Broken Faucet? How to Replace Your Kitchen Faucet Without a Plumber

Is your kitchen faucet leaking, dripping, or just plain broken? Replacing it might seem like a difficult task that requires hiring a professional plumber. But with the right preparation and tools, you can install a new faucet yourself and save the hassle and expense of calling in help.

Replacing a faulty kitchen faucet with a new one can make a big difference in your daily cooking and cleaning. No more dealing with leaks, erratic water flow, or broken sprayers. By following this step-by-step DIY guide, you'll be able to remove your old faucet and install a replacement model conveniently and affordably.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Faucet

The first step is deciding which new faucet to install. Take a look under your sink to determine the current configuration such as number of holes and water line placement. This will help you choose a faucet designed for the existing setup.

Consider the finish and style that will match your kitchen decor best. Popular options include brushed nickel, chrome, matte black, and oil rubbed bronze. The type of functionality is also important - do you want just a standard faucet or special features like a pull-down sprayer?

Be sure to pick a durable, high-quality faucet from a reputable brand. High-end faucets tend to last longer and function better over years of daily use. But you can still find affordable options under $100 that offer decent performance.

Tips for Picking the Perfect Faucet

• Match the number of holes (1 or 3)
• Consider the finish that complements your kitchen decor
• Choose trusted brands like Moen, Kohler, or Delta
• Decide on special features like a pull-down sprayer
• Aim for a reasonably priced but well-made faucet

Step 2: Gather Tools and Supplies

Installing a kitchen faucet requires a few special tools you may not already have on hand. Here are some must-have items:

• Basin wrench - for reaching and turning nuts in tight spaces
• Adjustable wrench - for loosening nuts and connections
• Channel locks - helps grip hoses, tubes, and fittings
• Flashlight - to see under the sink
• Plumbers putty - seals gaps and creates a watertight connection

You'll also need supplies like:

• Faucet supply lines
• Mounting hardware - nuts, washers, brackets
• Teflon tape - prevents leaks at pipe threads
• A bucket - for catching drips and leaks

Other Helpful Tools

It can also help to have:

• An adjustable pipe wrench - grips pipes better than standard wrenches
• Needle-nose pliers - for precise gripping and maneuvering
• Screwdrivers - flathead and Philips head
• Rags or towels - for cleaning up leaks

Step 3: Turn Off Water Supply

Before removing the old faucet, you must shut off the water supply lines. There are typically two shutoff valves located under the sink, one for hot water and one for cold. Turn the handles clockwise until they stop to cut off the water.

It's also a good idea to turn on the faucet briefly to drain out any remaining water in the lines. This will help minimize leaks when you disconnect the lines.

Locating the Shutoff Valves

If you can't find the shutoff valves, they may be behind a panel in an adjacent cabinet. The valves look like smaller versions of outdoor hose bibs. Trace the supply lines back from the faucet to locate them.

Step 4: Remove Existing Faucet

With the water supply shut off, it's time to remove the old, faulty faucet. Start by detaching the supply lines from the faucet inlets. Use a wrench to loosen the line nuts and unscrew the lines. Coil them up and move them out of the way.

Next, remove the retaining nuts, washers, and mounting hardware securing the faucet base. You'll need your basin wrench and adjustable wrench for this step. With the hardware removed, you can now lift the faucet up and off the sink.

Take a few minutes to clean away any grime, putty, or buildup from the sink area. This ensures the new faucet can form a tight seal.

Tips for Removing Stubborn Faucets

If the old faucet is stuck on tightly, gently pry with a flathead screwdriver to break the seal. You can also use WD-40 or a heat gun to loosen lime and calcium deposits.

Step 5: Install the New Faucet

Now comes the satisfying part - installing your brand new faucet! Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper placement and alignment. Many faucets come with plastic alignment guides to help get positioning perfect.

Drop the base of the faucet down through the holes in the sink or countertop. Hand tighten the mounting nuts and washers to temporarily hold the faucet in place. Don't fully tighten yet.

Before fully securing the new faucet, apply a generous bead of plumbers putty around the base where it contacts the sink. This seals any gaps and prevents leaks.

Getting the Faucet Position Just Right

Take your time getting the faucet centered and aligned evenly. The putty will fill any small gaps between the base and sink. Tighten the nuts carefully and do not overtighten.

Step 6: Connect the Supply Lines

With the faucet firmly in place, it's time to hook up the hot and cold water supply lines. Make sure the lines are long enough to comfortably reach the faucet inlets without stretching or kinking.

Attach the lines by hand initially and then tighten with a wrench. Do not overtighten, as this can damage the supply line fittings. Wrap threads with Teflon tape to prevent leaks.

Tips for Attaching Supply Lines

• Hand tighten lines first before using a wrench
• Do not overtighten fittings
• Use pipe thread tape at connections
• Ensure lines aren't kinked or stressed

Step 7: Turn Water Back On and Test

The final step is the moment of truth - testing your work! Turn the shutoff valves back on slowly and check for any drips or leaks at the supply line connections. Tighten as needed to stop minor leaks.

Turn on the faucet handles and verify proper water flow and drainage. Operate the sprayer if your faucet has one. If you notice any additional leaks, cracks, or other problems, address them before completing the job.

Troubleshooting Installation Issues

• Retighten connections if leaking persists
• Adjust supply lines as needed if kinked or strained
• Seal leaks at base with additional putty or caulk
• Contact manufacturer if faucet functioning is faulty

Assuming no major issues, your kitchen now has a fully functional and beautiful new faucet installed completely on your own!

Doing it yourself rather than calling in a plumber saves you the cost of professional installation. And you get the satisfaction of having successfully completed a home improvement project and expanded your DIY skills.

Just be sure to set aside sufficient time for the process and exercise patience at each step. Rushing through the steps can cause mistakes that lead to problems down the road. But taking your time ensures high quality results.

In many cases, replacing a kitchen faucet is very doable for the average homeowner. Arm yourself with the right tools and knowledge ahead of time, and enjoy the updaterd convenience and renewed look you'll gain by installing a new faucet yourself.