Quick answer: Installing a faucet takes about 30–60 minutes and the only special tool you really need is a basin wrench. Shut off the water, disconnect the old faucet, set the new one with the supplied gasket, hand-tighten the mounting nuts (basin wrench for the back ones), reconnect the supply lines, and check for leaks. No plumber required for a standard sink.
Step-by-step faucet install from a licensed plumber, with the tools and parts for each step.
Step 1: Shut Off Water & Disconnect the Old Faucet
Close both shut-off valves under the sink and open the faucet to release pressure. Put a bucket and rag underneath, then disconnect the supply lines and the old mounting nuts. The back nuts are where a basin wrench earns its keep.
Step 2: Clean & Set the New Faucet
Wipe the sink surface clean. Feed the new faucet’s lines through the holes and seat it on its gasket or a bead of plumber’s putty per the instructions.
Step 3: Secure It
From below, thread on the mounting nuts and tighten — snug, not gorilla-tight. Make sure the faucet sits straight on top before final tightening.
Step 4: Connect Supply Lines
Attach the hot and cold lines (fresh braided supply lines are worth it). Hand-tighten plus a quarter turn with a wrench. Keep a new cartridge on hand if you’re reusing an older faucet body.
Step 5: Turn On & Check for Leaks
Remove the aerator, turn the water back on slowly, and run hot and cold while you check every connection. Tighten any drip, then reinstall the aerator.
When to Call a Plumber
If the shut-off valves won’t close or leak, or the sink holes don’t match the new faucet, sort that first — see our faucet repair guide.
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