Skip to main content

Remove Old Faucet — Install the New Kitchen Faucet

Beginner5 hours

Part of project

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

Helpful?

In this video

Loosen and remove the nuts holding the old faucet in place under the sink. Remove the old faucet from above the sink. Clean the area where the old faucet was installed.

Goal: Detach Faucet

Used in this video

  • Adjustable wrench or Pliers (brand: Husky, Wrench Type: Adjustable crescent, Material: Metal, Length: Medium, Jaw Size/Opening: Medium, Grip: Textured)Loosening the nuts under the sink
  • Cleaning SuppliesCleaning the sink surface
602.3K views8.4K5 minutes
This Old House

2.2M subscribers

View Channel

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
Hide

we'll want to use plumber's putty to seal the new drain the faucet is still firm so to take it out we need to remove the two lock nuts that are holding it down these are usually plastic and should be done by hand if they're stuck you can use pliers but be careful not to damage the plastic take the plastic nuts off on both sides and the faucet will come right out taking it out you can see that it's actually a very simple design again underneath the faucet there's likely going to be some mold and dirt so take some time to clean it off

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.