves.
3. Loosen the nuts underneath the sink using the basin wrench.
4. Cut the hose connecting the faucet to the sprayer with a pair of scissors.
5. Carefully wiggle the old faucet off of the sink.
6. Assemble the pieces of the faucet according to the instructions on the packaging. In general, it starts with a gasket that goes directly underneath the faucet and then a cover plate.
7. Apply a thick glob of plumber’s putty underneath the cover plate and put the faucet into place. Be sure all the hoses connected to the faucet go through the center hole.
8. Underneath the sink, slide the gasket, then the washer, and then the mounting bracket onto the faucet. Use a screwdriver to secure the bracket to the sink.
9. Add a weight to the spray hose to allow it to retract when in use.
10. Reconnect the hot and cold water hoses to the shutoff valves.
11. If there is a fourth hole exposed from the old spray hose, use a cover plate or soap dispenser to block it. Add plumber’s putty to the underside and secure it to the sink.
12. Turn the water back on.

Resources:
Richard installed the Fairbury Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet in stainless steel, manufactured by American Standard (americanstandard-us.com). It comes with washers and gaskets and most of the materials required to install it.

Everything else he used to replace the kitchen faucet, including the putty, soap dispenser, wrench and screwdriver, can be purchased at home centers and plumbing supply stores.

About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.

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How to Install a New Kitchen Faucet | Ask This Old House
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