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How do you replace a kitchen faucet?

You can replace a kitchen faucet yourself when the shut-off valves under the sink close: Moen's guide says to always turn water supply off before removing the existing faucet, and Delta's sheet says to flush water lines for one minute after hook-up. Hire a plumber when a valve fails or pipe must be cut.

Source: Moen, One-Handle Kitchen Faucet installation guide (INS10111B), read 24 October 2026.
Source: Delta, Single Handle Kitchen Faucets instructions (66180 Rev. B), read 24 October 2026.
Source: Kohler, Wall Mount Kitchen Faucets installation guide (113700-2), read 24 October 2026.
Source: Kohler, Kitchen Sink Faucets installation guide (1002234-2), read 24 October 2026.

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By InstaBids editorial team with AI research agents. Sources read: 24 October 2026 Updated 2026-10-24

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Key facts

What tools do you need to replace a kitchen faucet?

Plan on wrenches, pliers, the sealant your faucet's sheet names, and a bucket and towel for the water left in the lines. Kohler's guide for two of its kitchen sink faucets lists an adjustable wrench, a pipe wrench, pliers, plumbers putty, thread sealant and a hacksaw or tubing cutter, and Delta's instructions for one faucet family ask for Teflon tape on all threaded connections. Moen marks the supply lines on one of its two-handle kitchen faucets as not included, so buy a pair of flexible lines with the faucet when the box has none. The lists differ between the guides quoted here, so read the sheet for your own faucet before you shop.

Source: Kohler, Kitchen Sink Faucets installation guide (1002234-2), read 24 October 2026.
Source: Delta, SBS kitchen faucet step-by-step instructions (27817 Rev. D), read 24 October 2026.
Source: Moen, Two-Handle Kitchen Faucet installation guide (INS10516), read 24 October 2026.

Kohler's installation guide for its kitchen sink faucets, read 24 October 2026, lists these tools and materials: "Adjustable Wrench", "Pipe Wrench", "Pliers", "Plumbers Putty", "Hacksaw or Tubing Cutter" and "Thread Sealant".

Source: Kohler, Kitchen Sink Faucets installation guide (1002234-2), read 24 October 2026.

Delta's step-by-step instructions for its SBS kitchen faucets, read 24 October 2026, say: "IMPORTANT: USE TEFLON® TAPE ON ALL THREADED CONNECTIONS".

Source: Delta, SBS kitchen faucet step-by-step instructions (27817 Rev. D), read 24 October 2026.

How do you shut off the water and remove the old faucet?

Close the hot and cold shut-off valves under the sink, then open the faucet to let the pressure out and prove the water is really off. Moen's one-handle guide says to always turn water supply off before removing the existing faucet or disassembling the valve, and to open the faucet handle to relieve water pressure. If a valve will not close, shut off the main water supply, a step Kohler's wall-mount guide lists before you begin. If a garbage disposal has to come off to reach the faucet, Moen's disposal guide, in its steps for removing an old disposal, says to turn off power if hardwired or unplug if cord is used. Then undo the supply-line nuts, unscrew the mounting nut and lift the old faucet out. Kohler's kitchen sink faucet guide says to carefully inspect waste and supply tubing for any sign of damage and replace if necessary.

Source: Moen, One-Handle Kitchen Faucet installation guide (INS10111B), read 24 October 2026.
Source: Kohler, Wall Mount Kitchen Faucets installation guide (113700-2), read 24 October 2026.
Source: Moen, Garbage Disposal installation guide (INS13367), read 24 October 2026.
Source: Kohler, Kitchen Sink Faucets installation guide (1002234-2), read 24 October 2026.

Moen's one-handle kitchen faucet guide, read 24 October 2026, puts this caution before any step: "Always turn water supply OFF before removing existing faucet or disassembling the valve." "Open faucet handle to relieve water pressure and ensure that complete water shut-off has been accomplished."

Source: Moen, One-Handle Kitchen Faucet installation guide (INS10111B), read 24 October 2026.

