# How difficult to replace a kitchen faucet?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-a-kitchen-faucet/779500
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [February 10, 2017, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-a-kitchen-faucet/779500 "2017-02-10T20:58:43Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)
#### Post date: [February 10, 2017, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-a-kitchen-faucet/779500/1 "2017-02-10T20:58:43Z")
So our faucet has started leaking. It’s the fourth one to die in this house over the 14 years we’ve lived here: the one that was here when we moved in, one cheapo replacement (no surprise there), one big-name-brand replacement (it froze in place and could not be turned), and now THIS same-as-before big-name-brand replacement (developed a leak).
Not knowing the problem and thinking it was a piping problem, we called the plumber, who said “needs to be replaced” and offered to replacement with a substantially-similar one… for 800 dollars. Same make as the one that just died. Um, no. 300 bucks and they’ll install one we purchase elsewhere.
So, I contacted Big-name-brand and they are actually going to fedex a new faucet to us. At which point we can either call the plumber, or do it ourselves.
Is 300 dollars crazy? If we replace it ourselves will we be using that 300 dollars for a divorce attorney retainer?
The faucet is one of those that has the pull-out spray head, and goes through either 1 or 3 holes in the sink top (our setup was plumbed for a 3-hole approach).
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### Author:  [@mikecurtis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mikecurtis)
#### Post date: [February 10, 2017, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-a-kitchen-faucet/779500/2 "2017-02-10T21:07:04Z")
replacing a faucet is pretty straightforward, and there are many diy videos on youtube.
the hard part is being able to get at all the pieces, you quite often have to climb into the cabinet on your back and reach way up and turn nuts at the same time.
so it depends on how limber you are, and how willing you are to be uncomfortable.
youre paying the plumber to be uncomfortable, and he has all the cool tools.
MC
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### Author:  [@Scoobysnax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scoobysnax)
#### Post date: [February 10, 2017, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-a-kitchen-faucet/779500/3 "2017-02-10T21:22:49Z")
Mike is pretty spot on. Here are a few tips that I would recommend to make it easier/safer.
- The bottom side of the old faucet can get pretty crusty so wear eye protection.
- Empty out the cabinet beneath the sink and put down a yoga mat or towel to lay on. The edge of the cabinet will hurt your back within a few minutes.
- Have a second person to hand you tools and to thread the hoses though the holes in the sink.
- if the faucet doesn’t include supply lines buy some new ones.
It should take an hour or so. Good luck.
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### Author:  [@Srsly\_Dad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Srsly_Dad)
#### Post date: [February 10, 2017, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-a-kitchen-faucet/779500/4 "2017-02-10T21:27:51Z")
If you go the DIY route a few really good tips.
Get a basin wrench - eliminates much of the difficult reaching.
Know where your main water shutoff is. Sometimes the shutoff valves for the faucet leak and if that is the case you may want to replace them also. If they are the screw on style fairly easy, soldered not as easy.
Have a few old towels and a bucket on hand for the water that will come out of the supply lines.
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### Author:  [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)
#### Post date: [February 10, 2017, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-a-kitchen-faucet/779500/5 "2017-02-10T21:36:42Z")
A lot of it depends on the rest of the plumbing. On modern houses there will be a water shutoff valve below the sink. In old houses you might have to shut off the master water shutoff at the meter. On modern houses there will be a flexible supply hose attaching to the faucet. In an old home you might have rigid pipes attaching to the faucet.
As to the neat tools mentioned above, note you can buy a lot of tools $300. Look at the Youtube videos to see what you need. For example a basin wrench is useful:
> **[Basin wrench](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basin_wrench)**
>
> A basin wrench, sometimes called a sink wrench, is a plumbing tool which is used in confined spaces to turn fasteners and pipes that would be difficult or impossible to reach with a plumber wrench or other types of wrenches. For example, the threaded nuts used to secure faucets to sinks are often located in deeply recessed places that can only be accessed with a basin wrench.
> A basin wrench consists of a long shaft with a pair of asymmetrical jaws at one end and a transverse handle at the other ...
And these are available cheaply at Home Depot, Lowes, hardware stores, Walmart…
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### Author:  [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)
#### Post date: [February 10, 2017, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-a-kitchen-faucet/779500/6 "2017-02-10T21:36:58Z")
Yeah, access is the overwhelming issue.
Can you “pop out” the sink? Disconnect all the pipes, slide a blade around the edge, remove the holddowns, etc.
Then you can remove the old faucet and install the new one quite easily. As a bonus you can replace the caulk.
Since you’ve replaced the faucet recent-ish I assume you have the right size connectors for “modern” faucets. This was something I had to deal with when I replaced all my sinks a couple years ago.
