You’ve probably been there. You walk into your kitchen, and there it is: that drip, drip, drip from your faucet, slowly but surely driving you a little bit crazy. Or maybe you’re just tired of looking at that old, crusty faucet that’s been there since you moved in, and you’re dreaming of a shiny, new, modern one that truly makes your kitchen sparkle. There’s a certain excitement that comes with picking out a new faucet – imagining how it will look and how much better it will function. But then, a thought pops into your head that can quickly turn that excitement into a knot in your stomach: “How am I going to put this thing in?”
We get it. Here at Instant Plumbing, serving homeowners across Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler and more of the Valley since 2001, we’ve seen that look on countless faces. You wonder if you can save some money by doing it yourself, but then you worry about accidentally creating a bigger problem. What if you flood the kitchen? What if you can’t even get the old one off? The fear of turning a simple upgrade into a full-blown plumbing nightmare is real, and it’s a perfectly normal feeling. You might even lose a whole weekend to frustration, trying to wrestle with pipes under your sink.
The truth is, replacing a kitchen faucet can be a straightforward task for some, and a headache-inducing puzzle for others. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and we’re here to help you figure out if this is a project you should tackle yourself, or if it’s smarter to call in a professional. We’re not here to tell you what to do, but to give you all the information you need to make the best decision for your home and your peace of mind.
Understanding Your Kitchen Faucet Project: Is DIY Even an Option?
Before you grab your toolbox or dial a plumber, it’s helpful to really understand what a kitchen faucet replacement actually involves. This will help you decide if it fits your comfort level and skill set.
Why You Might Be Replacing Your Kitchen Faucet
The reasons homeowners decide to swap out their kitchen faucet are pretty common. The most obvious one is a persistent leak. That constant drip isn’t just annoying; it wastes water, can lead to higher utility bills, and over time, might even cause water damage under your sink or to your cabinets. Another common reason is simply age. Faucets wear out. Parts can corrode, handles get loose, and the finish can start to look worn and ugly. And then there’s the desire for an upgrade. Maybe you’re doing a kitchen remodel, or you just want a more modern look, a different style, or new features like a pull-down sprayer or touchless operation. Whatever the reason, a new faucet can make a huge difference in how your kitchen looks and feels.
What a Kitchen Faucet Installation Really Involves
On the surface, it might seem simple: take the old one off, put the new one on. But when you crawl under the sink, you quickly realize it’s a bit more involved. You’re dealing with water lines (both hot and cold), a drain, mounting nuts that might be rusted tight, and sometimes extra connections for things like sprayers or soap dispensers. You’ll need to turn off the water, disconnect flexible supply lines, remove the old faucet from tight spaces, clean up any gunk, and then carefully connect the new faucet’s lines, secure it in place, and seal it properly to prevent leaks. It’s often a wrestling match in a dark, cramped cabinet.
Evaluating Your Own DIY Skill Level
This is the most honest conversation you need to have with yourself. Are you generally handy? Do you enjoy tackling home projects, even if they throw a curveball? Have you successfully fixed smaller plumbing issues like leaky toilets or changed a showerhead before? If you answered “yes” to these, and you have some patience, a faucet replacement might be within your reach. However, if the thought of getting under a sink fills you with dread, if you’re unsure how to turn off your main water supply, or if you’ve never used a basin wrench, then it might be best to reconsider the DIY route. There’s no shame in knowing your limits – in fact, it’s smart!
The DIY Approach: What You Need to Know Before You Start
If you’re leaning towards rolling up your sleeves and tackling this project yourself, that’s awesome! But it’s important to be prepared. Here’s what you need to know.
Tools and Materials Required for DIY Faucet Installation
Gathering your tools before you start is like gathering your ingredients before you bake a cake. It makes the process much smoother and prevents frustrating trips to the hardware store in the middle of the job.
