Why pay a plumber to replace the sink faucet in your kitchen or bathroom? Here’s an easy guide for a problem-free faucet replacement.

Anytime safety is concerned, such as is always the case with electrical circuits or gas lines, it’s best to have a certified professional accomplish all repairs and installations. But why pay a plumber to replace the sink faucet in your kitchen or bathroom? Here’s an easy guide for a problem-free faucet replacement:

1. Get the right replacement – Identify the type of faucet you need. Is it a deck-mount? Is it a center mount, single-handle faucet, or does it have two valves? If there are two valves, measure the center-to-center distance between them (8" is the most common).

2. Prepare yourself - Make certain you have all the tools and materials you’ll need, before starting. The new faucet may include a neoprene or plastic base gasket – if not, pick up a small container of plumber’s putty.

3. Prepare the area - Clear out the cabinet beneath the sink, rig a drop-light and gather all your tools before you start. A small container and a towel will be handy. (Safety note: There will be corrosion/rust/grime on the bottom of the sink deck. When working with your face directly beneath the deck, you will undoubtedly dislodge particles which can fall into your eyes. Wear eye protection!)

4. Remove the old faucet - Turn off the water supply to the faucet. There should be a small valve where each of the water lines enter the cabinet area (hot is usually on the left, cold is on the right). You can now open up the control valve(s) on the existing faucet to release any pressure.

Remove one end of each of the water supply hoses from the old faucet and drain the water in the hose into a small container. Now loosen and remove the tube nuts that fasten each water tube or valve to the deck from below. When the tube nuts are removed, lift the old valve directly up out of the deck holes.

5. Prepare for the new faucet – Thoroughly clean up any residue or deposit where the base-plate rested before installing your new faucet. Any built up mineral deposits can be removed with vinegar or a water deposit cleaner. When that’s done, you can either place the neoprene/plastic base gasket or lay a bead of plumber’s putty around the edge beneath the base-plate.

6. Set the new faucet – Lower the assembled new faucet directly down into the deck holes. Snug the tube nuts well, realigning the faucet body if necessary and tighten. When that’s completed, connect the water hoses to the water tubes and tighten.

7. Testing the connections – Open the control valve(s) on the faucet and using a towel, carefully dry any moisture around all the connections beneath the sink. Slowly crack each supply valve open slightly until you hear water running out of the faucet. Check carefully for any leaks, running a dry fingertip around all connections.

When you’re satisfied there are no leaks, you can close the control valve(s) on the faucet. Check for leaks again, as the pressure will now be greater.

When you’re satisfied there are no leaks, open the supply valves completely. Check again for leaks beneath the cabinet after an hour has gone by - faucet bodies have sometimes been known to crack or leak.

8. Clean up and wrap up – If you used plumber’s putty, some should have been squeezed out when you tightened down the base-plate. Clean this up with rubbing alcohol. You can now reclaim the under-sink area for storage and clean up your tools. You’re done!