Replace a Kitchen Faucet

• Shut off the water supply and drain off excess water (figure A). (Shutoff valves are usually located directly under the sink.)

• Disconnect the supply tubes at the faucet and water sources (figure B). (A basinwrench works best; you can also use an adjustable wrench.)

• Disconnect the locknuts that hold the faucet to the sink (figure C). (Use penetrating oil to loosen locknuts if they're rusty.)

• Remove the old faucet and use a putty knife to remove any old putty that remains.

• If you're installing a new single-unit, the mounting plate will cover the holes left by the old unit. If, however, you're going to use a more traditional three-piece two-handled unit, you need to know whether the measurement between the holes is 3" or 5".

• Assemble the new faucet according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Slip the faucet into the center hole on the back of the sink (figure D).

• Under the sink, screw the mounting nut to the faucet tailpiece; tighten (figure E).

• Connect the sprayer hose to the faucet tailpiece (figure F).

• Reattach the supply tubes to the faucet tailpiece and the shutoff valves (figure G). (Remember: Hot water's on left, cold water's on right.) Tighten the nuts.

• Attach the weight to the hose to keep it from tangling (figure H).

• Open shutoff valves. You've done it!

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

Figure G

Figure H

Figure J