Moen's garbage disposal installation guide, read the same day, says under "STEPS FOR REMOVAL OF OLD DISPOSAL.": "Unplug the disposal or if disposal is hardwired, turn off the electrical power at the circuit breaker or fuse box."

Source: Moen, Garbage Disposal installation guide (INS13367), read 24 October 2026.

How many sink holes do you need for a faucet and sprayer?

Count the holes in your sink or counter before you buy, and match them to the faucet's own sheet. Moen's one-handle guide gives separate steps for a single hole installation and for 3 hole applications, with the handle on the right side only in the 3-hole set-up. Delta's SBS sheet covers three models: less spray for 3 hole sinks, with spray for 3 hole sinks, and with spray for 4 hole sinks. For one pulldown faucet, the guide from Moen has you attach the spray wand to the pulldown hose, finger tighten it, and let the water run for 15 seconds as the flush. Before you close the cabinet, pull the head out to full length and make sure the hose does not catch on the supply lines, the drain or a garbage disposal.

Source: Moen, One-Handle Kitchen Faucet installation guide (INS10111B), read 24 October 2026.
Source: Delta, SBS kitchen faucet step-by-step instructions (27817 Rev. D), read 24 October 2026.
Source: Moen, Single Handle Pulldown Kitchen Faucet installation guide (INS2049F), read 24 October 2026.

Delta's step-by-step instructions for its SBS kitchen faucets, read 24 October 2026, name the models by sink: "MODEL 81410-SBS: Less Spray for 3 Hole Sinks", "MODEL 81420-SBS: With Spray for 3 Hole Sinks" and "MODEL 81430-SBS: With Spray for 4 Hole Sinks".

Source: Delta, SBS kitchen faucet step-by-step instructions (27817 Rev. D), read 24 October 2026.

Moen's one-handle kitchen faucet guide, read the same day, adds: "For 3 Hole Applications: (NOTE: Install with handle on right side only)".

Source: Moen, One-Handle Kitchen Faucet installation guide (INS10111B), read 24 October 2026.

Moen's single-handle pulldown kitchen faucet guide, read the same day, says: "Hold Pulldown Hose (J) and turn on Faucet (H), allow water to run for 15 seconds."

Source: Moen, Single Handle Pulldown Kitchen Faucet installation guide (INS2049F), read 24 October 2026.

How do you connect the supply lines to the shut-off valves?

Run each flexible supply line from the faucet to its matching valve, hot to hot and cold to cold, and snug the nuts with a wrench without forcing them. Kohler's kitchen sink faucet guide says left is hot, right is cold, and Moen's one-handle guide says to attach flexible supply lines to shut off stops and tighten with an adjustable wrench until secure. Delta's single-handle sheet says to re-tighten if necessary, but do not overtighten. Illinois's plumbing code, Section 890.630, says: "All mixing faucets and single lever faucets shall have both hot or tempered and cold water connected to them with the hot or tempered water supply on the left side of the faucet." Other states' codes were not captured for this page.

Source: Kohler, Kitchen Sink Faucets installation guide (1002234-2), read 24 October 2026.
Source: Moen, One-Handle Kitchen Faucet installation guide (INS10111B), read 24 October 2026.
Source: Delta, Single Handle Kitchen Faucets instructions (66180 Rev. B), read 24 October 2026.
Source: Illinois General Assembly, 77 Ill. Adm. Code 890.630 (Illinois Plumbing Code), read 24 October 2026.

The Illinois Plumbing Code (Title 77, Part 890, Section 890.630), read 24 October 2026, also says: "The cross piping of hot or tempered and cold water to a mixing faucet by internal modification of the faucet shall not be allowed." It adds: "Each lavatory and sink faucet shall have supply pipes that are accessible."

Source: Illinois General Assembly, 77 Ill. Adm. Code 890.630 (Illinois Plumbing Code), read 24 October 2026.

How long should you flush a new faucet before using it?

