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Home improvement projects involving plumbing can seem like a daunting task; the last thing you want to do is mess up and suddenly have a swimming pool in your kitchen (no matter how much your kids might enjoy it). But in reality, some of these projects are actually easy to accomplish with the correct tools and knowledge, like knowing how to change your kitchen faucet.
Let’s say you finally decided to replace that old drippy faucet with an Autograph Edition Apollo Kitchen Faucet from ZLINE, and the time has come to install it. Here’s how to change out that old kitchen faucet like a professional.
ZLINE Autograph Edition Apollo Pull Down Spring Single Handle Kitchen Faucet in Brushed Nickel and Champagne Bronze (APL-KF-ZBNCB)
$332.96
$369.95
Luxury isn’t meant to be left desired—it’s meant to be attainable. The ZLINE Autograph Edition Apollo Pull Down Spring Single Handle Kitchen Faucet in Brushed Nickel and Champagne Bronze (APL-KF-ZBNCB) combines refined European craftsmanship with an innovative spring-loaded spray wand… Read More
First, Clear out the Cabinet
The first thing you’re going to need to do is clear out the cabinet under your sink. If you’re anything like us, this is a great opportunity to clean up down there. It turns out you can indeed have too many plastic bags.
What You Need
Once you’ve got everything all cleaned up, grab the following items:
Flashlight
Gloves
Bucket
Two towels (The first towel is to clean up any spilled water, the second one is for your back if needed. You’ll be lying under the sink for some time, and the towel can help you from getting unnecessary pain in your back.)
With everything cleaned out and your tools in hand, decide if you can easily remove your cabinet doors. While it’s not mandatory, if they’re easy to remove, this will help let in some light while you’re replacing your kitchen faucet, making it easier for you to work under your sink.
Turn off the Water and Disconnect Faucet Hose
The next thing you’re going to want to do is to turn off both the hot and cold water valves. The last thing you want on your hands is a flood mid-replacement.
In most homes, you’ll find the hot and cold water valves directly under your sink connected to the faucet hose. Be sure to turn on the old faucet after you’ve turned off the valve to remove any water in the hose and to double-check that you actually turned off the pipe.
Now that you’ve turned off the water, disconnect the faucet hose from the water lines. If your old faucet has a sprayer hose, you’ll need to remove that from the waterline as well.
Loosen the Faucet Nuts
Next, you’ll want to loosen and remove the nuts that are holding the faucet in place under your sink. If the faucet you’re removing is older or wasn’t properly installed, this can sometimes be a difficult task. If you’re having trouble getting the nut loose, try applying some heat or soaking the nut in penetrating oil.
Remove Old Faucet
With the hardware underneath removed, you’ll now be able to remove the old faucet. This will be done by lifting up the faucet from the top of the sink. This can be difficult depending on how long ago it was installed, but with enough force, it should come off. For your own safety, we recommend you wear gloves during this step.
With the old faucet removed, take a moment to clean off any dirt or gunk residue left behind. Warm soapy water and stainless steel cleaner should do the trick.
Install New Faucet
With the old faucet removed, we can now install the new one. We’ll be focusing on how to install a spring faucet, like the ZLINE Autograph Edition Sierra Kitchen Faucet. Most faucets have similar setup guides, but we always suggest you follow along with the included manual for your faucet as well.
ZLINE Autograph Edition Sierra Pull Down Spring Single Handle Kitchen Faucet with Color Options (SRA-KF-Z)
$379.99
Luxury isn’t meant to be left desired—it’s meant to be attainable. The ZLINE Autograph Edition Sierra Pull Down Spring Single Handle Kitchen Faucet in (SRA-KF-Z) combines refined European craftsmanship with an innovative spring-loaded spray wand for an unparalleled kitchen experience.… Read More
Connect the Faucet Hoses to the New Faucet
Begin by placing the new faucet in the existing hole in your sink. From the underside of your sink, tighten the required nuts. Now connect the faucet’s hoses to your existing hot and cold lines. With the hoses properly connected, turn on your hot and cold water valves and test out your sink.
Congratulations! You just learned how to change your kitchen faucet like a professional. If you got lost along the way or need any additional help with this, there are a lot of great video walkthroughs available online. One of our favorites is Home RenoVision.
We hope this walk-through helps! If you’re still in the market for a new faucet, Rustic Kitchen & Bath has a wide selection available, and we’d be more than happy to answer any questions you might have! Contact us through our website or reach out to us on any of our socials.
FAQs
Is changing a kitchen faucet a DIY-friendly project?
Yes. Replacing a kitchen faucet is one of the more approachable DIY plumbing projects. With basic tools, proper preparation, and careful attention to shutoff valves and connections, most homeowners can complete the job in under an hour.
What tools do I need to change a kitchen faucet?
Common tools include a flashlight, gloves, a bucket, towels, and basic hand tools. These help manage water drips, improve visibility under the sink, and protect your hands and back while working in tight spaces.
Do I need to turn off the water before replacing a faucet?
Yes. Always turn off both the hot and cold water supply valves under the sink before disconnecting any hoses. Turning the faucet on afterward helps release residual pressure and confirms the water is fully shut off.
What should I do if the faucet mounting nuts are stuck?
Older faucets may have corroded or overtightened nuts. Applying penetrating oil or gentle heat can help loosen them. Take care not to damage surrounding plumbing or cabinetry during removal.
Can I reuse my existing water supply lines?
In many cases, yes. However, if supply lines show signs of wear, corrosion, or leaks, replacing them during the faucet installation is recommended for long-term reliability.
Are pull-down spring faucets harder to install than standard faucets?
No. Pull-down spring faucets follow a similar installation process to standard single-handle faucets. The main difference is managing the hose and weight correctly so the spray head retracts smoothly.
How do I prevent leaks after installing a new faucet?
Ensure all connections are hand-tightened first, then gently secured with a tool without over-tightening. Once installed, slowly turn the water back on and check all connections for leaks before fully closing the cabinet.
Does faucet finish matter for kitchen design?
Absolutely. Faucet finishes act as visual anchors in the kitchen. Brushed Nickel offers a timeless look, while Champagne Bronze adds warmth and contrast. Coordinating the faucet finish with cabinet hardware and appliances creates a cohesive design.
Should my kitchen faucet match my cabinet hardware?
Matching or complementing finishes helps achieve a polished look. Exact matches are not required, but keeping finishes within the same tone family, warm or cool, ensures visual harmony.
What faucet styles work best with the most kitchen designs?
Spring-style pull-down faucets and minimalist single-handle designs work well in modern and transitional kitchens. Clean lines and mixed-metal accents pair especially well with contemporary cabinetry.
Are professional-style faucets practical for everyday use?
Yes. Professional-style faucets offer excellent reach, flexibility, and spray control, making them ideal for busy kitchens, frequent cooking, and larger sinks.
Do high-end faucets require special maintenance?
Most premium faucets are designed for durability and easy maintenance. Regular wiping with a soft cloth and avoiding abrasive cleaners helps preserve the finish and functionality.
Can a new faucet improve kitchen functionality?
Yes. Upgrading to a pull-down or spring faucet improves maneuverability, water control, and ease of cleaning, making everyday kitchen tasks more efficient.
What faucet brands are known for combining style and reliability?
Brands like ZLINE Kitchen & Bath offer kitchen faucets designed to balance professional performance with refined finishes that integrate seamlessly into design-focused kitchens.
