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Install New Faucet — Install the New Kitchen Faucet

Beginner5 hours

Part of project

Kitchen Sink & Faucet Replacement: A Complete DIY Guide · Step 3 of 5

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In this video

Wipe the surface of the sink and countertop to remove any old grime or sealant. Place the new faucet into the mounting holes. From underneath, thread the mounting nuts onto the faucet shanks and tighten them by hand. Connect the water supply lines to the new faucet and the shutoff valves, ensuring they are snug.

Goal: Generic Faucet Installation (Two-Handle)

  • Long arms are an advantage when working in deep, narrow cabinets. If needed, you can tighten the nuts with a basin wrench.

Used in this video

  • Paper Towel (brand: unknown)Cleaning the sink surface
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This Old House

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FAQs

What specific tools are absolutely essential for a beginner to replace a kitchen sink and faucet, beyond standard household items?

A basin wrench, like the Husky 16PL0127, is crucial for reaching and tightening nuts in confined spaces under the sink. You'll also need an adjustable wrench, a 6-in-1 screwdriver (e.g., HDX 120SD12D), and a sturdy bucket (Unger DB02) for catching water. Don't forget plumber's putty and silicone sealant.

What are the most important safety precautions beginners should take when working with water and plumbing under the sink?

Always ensure the main water supply to the sink is completely shut off before disconnecting anything to prevent flooding. Wear safety glasses to protect against drips or debris, and have plenty of old towels and a large bucket readily available for unexpected spills. Be mindful of confined spaces and potential sharp edges.

Is 5 hours a realistic estimated time for a beginner to complete this kitchen sink and faucet replacement project?

While 5 hours is an estimated time, beginners should typically allocate a full day (6-8 hours) to account for potential unexpected issues, learning curves, and trips to the hardware store. Rushing can lead to mistakes and leaks, so take your time and follow each step carefully for best results.

What's a common mistake beginners make during this project, and how can I avoid it or troubleshoot it?

A frequent mistake is not properly sealing the sink's rim or adequately tightening water connections, leading to leaks. Ensure you apply a continuous, even bead of silicone sealant around the sink's edge, and hand-tighten all water supply and drain connections, then give them a final quarter-turn with a wrench. Always perform a thorough leak test after installation.

Transcript
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Out with the old, clean the area, and in with the new. Now, before you guys rate my comments talking about how I didn't clean the area well enough, oh my god, oh! Most of that was actually just the countertop design. Now, the good thing about small cabinets is, if you have long enough arms, here's a good angle right there, and you use your monkey arms to actually tighten it and not have to squeeze your whole body under the cabinet. Now, if you haven't noticed already, this is a project source faucet with the drain.

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.