Between 15 seconds and about one minute in the three makers' sheets quoted here, each with the aerator off. Moen's two-handle guide says to turn on both hot and cold handles and run water for 15 seconds, Delta's single-handle sheet says to flush water lines for one minute, and Kohler's kitchen sink faucet guide says to flush hot then cold water through the faucet for about one minute. Delta gives the reason: the flush clears debris that could cause damage to internal parts. Then look under the sink. EPA's Fix a Leak Week page says to examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe, and it puts a yearly water figure on a slow drip.

Source: Moen, Two-Handle Kitchen Faucet installation guide (INS10516), read 24 October 2026.
Source: Delta, Single Handle Kitchen Faucets instructions (66180 Rev. B), read 24 October 2026.
Source: Kohler, Kitchen Sink Faucets installation guide (1002234-2), read 24 October 2026.
Source: US EPA WaterSense, Fix a Leak Week, read 24 October 2026.

Delta's single-handle kitchen faucet instructions, read 24 October 2026, say: "Turn on hot and cold water supplies (4) and flush water lines for one minute." "This flushes away any debris that could cause damage to internal parts."

Source: Delta, Single Handle Kitchen Faucets instructions (66180 Rev. B), read 24 October 2026.

EPA's Fix a Leak Week page, read the same day, says: "A leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year."

Source: US EPA WaterSense, Fix a Leak Week, read 24 October 2026.

What flow and lead rules apply to a new kitchen faucet?

This page quotes two federal rules that touch a new kitchen faucet. The first is a flow limit for faucets manufactured after January 1, 1994: the table in 10 CFR 430.32(o) lists "Kitchen faucets 2.2 gpm (8.3 L/min)" and "Kitchen replacement aerators 2.2 gpm (8.3 L/min)", measured at a set flowing water pressure. EPA's WaterSense label does not apply here, because EPA says it does not have criteria for kitchen faucets to earn the label. The second is about lead: EPA's page says Section 1417 of the Safe Drinking Water Act establishes the definition as a weighted average calculated across the wetted surfaces of a pipe, pipe fitting, plumbing fitting, and fixture.

Source: eCFR, 10 CFR 430.32 energy and water conservation standards, read 24 October 2026.
Source: US EPA WaterSense, Bathroom Sink Faucets, read 24 October 2026.
Source: US EPA, Safe Drinking Water Act lead rule for pipes, fittings and fixtures, read 24 October 2026.

The federal rule, 10 CFR 430.32(o) in the eCFR, read 24 October 2026, says: "The maximum water use allowed for any of the following faucets manufactured after January 1, 1994, when measured at a flowing water pressure of 60 pounds per square inch (414 kilopascals), shall be as follows:" and lists "Kitchen faucets 2.2 gpm (8.3 L/min)".

Source: eCFR, 10 CFR 430.32 energy and water conservation standards, read 24 October 2026.

EPA's page on the Safe Drinking Water Act lead rule, read the same day, gives the definition: "as a weighted average of 0.25% lead calculated across the wetted surfaces of a pipe, pipe fitting, plumbing fitting, and fixture".

Source: US EPA, Safe Drinking Water Act lead rule for pipes, fittings and fixtures, read 24 October 2026.

Can you replace a faucet yourself, or should you hire a pro?

Work through the steps below in order and stop at the first one that does not go to plan. The list after the steps names the points where the job becomes pipe or wiring work, each tied to a maker's or agency's own words. This is practical reasoning, not legal advice and not a finding from any agency.

  1. Read your new faucet's guide end to end and lay out its parts; Delta's single-handle sheet says: "To READ ALL the instructions completely before beginning."

    Source: Delta, Single Handle Kitchen Faucets instructions (66180 Rev. B), read 24 October 2026.

  2. Shut the hot and cold valves and open the faucet; Moen's one-handle guide says: "Open faucet handle to relieve water pressure and ensure that complete water shut-off has been accomplished."

    Source: Moen, One-Handle Kitchen Faucet installation guide (INS10111B), read 24 October 2026.

