What are expert tips for faucet installation overview?

A basin wrench is $15 and essential. The mounting nuts are recessed and impossible to reach with a regular wrench. Spray penetrating oil on old mounting nuts 10 minutes before starting. Run the paper towel test: wrap dry paper towel around each connection, wait 5 minutes, check for dampness.

What mistakes should I avoid with faucet installation overview?

Buying a faucet that doesn't match your sink hole count or spacing. Overtightening supply connections -- hand-tight plus a half turn is enough. Not replacing old corroded shutoff valves while you have access. Forgetting to flush lines for 30 seconds before installing the aerator.

Faucet Installation Overview

Installation Guide Easy to Intermediate 1-2 hours $0-$50 DIY / $150-$350 with plumber

Created by Ryan Pietrzak Illinois Licensed Plumber · In the plumbing industry since 2009

Updated February 20, 2026

Key Takeaway

Faucet installation is one of the most approachable plumbing jobs out there. Honestly, if you can turn a wrench and lie on your back under a sink for 30 minutes, you can swap a faucet. The hardest part is usually getting the old one off -- corroded nuts and tight spaces make removal take longer than the actual install. A new faucet typically takes about an hour from start to finish.

Overview

What to Know

Matching Your Sink

Count the holes in your sink before buying. A 3-hole sink needs a widespread or 4-inch centerset faucet. A single hole needs a single-hole faucet (or use a deck plate to cover extras). Check hole spacing -- standard is 4 inches for centerset, 8 inches for widespread.

Supply Line Considerations

Modern faucets come with flexible braided supply lines. If your shutoff valves are old gate valves that don't fully close, swap them for quarter-turn ball valves now. It's a $10 upgrade that prevents a potential flood later.

Tools & Materials

Basin wrench (essential for reaching nuts behind the sink)
Adjustable wrench
Plumber's putty or silicone
Bucket and towels
Flashlight or headlamp
Thread seal tape

Step by Step

Shut off the water
Close both shutoff valves under the sink. Open the faucet to relieve pressure and verify water is off. If valves don't shut fully, turn off the main supply.
Remove the old faucet
Disconnect supply lines from shutoff valves. Use a basin wrench to loosen mounting nuts from below. Pull old faucet out from above. Clean old putty or caulk from the sink surface.
Install the new faucet
Apply plumber's putty or included gasket around the base. Drop faucet into mounting holes. Hand-tighten mounting hardware from below, then snug with a wrench. Don't overtighten -- you'll crack the sink.
Connect supply lines
Attach hot and cold supply lines to shutoff valves. Hand-tighten, then half turn with wrench. Connect sprayer hose if applicable -- usually clicks into faucet body from below.
Test for leaks
Turn shutoffs back on slowly. Run both hot and cold for a minute. Check every connection with a dry paper towel -- it shows tiny drips your eyes would miss.

Pro Tips

A basin wrench is $15 and essential. The mounting nuts are recessed and impossible to reach with a regular wrench.
Spray penetrating oil on old mounting nuts 10 minutes before starting.
Run the paper towel test: wrap dry paper towel around each connection, wait 5 minutes, check for dampness.

Mistakes to Avoid

Buying a faucet that doesn't match your sink hole count or spacing.
Overtightening supply connections -- hand-tight plus a half turn is enough.
Not replacing old corroded shutoff valves while you have access.
Forgetting to flush lines for 30 seconds before installing the aerator.

When to Call a Pro

If shutoff valves are frozen or leaking and need replacement, or if supply lines are old galvanized steel that needs replacing back to the main line -- call a plumber. The faucet swap itself is easy, but old supply infrastructure can get complicated.

Bottom Line

A faucet swap is a 1-2 hour job most homeowners can handle. The basin wrench is the key tool, the paper towel test catches leaks. Save the $150-$300 plumber fee and put it toward a nicer faucet.