Essential Tools for a Smooth Project
You’ll definitely need a few specific items. A basin wrench is almost always a must-have; it’s a long, skinny wrench designed to reach those hard-to-reach nuts that hold your faucet in place. You’ll also want a crescent wrench or pliers for disconnecting water lines. A flashlight (or even a headlamp!) is crucial for seeing what you’re doing in the dark cabinet. Don’t forget a bucket and towels to catch any residual water when you disconnect lines. Some jobs might call for a pipe cutter if you’re replacing old, rigid supply lines with new flexible ones. And, of course, safety glasses are always a good idea!
Choosing the Right Faucet and Necessary Components
When you pick out your new faucet, pay close attention to its specifications. Does it require one, two, or three holes in your sink or countertop? Most modern faucets come with everything you need, but sometimes you might need to buy new supply lines (the flexible hoses that connect your faucet to the water valves) if the old ones are worn or don’t fit the new faucet. You’ll also need plumber’s putty or silicone caulk to seal the faucet base to the sink and prevent water from seeping underneath. Make sure the new faucet is compatible with your existing setup, or be prepared to adapt.
Step-by-Step Overview of a Typical DIY Faucet Installation
While every faucet is a little different, the general steps for installation follow a common pattern.
Preparing Your Workspace and Shutting Off Water
Before you do anything, clear out everything from under your kitchen sink. You’ll need as much room as possible. Then, the most important step: turn off the water supply to the sink. Look for the two small valves (one for hot, one for cold) under your sink and turn them clockwise until they’re tight. Turn on the old faucet to drain any remaining water from the lines and make sure the water is indeed off. If these valves are stuck or leaky, that’s your first sign you might need a pro.
Removing the Old Faucet: The Tricky Part
This is often where the real challenge begins. You’ll need to disconnect the hot and cold water supply lines from the old faucet. Have your bucket ready to catch any drips. Then, find the mounting nuts that hold the faucet to the sink or countertop. These are usually large plastic or metal nuts, and they can be incredibly tight, rusted, or awkwardly placed. This is where that basin wrench comes in handy. Once the nuts are loose, you can lift the old faucet out from above. Be prepared for some gunk and grime that has collected under the faucet base over the years.
Installing the New Faucet: Connecting Lines and Securing
Before you place the new faucet, apply a thin bead of plumber’s putty or silicone caulk around the base to create a watertight seal, depending on the faucet, it may come equipped with a seal and no putty or silicone needed. Carefully lower the new faucet into the holes in your sink. From underneath, attach the mounting hardware (usually a large nut or set of screws with a bracket) to secure the faucet tightly. Then, connect your new supply lines to the faucet’s hot and cold water inlets and to your shut-off valves. Make sure all connections are hand-tight, then give them a quarter-turn with a wrench – don’t overtighten!
Testing for Leaks: The Crucial Final Step
Once everything is connected, slowly turn the hot and cold water supply valves back on. Turn the handles on your new faucet to check the water flow. Most importantly, carefully inspect all connections under the sink. Run the water for several minutes, checking every joint for drips. Use a paper towel to dab around the connections; if it comes away wet, you have a leak. Tighten the connection just a tiny bit more and re-check. Don’t skip this step! A small leak can lead to major water damage over time.
Potential DIY Challenges and Roadblocks
Even with the best intentions and the right tools, some things can pop up that can turn your DIY project into a real headache.
Stripped Screws and Rusted Nuts: Common Frustrations
Old plumbing can be a real pain. The mounting nuts or screws holding your old faucet in place can be severely rusted or corroded, making them nearly impossible to loosen. You might strip the screw heads or round off the nuts, leading to hours of frustration, special tools, or even having to saw off the old faucet. This is where patience wears thin, and the temptation to throw in the towel grows.
Tight Spaces and Awkward Angles Under the Sink
Let’s face it, crawling into the cabinet under your kitchen sink is rarely comfortable. You’re often contorting your body, working upside down or on your side, with limited visibility. Reaching those back connections can be a real struggle, especially if you have a deep sink, garbage disposal, or other plumbing obstacles in the way. It’s physically demanding and can quickly become exasperating.