  3. If a garbage disposal has to come off to reach the faucet, cut its power first; Moen's disposal guide, in its removal steps, says: "Turn off power if hardwired or unplug if cord is used."

    Source: Moen, Garbage Disposal installation guide (INS13367), read 24 October 2026.

  4. Disconnect the old lines, remove the mounting nut and lift the old faucet out; Kohler's kitchen sink faucet guide says to "Carefully inspect waste and supply tubing for any sign of damage and replace if necessary."

    Source: Kohler, Kitchen Sink Faucets installation guide (1002234-2), read 24 October 2026.

  5. Set the new faucet with its gasket or deck plate; Delta's single-handle sheet says: "Option: If mounting surface is uneven, use silicone sealant under faucet in place of gasket." and "Tighten mounting nut securely."

    Source: Delta, Single Handle Kitchen Faucets instructions (66180 Rev. B), read 24 October 2026.

  6. Connect the lines, hot on the left; Kohler's kitchen sink faucet guide says: "Connect the supply hoses to the supply stops. Left is hot, right is cold."

    Source: Kohler, Kitchen Sink Faucets installation guide (1002234-2), read 24 October 2026.

  7. Tape threads only where your sheet asks; Delta's SBS sheet says "IMPORTANT: USE TEFLON® TAPE ON ALL THREADED CONNECTIONS".

    Source: Delta, SBS kitchen faucet step-by-step instructions (27817 Rev. D), read 24 October 2026.

  8. Take the aerator off and flush; Kohler's kitchen sink faucet guide says to "Flush hot then cold water through the faucet for about one minute." and Moen's two-handle guide says: "Turn on both hot and cold handles and run water for 15 seconds."

    Source: Kohler, Kitchen Sink Faucets installation guide (1002234-2), read 24 October 2026.
    Source: Moen, Two-Handle Kitchen Faucet installation guide (INS10516), read 24 October 2026.

  9. Refit the aerator and look at every joint; EPA's Fix a Leak Week page says to "Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks."

    Source: US EPA WaterSense, Fix a Leak Week, read 24 October 2026.

Hire a pro when:

What to ask for in writing if you hire:

What should you have ready before you start?

Use this list before you shut the water off.

  1. The new faucet's own installation sheet; Delta's single-handle sheet begins: "To READ ALL the instructions completely before beginning."

    Source: Delta, Single Handle Kitchen Faucets instructions (66180 Rev. B), read 24 October 2026.

  2. A count of the holes in your sink, matched to the faucet: Delta's SBS sheet, for one, lists a model "With Spray for 4 Hole Sinks".

    Source: Delta, SBS kitchen faucet step-by-step instructions (27817 Rev. D), read 24 October 2026.

  3. Flexible supply lines if the box has none; Moen's two-handle guide says: "Connect Supply Lines (H)* (not included) to Faucet Body (B)."

    Source: Moen, Two-Handle Kitchen Faucet installation guide (INS10516), read 24 October 2026.

  4. Valves under the sink that close fully; Moen's one-handle guide says: "Open faucet handle to relieve water pressure and ensure that complete water shut-off has been accomplished."

    Source: Moen, One-Handle Kitchen Faucet installation guide (INS10111B), read 24 October 2026.

  5. An adjustable wrench, pliers and the sealant your sheet names, such as "Plumbers Putty" or "Thread Sealant" on Kohler's list.

    Source: Kohler, Kitchen Sink Faucets installation guide (1002234-2), read 24 October 2026.

  6. A bucket, a towel and a light for the cabinet.
  7. The flush time from your own sheet; Delta's single-handle sheet, for one, says: "Turn on hot and cold water supplies (4) and flush water lines for one minute."

    Source: Delta, Single Handle Kitchen Faucets instructions (66180 Rev. B), read 24 October 2026.

Who sees your contact details when you post on InstaBids?

Contact details stay hidden until the homeowner picks a contractor and they confirm the connection.

Source: InstaBids process and privacy, live-page excerpts, read 24 October 2026.

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