How to Install a Faucet

During a kitchen or bath renovation you will need to install faucets. This article is a thorough how-to that will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Installation of a new faucet isn't very difficult because no matter what the style of faucet you choose, it will fit the three-hole standard, with spaces 4 inches apart.

Materials List

• New faucet and mounting hardware
• Gasket or plumber's putty
• Tongue-and-groove pliers
• Basin wrench
• Screwdriver

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1. Shut off the water and remove the old faucet if there is one. On models with sprayers, remove the hose from the faucet body. Unhook the supply lines and move them. Remove the mounting nuts holding the faucet to the sink with the basin wrench. Sometimes old locknuts don't come loose easily - in this case, try penetrating oil to get them going. If you still can't get them off, tap them with a hammer and screwdriver. Clean away the old putty after removing the faucet.
2. Secure the faucet to the sink - beneath the new faucet install a gasket or a rope of plumber's putty and set in place. Fasten the mounting nuts and washers - you may need someone to help you hold everything in place while you do this. With every faucet there are two possible types of supply connections. Your new faucet will either have flexible copper supply inlets in the center of the unit that need compression fittings, or hand-tightened supply hoses just under the hot and cold handles.
3. If your faucet comes with a sprayer, this is the time to attach it. First, mount the hose guide, thread the hose through it, and fasten to the faucet's spray outlet.
4. Connecting the supply lines is next. For lines that attach under the handles, brush the inlet threads with pipe joint compound or wrap them with Teflon tape. Next, twist on the supply line nut and secure it with your hands. Tighten it a half-turn more with the basin wrench or pliers but don't over-tighten, as this may cause a crack. The other end connects to the shutoff valve the same way. For flexible copper inlets, make sure you don't twist the copper tubes because if you do you can damage the faucet. Using two wrenches will ensure this doesn't occur.
5. Finally, all that's left to do is turn the water on and check all the connections to ensure everything is working properly.

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