Most people put off replacing a leaky or dated faucet because they assume it's a job for a plumber. In most cases, it isn't. Here's the straightforward version.
What you'll need
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Adjustable wrench or basin wrench
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Plumber's tape
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A bucket or towel (for drips)
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Your new faucet (with the mounting hardware it came with)
Step 1: Shut off the water. Turn off the hot and cold shut-off valves under the sink. Turn the faucet handle on afterward to release any pressure left in the line.
Step 2: Disconnect the old faucet. Use your wrench to disconnect the supply lines, then unscrew the mounting nuts holding the old faucet in place from underneath. It may be stiff — a basin wrench makes tight corners much easier.
Step 3: Clean the sink deck. Once the old faucet is out, wipe away old caulk, mineral buildup, or plumber's putty so the new faucet sits flush.
Step 4: Set the new faucet. Feed the supply lines through the mounting hole, seat the faucet base, and secure it from underneath with the provided nuts. Don't overtighten — snug is enough.
Step 5: Reconnect and test. Wrap the threads with plumber's tape, reconnect the supply lines, and turn the water back on. Run the tap for a minute to clear out any debris, and check underneath for drips.
When to call a professional instead If your supply lines are old, corroded, or a different size than your new faucet's connectors, it's worth having a plumber handle the swap — trying to force a mismatched fitting is the most common cause of leaks after a DIY install.
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