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### Author:  [@ethelbert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ethelbert)
#### Post date: [February 10, 2017, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-a-kitchen-faucet/779500/7 "2017-02-10T21:56:07Z")
If you can take the old faucet out, you can almost certainly put in a new one. The kind of problem you will run into will be severely rusted nuts that won’t budge and that are difficult to deal with under the sink. Its also the kind of problem that you rarely see on the videos.
I typically take out the old one before I even buy the new one, if only to make sure what I get will fit. I have been burned many times by assuming some “standard” in plumbing fixtures.
Give it a shot. Just make sure the cutoff valve works well. Also locate the whole house cutoff just in case something goes disastrously wrong.
As far as the faucet is concerned, I would go to kitchen & bath supply house to buy a replacement (not a big box store). You will pay more but it will be worth it. You use your kitchen faucet many times every day. It should be a joy to use.
I missed the point where the faucet is free. Free is good.
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### Author:  [@CurtC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CurtC)
#### Post date: [February 10, 2017, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-a-kitchen-faucet/779500/8 "2017-02-10T22:14:28Z")
> [@Scoobysnax](#):
>
> It should take an hour or so. Good luck.
It should take an hour or so for someone who knows what he’s doing. For a first-timer, I would count on four hours, including a trip or two to Home Depot.
> [@Srsly\_Dad](#):
>
> Get a basin wrench …
>
> Know where your main water shutoff is…
>
> Have a few old towels and a bucket on hand for the water that will come out of the supply lines.
All excellent suggestions. I’d also add that before you start, examine the connectors with the new faucet to make sure they fit what’s coming out of your wall. Things change over time and what you’re taking out may not be what you want to replace it with.
Replacing a faucet for a first-timer can be frustrating, but once you’ve done it you will know how.
ETA: one more tip: getting the connections water-tight can be tricky. When you think you’re done, wrap a dry paper towel around each joint that you’ve connected, and inspect it over the next few days to make sure the paper towel stays dry.
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### Author:  [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)
#### Post date: [February 10, 2017, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-a-kitchen-faucet/779500/9 "2017-02-10T22:36:15Z")
Thanks!
It’s a modern house - build in 1996 or thereabouts. The faucet has been replaced multiple times (this will be the 4th new one), and the replacement is the same model as the one we have (bonus: when we installed this one, the plumber just had chrome finish on the truck; I strongly prefer stainless, and big-name-company is sending me the stainless version).
Good point on the supply lines, finding info on Youtube etc. - we have the weekend to figure it out. My husband suggests we schedule a plumber for late in the week and cancel if it turns out to be not needed. There are cutoff valves below the sink that I _think_ are in good shape but we know where the main household cutoff is just in case.
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### Author:  [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)
#### Post date: [February 10, 2017, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-a-kitchen-faucet/779500/10 "2017-02-10T22:51:30Z")
> [@mikecurtis](#):
>
> replacing a faucet is pretty straightforward, and there are many diy videos on youtube.
>
> the hard part is being able to get at all the pieces, you quite often have to climb into the cabinet on your back and reach way up and turn nuts at the same time.
>
> so it depends on how limber you are, and how willing you are to be uncomfortable.
>
> youre paying the plumber to be uncomfortable, and he has all the cool tools.
>
> MC
> [@Scoobysnax](#):
>
> Mike is pretty spot on. Here are a few tips that I would recommend to make it easier/safer.
>
> - The bottom side of the old faucet can get pretty crusty so wear eye protection.
> - Empty out the cabinet beneath the sink and put down a yoga mat or towel to lay on. The edge of the cabinet will hurt your back within a few minutes.
> - Have a second person to hand you tools and to thread the hoses though the holes in the sink.
> - if the faucet doesn’t include supply lines buy some new ones.
>
> It should take an hour or so. Good luck.
Good info both.
The smart homeowner will climb under there now, with no intent to disassemble anything. Look at how much needs to be moved, how cruddy it is, how infirm or overweight they may be, how many tools they own or don’t, etc.
Armed with that fresh knowledge the smart homeowner can then say “I’d tackle that job for $300” or “No way I’d tackle that for a mere $300. Call the plumber!”
The homeowner might still get it wrong, but at least they’d be making the smartest decision possible for them.
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### Author:  [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)
#### Post date: [February 10, 2017, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-a-kitchen-faucet/779500/11 "2017-02-10T23:08:33Z")
Forget the old basin wrench - even HD now carries a red plastic tool from Rigid - it is about 14" long, with various size sockets and insertable metal bits.
I threw out the packaging, but this thing is great - it does everything a basin wrench can do and has a slot to fit over the existing supply line.
A DIY’er with a brand new basin wrench is fun to watch. Not so fun to be.
A typical sink faucet has 4-5" of space in which to work. That is the reason people will pay $300 to have it done.
The Rigid tool makes it possible for a nooby to actually tighten the hoses and have them NOT leak.