Unexpected Pipe Issues and Leaks
Sometimes, when you’re messing with old plumbing, you discover new problems. A seemingly simple faucet replacement can reveal a corroded shut-off valve that won’t turn off, a leaky P-trap, or even a hidden crack in a supply line. What started as a small project can quickly snowball into a much larger, more complicated (and potentially wetter) repair. You might go from “I’ll just replace the faucet” to “Oh no, now I need to replace the entire pipe!”
Complications with Integrated Spray Hoses or Filtration Systems
Many modern kitchen faucets come with integrated sprayers, soap dispensers or even built-in water filtration systems. These add extra connections and hoses under the sink, making the installation process more complex and adding more potential points for leaks if not connected perfectly. Trying to route and connect these extra features in a tight space can be challenging, even for experienced DIYers.
The Professional Approach: When Calling a Plumber Makes Sense
Now, let’s look at the other side of the coin. Sometimes, the smart play isn’t to tackle it yourself, but to bring in someone who does this every single day.
Benefits of Hiring a Licensed Plumber for Faucet Installation
There are some clear advantages to letting a pro handle your faucet replacement, especially when you consider your time, peace of mind, and the potential for costly mistakes.
Expertise and Experience: Getting It Right the First Time
A licensed plumber has installed hundreds, if not thousands, of kitchen faucets. They’ve seen every type of setup, every rusted nut and every quirky pipe configuration. This experience means they can often diagnose and resolve issues quickly that would leave a DIYer scratching their head for hours. We know the tricks of the trade, how much to tighten a connection, and how to spot potential problems before they become major leaks. We get it done right the first time, saving you future headaches.
Efficiency and Time Savings: No Weekend Lost to Plumbing
Think about your weekend. Do you want to spend it wrestling with old pipes under your sink, covered in grime and frustration, making multiple trips to the hardware store? Or would you rather enjoy your time with family, tackle other projects, or just relax? A professional plumber can typically complete a faucet installation in an hour or two, while a DIY project can easily stretch into an entire Saturday, or even bleed into Sunday if unexpected problems arise. Your time is valuable, and sometimes, paying a pro is worth it just to reclaim your precious weekend.
Peace of Mind and Warranty Protection
When a licensed plumber from Instant Plumbing installs your faucet, you gain a significant layer of peace of mind. You know the job was done correctly, by someone who understands plumbing systems inside and out. Plus, reputable plumbing companies like ours stand behind their work. If there’s an issue with the installation shortly after, we’ll come back and fix it. This isn’t usually the case with a DIY job – if you make a mistake, you’re on the hook for the repairs. Professional installation can also be important for some home insurance policies, especially if a future leak is traced back to improper installation.
Access to Specialized Tools and Techniques
We mentioned the basin wrench as a key DIY tool, but plumbers have a whole arsenal of specialized equipment designed for efficient and effective faucet installation. This includes not just a variety of wrenches and cutters but also diagnostic tools to check water pressure, ensure proper sealing, and identify any underlying issues with your existing plumbing that might affect the new faucet. We also use professional-grade sealants and techniques that often offer a more durable, leak-free connection than standard DIY methods.
What a Professional Plumber Does During Faucet Installation
It’s more than just simply putting a faucet in. A professional installation involves a thorough process designed to ensure everything works perfectly and safely.
Thorough Pre-Installation Inspection
Before even touching the old faucet, a professional plumber will perform a quick but thorough inspection of your existing setup. They’ll check the condition of your emergency shut-off valves, the flexibility and age of your supply lines and the overall condition of the pipes under your sink. This helps them anticipate any potential problems (like a leaky emergency shut-off valve that needs replacing) and address them before they derail the installation.
