Faucet installation: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What faucet installation is

Faucet installation removes an old faucet and sets a new one at a kitchen, bath or utility sink. The work includes new supply lines, a leak check, and a check that the faucet mounts flat and works with the sink holes you have.

Signs you need it

  • The faucet is a different hole count or mounting style than the sink or countertop
  • The faucet is loose at the base, rocks, or has a leak at the mounting nut
  • The old faucet is corroded at the base or the supply lines have failed
  • You want a pull-down or pull-out spray that the current faucet does not have
  • The faucet cannot be repaired because the cartridge or valve body is no longer made for it

What the pro does

  • Shut off the supply valves, disconnect the old supply lines, and remove the mounting nuts from under the sink
  • Clean the deck and check the sink holes, then set the new faucet with a gasket or plumber's putty where the manual calls for it
  • Connect new supply lines, such as braided stainless or PEX, to the shutoff valves with the correct fittings
  • Mount the faucet from below with the washer and nut, and set the faucet straight before you tighten
  • Check the spray or pull-down hose, the aerator and the flow, and clear any debris from the lines
  • Turn the water on slowly, check each connection for drips, and test hot and cold and the diverter

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Number of holes in the sink or countertop, and whether a deck plate or new hole is needed
  • Type of faucet: single-handle, widespread, pull-down, pot filler or a touchless model
  • Condition of the shutoff valves, since a valve that will not close may need replacing
  • Whether the supply lines are reused or replaced with new flexible lines
  • Access under the sink and whether the cabinet or disposal must be moved
  • Whether a water filter line, soap dispenser or side spray connection is added at the sink

What a written quote should spell out

  • Faucet brand and model, and any hole cover or deck plate
  • Supply lines, new or reused, and the shutoff valve condition
  • Whether a new hole is drilled in the sink or counter, and who does it
  • Leak test and check of the spray and diverter
  • Disposal of the old faucet and cleanup

Questions to ask before you hire

  • How many holes does my sink have, and does the new faucet fit them?
  • Will you replace the supply lines, and what type are they?
  • Are the shutoff valves in good shape, and will they close fully?
  • Will you check for a leak at the connections before you leave?
  • Does the faucet need a deck plate or a new hole, and who drills it?
  • Will you test the spray hose and the diverter?

Red flags

  • Pro who reuses old supply lines that are cracked, brittle or corroded at the nut
  • Pro who over-tightens the mounting nut and cracks the sink or the faucet base
  • Pro who does not check the shutoff valves before taking the old faucet off
  • Pro who leaves the sink without a leak test under pressure

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can install a faucet with a standard hole count if the shutoff valves close fully and the space under the sink is clear. Call a pro if a shutoff valve will not close, if a new hole must be cut in the sink or counter, or if the supply lines are corroded, since a failed valve floods the cabinet.

Licenses and permits

Faucet installation is commonly done by licensed plumbers in many areas, although a simple swap of a fixture is sometimes handled by a general contractor or handyman. Check with your state or local licensing agency about what applies to your work.

Faucet installation questions

How do I know if a new faucet will fit my sink?

Count the holes and check their spacing on the sink or countertop. A center-set faucet, a single-hole faucet, and a widespread faucet each need a matching set of holes, or a deck plate to cover extra holes.

Should I replace the supply lines with the faucet?

Yes, in most cases. Supply lines age, can burst, and are quick to replace while the faucet is out. Flexible braided stainless or PEX lines are common choices.

Why does a new faucet drip at the base?

A loose mounting nut, a missing or misplaced gasket, or a sink that is not clean at the base are common causes. The pro should tighten the nut evenly and check the seal.

What if a shutoff valve does not close?

Do not force it. A valve that will not close may need replacing, and the pro should close the main or a higher valve before working on the faucet.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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