How To Install Blanco Ikon Sink

Installing a new faucet in your kitchen makes a great DIY project for your home and is not as hard as you might think. Since the steps for installing a faucet may vary depending on your model, be sure to follow the instructions that came with it.

Replacing a kitchen faucet is a three-step process that involves:
(1) Removing the old faucet, (2) Cleaning the sink, (3) Installing the new faucet.

Tools and Materials

Tools Needed

Utility knife
Two adjustable wrenches
Pliers or basin wrench
Putty knife
protective eyewear or goggles
Flashlight or work light

Materials Needed

Kitchen faucet
Hot and cold supply lines
Plumber's putty (optional)
Baking soda or cleanser
Old toothbrush or scrub brush
Towels, sponge, and bucket

How to Remove a Faucet

Step #1: Clean out the cabinet under the sink to allow room to work.

Step #2: Turn off the water supply to the faucet at the cut-off valves under the sink, then turn on the faucet to see if water has stopped flowing. If the water lines under the sink do not have cut-off valves, turn the water off for the entire house at the water meter or where the main water line enters the house in the basement.

Cut-off valves under sink. Hold down nuts and supply lines.

Step #3: Undo the water supply lines to the faucet by turning the nut counter-clockwise. Use two wrenches, one to keep the cut-off valve from twisting and the other to turn the nut that secures the supply line.

Step #4: Unscrew the hold down nuts under the countertop that secure the faucet in place using adjustable pliers or a special basin wrench.

Removing old faucet.

Step #5: Gently wiggle the faucet back and forth to loosen it.

Step #6: Remove the old faucet by pulling the water supply lines up through the holes in the sink.

Step #7: Scrap off any old putty from the sink with a putty knife, being careful not to scratch the sink.

Step #8: Clean the surface of the sink under and around the faucet holes using baking soda and an old toothbrush.

How to Install a Faucet

Step #1: If the base of your new faucet doesn't include a rubber gasket to seal it to the sink, apply plumber's putty to the sink under the faucet.

New faucet base attached to sink.

Step #2: Install the faucet cover plate (if required) on the sink, making sure to center it on the sink. Tighten up the hold down nuts under the sink with pliers or a basin wrench. Do not over tighten plastic nuts.

Step #3: Mount the faucet on your sink, and tighten the hold down nuts using pliers or a basin wrench, being careful not to over tighten plastic nuts.

Hold down nuts and supply lines attached under sink to new faucet.

Step #4: Attach hot and cold flexible water supply lines to the cut-off valves and faucet using two adjustable wrenches. Make sure the hot and cold supply lines are attached to the correct faucet lines.

Sprayer hose counterweight.

Step #5: For faucets with a pullout sprayer, attach the counterweight to the flexible sprayer hose.

Step #6: Unscrew the aerator from the end of the faucet and set it aside.

Step #7: Turn on the hot and cold water at the cut-off valves and check under the sink for leaks. Use the wrenches to tighten up the fittings until any leaks stops.

Step #8: Turn on the faucet, and let the water run for a few minutes to clean any debris out of the lines.

Step #9: Turn off the faucet, screw on the aerator and you're done!

Further Information:

Watch our video on How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet to find out more.

Scott Gray is currently a handyman enthusiast who enjoys providing tips to consumers and homeowners. For more information about do-it-yourself home improvements and tips for choosing the best cordless drills, be sure to visit his website at everydayhandyman.com.