Seamless Removal and Installation Process
With our experience and specialized tools, plumbers can typically remove the old faucet much more quickly and efficiently, even if it’s rusted or stuck. We understand the nuances of working in tight spaces and can maneuver tools and components with ease. The installation of the new faucet will also be precise, ensuring all connections are properly seated and tightened to prevent leaks. We follow manufacturer instructions exactly, ensuring the faucet performs as intended.
Comprehensive Leak Testing and System Check
After the new faucet is installed, a professional plumber doesn’t just turn on the water and walk away. We perform a comprehensive leak test, often letting the water run for a good few minutes, checking all connections meticulously. We’ll also check water pressure, ensure proper hot and cold water flow and test any integrated features like sprayers or filtration systems to ensure everything is functioning perfectly before we leave your home.
Dealing with Unexpected Complications on the Spot
This is perhaps one of the biggest benefits. If the plumber encounters a rusted nut, a corroded pipe, a faulty emergency shut-off valve or any other unexpected issue, we have the knowledge, tools and parts on hand to address it immediately. You won’t have to stop the project, go to the hardware store or call someone else. We can pivot, solve the problem and keep the installation moving forward, saving you immense time and stress.
Understanding the Cost of Professional Faucet Installation
Yes, hiring a plumber involves a cost. But it’s important to understand what that cost covers and the value it provides.
Factors Influencing Plumber Pricing for Faucet Swaps
The price for professional faucet installation can vary depending on several factors. The type of faucet (simple single-handle vs. complex multi-piece with integrated features) can affect the labor time. The accessibility under your sink (easy access vs. cramped space with a garbage disposal in the way) also plays a role. If additional plumbing issues are discovered during the installation (like needing to replace a leaky emergency shut-off valve or integrated supply lines), that will add to the cost, but it’s an investment in the long-term health of your plumbing system. Most plumbers charge a flat rate for faucet installations or an hourly rate plus parts if new parts are needed beyond what comes with the faucet itself. Here at Instant Plumbing we charge using a flat rate.
The Value of Avoiding Costly DIY Mistakes
Consider the potential hidden costs of a DIY gone wrong. A small leak, if not caught, can slowly damage your cabinet, flooring or even lead to mold growth, which can be very expensive to remediate. Overtightening connections can crack pipes, leading to burst pipes and significant water damage. Stripping screws or damaging threads can necessitate replacing larger sections of plumbing. The cost of a professional installation is often less than the cost of fixing a major mistake or the damage caused by a hidden leak. It’s an investment in proper, worry-free operation.
DIY vs. Pro: Making the Right Decision for Your Home
So, after considering all this, how do you make the call? It really comes down to weighing your comfort, skill level and the specifics of your situation.
When DIY is a Viable and Rewarding Option
For some homeowners, a DIY faucet installation is a great project.
Simple Replacements and Prior DIY Success
If you’re replacing a basic, single-handle faucet with another very similar model, and you’ve had success with other plumbing DIY projects in the past (like changing a toilet fill valve or fixing a leaky drain), you’re probably well-equipped for this. If the space under your sink is relatively open and accessible, that’s another good sign. For these simpler cases, doing it yourself can be a rewarding way to save some money and feel accomplished.
Having the Right Tools and Plenty of Time
If you already own (or are willing to invest in) the necessary tools like a basin wrench, and you have a solid block of uninterrupted time – perhaps a full Saturday where you won’t feel rushed or stressed – then DIY becomes much more feasible. Patience is key, especially if you encounter a stubborn nut or a tricky connection. If you have the tools, the time and the patience, go for it!
When Calling a Professional Plumber is Strongly Recommended
For many situations, especially when things get complicated, calling a professional is simply the smarter and safer choice.
Complex Faucet Types or Integrated Systems
If you’re installing a high-tech faucet with complex electronic components, a built-in water filter, or multiple spray functions that require extra connections, the installation can be quite intricate. These aren’t usually simple plug-and-play operations. A professional will understand the specific wiring and plumbing requirements to ensure these advanced features work correctly from day one.
