How to replace a kitchen sink or bathroom lavatory faucet

The procedure to replace a kitchen sink faucet and a bathroom lavatory faucet is basically the same. Kitchen sink faucets are generally bigger in size and sometimes include a sprayer consisting of a push button handle or trigger and an aerator. The working area for replacement in a kitchen sink which is under the countertop cabinet is wider and thus a little bit
easier to maneuver and work with the tools. Some bathroom lavatory faucet models have a pop-up drain assembly which is an additional component to install but is optional.

If you call a plumber to replace your leaking, broken, or defective kitchen sink faucet or bathroom lavatory faucet, you might be charged a considerable amount of money. When your plumber does the job on a Sunday or holiday, extra charges may apply and would add up to your expense and cost of labor. On the other hand, if you have a little experience with plumbing or mechanical repairs, don't worry, as long as you have the right tools, understand basic repairing safety, do some research and read instruction manuals, you can replace your kitchen or washroom faucet by yourself alone.

In the following steps below, I tried to use clear, simple, and easy to understand procedures/instructions for the benefit of do-it-yourself (DIY) and home improvement replacement and repair practitioners and readers. I also included pictures to help visualize, better understand and correctly follow the instructions.

Step by Step Instructions How to Replace a Kitchen Sink or Bathroom Lavatory Faucet:

1. Prepare your tools and the new faucet assembly and all included component parts in the box you bought from the home hardware store.

2. Open the lavatory or kitchen sink cabinet and locate the water shut-off valves. Close the hot and cold water shut off valves by turning them clockwise towards the completely closed position (perpendicular to the water pipe).

3. With the help of a flash light, use the adjustable wrench to loosen the top attachment nuts of the flexible hot and cold water pipes. Use the safety glasses to protect your eyes from falling debris such as rust particles, dust, etc. Be careful also not to drop tools as it might fall directly to your face or any part of your body.

4. Using a monkey wrench, loosen the faucet attachment nuts by turning the wrench counterclockwise.

5. Put a basin directly below the flexible water pipes to catch the water which will leak once you unscrew the nuts. Loosen the bottom flexible water pipe nuts until you can pull the flexible pipes easily.

6. Remove the old faucet. Pull out the flexible water pipes for cleaning.

7. Put a steel strainer on the drain to prevent the dirt and other debris from clogging your drain pipes. Clean the surrounding area of the top holes on the cabinet or countertop.

8. Install mounting bolts at the bottom of the new kitchen sink or lavatory faucet. The slotted part of the bolt (for screwdriver head tightening) should be positioned on the top.

9. Place the new kitchen sink or lavatory faucet in a nice, flat, level, and straight position.

10. Insert the supporting C-shaped washer and nut. Tighten the nut with your hand first then with an adjustable wrench. Do not over tighten the nut. Do the same for the other C-shaped supporting washer and mounting nut.

11. Insert one of the flexible water pipes in one of the copper tubing and tighten the securing lock nut. The nut should be tight enough to prevent leaking but not too tight as you might break and damage the new faucet or bend and twist the copper tube which would void the faucet warranty. When tightening the nut with an adjustable wrench, use another wrench to hold the copper tube and stop it from turning in the opposite direction while you tighten the nut clockwise. Do the same procedure for the other copper tubing, flexible water pipe and top lock nut.

12. Insert the bottom ends of the flexible water pipes to the bottom elbows connected to the hot and cold copper tubes and tighten the bottom lock nuts. 

13. Open the hot and cold water valves.

14. Open the faucet and turn the handle to the right to check the cold water flow. Turn the faucet handle to the left to check the hot water flow. Check the flexible water pipes for any leak. If there is leaking in the flexible pipes, re-tighten the nuts.