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### Author:  [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)
#### Post date: [February 10, 2017, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-a-kitchen-faucet/779500/12 "2017-02-10T23:45:27Z")
> [@usedtobe](#):
>
> Forget the old basin wrench - even HD now carries a red plastic tool from Rigid - it is about 14" long, with various size sockets and insertable metal bits.
> I threw out the packaging, but this thing is great - it does everything a basin wrench can do and has a slot to fit over the existing supply line.
Is [this](http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-Faucet-and-Sink-Installer-Tool-27018/100595073?cm_mmc=Shopping%7cTHD%7cG%7c0%7cG-BASE-PLA-D26P-Plumbing%7c&gclid=CM_lneTahtICFROewAodDYwGGw&gclsrc=aw.ds) the gizmo in question?
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### Author:  [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)
#### Post date: [February 10, 2017, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-a-kitchen-faucet/779500/13 "2017-02-10T23:48:10Z")
First reply got it.
I replaced the kitchen faucet several months ago. It was _not_ easy to get to. Also, the plastic nuts were nearly impossible to remove. When I couldn’t get them off by hand, or with a wrench, I tried gripping the ‘ears’ with vice-grips. They promptly broke off. I did eventually unscrew one of them. I had to get my Dremel tool to cut the other one off. The installation of the new faucet was a snap. Except…
Except I dislodged the drain pipe. Of course, it was so old I couldn’t reattach it. I had to call in a plumber to the tune of 300 simoleons (including a new, much better, drain). So replacing the faucet was straightforward and, after I got the old hardware off, pretty easy. What wasn’t easy was working in a tight space, and having so little room I broke the drain pipe.
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### Author:  [@california\_jobcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/california_jobcase)
#### Post date: [February 11, 2017, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-a-kitchen-faucet/779500/14 "2017-02-11T00:05:12Z")
If it’s a big-name faucet, there are surely rebuild kits available. No crawling under the sink except to shut off the water, and they’re pretty easy to install. I have had much success over the years with them.
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### Author:  [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)
#### Post date: [February 11, 2017, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-a-kitchen-faucet/779500/15 "2017-02-11T00:42:08Z")
Think about future repairs.
It’s easy to get parts for Delta faucets. I learned that from my plumber.
Some brands don’t supply replacement parts. It’s that buy a new one and replace mind set.
I ordered a seal kit for a expensive Delta faucet that my mom used for 8 years in her kitchen. She gave it to me. The kit had several washers in it. The kit and the plumber’s charge was less than $60. It was a 20 min service call. All the seals in the faucet were replaced. Works like a brand new one.
Not bad considering this faucet would easily cost $250 to buy and get professionally replaced.
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### Author:  [@hogarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hogarth)
#### Post date: [February 11, 2017, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-a-kitchen-faucet/779500/16 "2017-02-11T00:49:28Z")
> [@CurtC](#):
>
> ETA: one more tip: getting the connections water-tight can be tricky. When you think you’re done, wrap a dry paper towel around each joint that you’ve connected, and inspect it over the next few days to make sure the paper towel stays dry.
That was the problem when I tried to replace my kitchen faucet. Eventually I gave up and called a plumber and he replaced some of the old rusted metal connections with PVC. I didn’t have to pay $300, fortunately.
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### Author:  [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)
#### Post date: [February 11, 2017, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-a-kitchen-faucet/779500/17 "2017-02-11T00:52:40Z")
I have replaced faucets myself. It requires a bit of discomfort crawling inside the cabinet and working in a confined space.
I’m in my fifties now and hiring a plumber is worth it. Imho
If you can afford it. Then be kind to yourself and spend the money.
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### Author:  [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)
#### Post date: [February 11, 2017, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-a-kitchen-faucet/779500/18 "2017-02-11T01:07:44Z")
$300 is way, way too much.
My plumber charges $75 an hour. Replacing a faucet is about an hour to hour and half job. Shouldn’t cost more than $100 to $120. Plus the cost of a new faucet.
Obviously you save money by thinking ahead. Clean out that cabinet before he gets there. Confine your pet in a bedroom. So the plumber can get right to work.
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### Author:  [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)
#### Post date: [February 11, 2017, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-a-kitchen-faucet/779500/19 "2017-02-11T03:02:45Z")
The last time my kitchen faucet needed to be replaced, my husband was out of town. So I bought my own mid-end fixture and hired a licensed pro to install it. The idiot installed it sideways and got the hot and cold reversed. I promptly cancelled the payment and re-installed it myself. No problem. Next time, I’ll wait till my husband is back in town.
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### Author:  [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)
#### Post date: [February 11, 2017, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-a-kitchen-faucet/779500/20 "2017-02-11T04:04:43Z")
I’ve replaced a few faucets over the years and the only difficulties I’ve encountered were loosening the connections in that very tight space.
That Rigid tool linked to above looks awesome; I’m very glad I learned about it in this thread.
mmm
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