Older Homes or Suspected Underlying Plumbing Issues
If you live in an older home, or if you suspect you might have existing plumbing issues like rusted pipes, corroded emergency shut-off valves or poor water pressure, it’s highly advisable to call a pro. Disturbing old, brittle plumbing can lead to bigger problems. A plumber can assess the situation, fix any underlying issues before they become major, and ensure your new faucet isn’t installed onto a failing system.
Limited Time, Patience, or DIY Experience
If your schedule is packed, if you tend to get easily frustrated by home projects, or if you have very little prior experience with plumbing, save yourself the headache. The time, stress and potential mistakes simply aren’t worth the perceived savings. A plumber can get the job done quickly and correctly, allowing you to enjoy your new faucet without the agony of installation.
Concerns About Water Damage or Warranty Invalidations
If the thought of a potential leak causing damage to your cabinets, flooring or drywall keeps you up at night, then hiring a professional is the way to go. We guarantee our work, which means if something goes wrong related to the installation, we fix it. Furthermore, some faucet manufacturers or home warranties might require professional installation to maintain coverage, though this is less common for simple faucets. Always check your warranty details if you have concerns.
Preparing for Either Option: A Smooth Transition
No matter which path you choose – DIY or professional – a little preparation goes a long way to making the process smoother and faster.
Choosing Your New Kitchen Faucet Wisely
Before any work begins, pick out the perfect faucet for your needs. Consider the finish (chrome, brushed nickel, matte black), the style (modern, traditional, farmhouse), and the features (pull-down sprayer, touchless, water filtration). Most importantly, make sure it’s compatible with the number of holes in your sink or countertop. If your new faucet requires a different number of holes than your old one, you might need extra parts (like a deck plate to cover unused holes) or even professional help to drill new ones. Taking a picture of your current setup and bringing it to the store can help ensure you buy the right replacement.
Clearing the Undersink Area for Easy Access
Whether it’s you or a plumber who crawls under that sink, a clear workspace is a happy workspace. Take everything out of the cabinet under your sink – cleaning supplies, trash cans, spare sponges. This not only gives you (or your plumber) ample room to work but also protects your belongings from any drips or splashes that might occur during the installation process. The easier it is to access the plumbing, the quicker and smoother the job will be.
At Instant Plumbing, our goal is to provide solutions, not just services. We want you to feel confident in your home, and that starts with understanding your options. Whether you decide to tackle that faucet yourself or call us for a quick, professional installation, we’re here to support you in keeping your Phoenix home running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it typically take a plumber to install a kitchen faucet?
A: For a standard kitchen faucet replacement with no unforeseen issues, a professional plumber can usually complete the installation in about one to two hours. This includes disconnecting the old faucet, installing the new one and thorough leak testing.
Q: What is the average lifespan of a kitchen faucet?
A: The average lifespan of a kitchen faucet typically ranges from 10 to 15 years, depending on the quality of the faucet, the hardness of your water, and how often it’s used. Higher-quality faucets often come with longer manufacturer warranties and can last well beyond 15 years.
Q: Can I replace a pull-down sprayer faucet with a standard one?
A: Yes, you can usually replace a pull-down sprayer faucet with a standard one, as long as the new faucet is compatible with the number of holes in your sink or countertop.
Q: Is plumber’s putty or silicone caulk better for sealing a new faucet?
A: Both plumber’s putty and silicone caulk can be used to seal a new faucet to the sink or countertop, depending on the faucet, it may come equipped with a seal and no putty or silicone needed. Plumber’s putty is easier to work with, but silicone caulk provides a stronger, more permanent, and water-tight seal. For best results, many professionals prefer silicone, especially around stone countertops.
Q: How do I know if my existing shut-off valves are working correctly?
A: Before starting any faucet work, try turning the hot and cold emergency shut-off valves under your sink all the way off (clockwise) and then back on. If they are stiff, leak when turned or don’t stop the water flow completely, they may need to be replaced by a plumber before you can proceed with the faucet installation.
