DIY faucet installation can be a great way to save money. Swapping in a new faucet can be simple in some cases. It can also get complex pretty quickly if an unknown obstacle pops up.
The truth is that you don’t technically need a plumber to install a new faucet if you have basic tools and plumbing access. However, things like tight spaces, old connections, or improper installation can lead to leaks, water damage, and costly repairs. A simple DIY turns into a big repair job instead of the quick installation you were dreaming about.
Let’s cover what faucet installation really looks like for most homeowners.
Quick Takeaways
Most homeowners can semi-easily install a faucet if the setup is simple and accessible.- DIY faucet installs take about one to two hours with the right tools.
- Old or corroded plumbing can make installation much harder and riskier.
- Improper installation leads to leaks, low pressure, or water damage that can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home.
- Professional installation means proper sealing and long-term reliability.
- When in doubt, calling a plumber ensures your faucet is on correctly and prevents costly mistakes.
When You Can Install a Faucet Yourself
Does your home have new plumbing with standard connections? DIY faucet installation is probably going to be fairly simple and uneventful. It’s also important to have easy access under the sink.
Facet installation is easiest when you’re replacing a similar faucet type. A faucet swap is also pretty doable as long as there’s no visible corrosion or damage. Those issues would need to be taken care of before adding a new faucet.
Finally, you need to be prepared to bring your patience and some basic tools. The list of things you’ll need to have on hand includes a wrench, pliers, flashlight or work light, plumber’s tape, and plumber’s putty.
When You Should Not Install a Faucet Yourself
In some cases, DIY faucet installation isn’t worth the leak risk. Here are some danger signs that mean it’s time to call a plumber instead:
- You see visible leaking or water damage around the sink.
- Your faucet’s access points are in tight or hard-to-reach places.
- You can see rusted or damaged supply lights.
- You’re worried that old, corroded shutoff valves could fail.
- Your faucet has a customized or complex setup you don’t quite understand.
Seeing a red flag doesn’t mean DIY faucet installation can’t still be on the table. However, you will need to address the underlying problem that’s compromising the stability of your sink first.
What Can Go Wrong During a DIY Faucet Installation
Once you start wiggling around under your faucet, some big problems can pop up pretty quickly. The truth is that a major problem may have been hidden just under the surface for years.
In addition to issues with your sink or plumbing, there’s also a risk for user error that can leave you with a wet, expensive problem. The core problems to watch out for with DIY faucet installation are:
Leaks from loose or misaligned connections: If your new faucet has a different design or dimensions from your previous faucet, you may not get a perfect connection when you install it. You may also simply not properly align the faucet to your sink or the connected plumbing fixtures. This creates tiny pathways for water to escape.- Damaged supply lines or fittings: Common mistakes like overtightening connections, reusing hardened gaskets, or keeping damaged seals can prevent you from creating the right seal. You could also be dealing with issues stemming from years of high water pressure or corrosion that you never detected with your previous faucet. Damaged lines or fittings put your home at risk for quick, high-volume water leaks.
- Improper sealing at the sink base: This is often an installation mistake caused by worn rings or loose mounting hardware.
- Cross-threaded connections: Unfortunately, you may not realize that threads are misaligned when you’re tightening everything with a DIY faucet installation. If you press forward after feeling resistance, there’s a chance you’ll damage the nuts needed to bolt your faucet in place.
- Water pressure issues after installation: The new faucet’s design can cause sediment from your home’s pipes to get caught in the aerator and create a difference in water pressure.
Basic Steps to Install a Faucet
If you feel that the conditions are right for a DIY faucet installation, the next step is picking out your faucet. Your faucet’s manufacturer’s instructions for installation should serve as your guide. You can get an idea of what the process is like below.
Turn Off Water Supply
Shut off the water valves that serve the sink you’re updating. Do a test to confirm that no water is coming from the faucet.
Remove the Old Faucet
To detach your existing sink, disconnect the supply lines that are located in the cabinetry below your sink. You can then loosen or unscrew mounting hardware until you’re able to pull the faucet off clean.
Install the New Faucet
Position your new faucet in the space left by the old faucet. If the dimensions are different, confirm that the new faucet appears even and centered in the spot. If you’re happy with the way it looks, secure it using mounting hardware and tools. Finish by applying proper sealing all around the faucet to create a watertight barrier.
Connect Water Lines and Test
Finally, connect the sink to the water lines. Manually tighten the connections. When you’re confident the water lines are connected as tightly and securely as possible, you can then turn the water supply back on.
Allow the water to run to check for leaks. You should have the cabinet beneath the sink opened to monitor for leaks. Have someone waiting by the spot where you control the supply ready to shut off the valve quickly if needed.
Professional vs DIY Faucet Installation
DIY faucet installation isn’t a job that takes all day. However, you may need to spend one to three hours on disconnecting your faucet, installing your new one, and testing. For many homeowners, the trip to the hardware store to pick up tools and supplies can be the most time-consuming part.
DIY faucet installation can be intimidating for a homeowner. While most installations go off without a hitch, there’s a chance that a mistake could cause a major leak. With plumbers, you’re getting professional expertise with the ability to anticipate problems. Plus, plumbers are licensed and insured to make sure that you’re protected in the event that anything does go wrong.
Most homeowners choose professional faucet installation because the cost makes the choice simple for them. The cost to have a licensed plumber install your new faucet is typically a few hundred dollars.
Yes, that can seem like a lot compared to the “free” cost of DIY. However, an unexpected leak can cause water damage and mold that cost thousands of dollars to remediate.
There’s also the peace of mind of having a faucet you’re sure was properly installed. You won’t hold your breath every time you turn on the faucet because you’re afraid of leaks happening under your cabinet.
How to Make Sure Your Faucet Installation Lasts
Following the manufacturer’s instructions on the faucet your purchase is important. In addition, these tips will help to ensure your installation goes right:
- Use proper sealing materials like silicone to create a watertight seal between the faucet and sink.
- Avoid overtightening or pushing past the point where you feel resistance.
- Check connections after installation to look for gaps or misalignments that will cause leaks.
- Maintain aerators and valves to look for things like corrosion or sediment debris that can cause serious problems over time.
- Address small leaks immediately with help from a plumber.
FAQ: Faucet Installation Questions
Is installing a faucet hard for beginners?
While it requires patience and attention to detail, installing most common faucets when your home has standard plumbing connections is doable for motivated homeowners.
How long does it take to install a faucet?
Set aside at least one to two hours.
Do I need a plumber to install a faucet?
It’s not always necessary to use a plumber to install a faucet. However, you could be better off hiring a pro if your faucet and sink are hard to reach or complicated. You should also consider a plumber if you see things like leaking, rusting, or other issues that could make this project more complicated.
What tools do I need to install a faucet?
The basic tools needed for mounting and connecting a new faucet include a plumber’s wrench, adjustable pliers, screwdrivers of various sizes, plumber’s tape, sealant, and lighting. You may need a tube cutter if your supply lines are stubborn. Finally, make sure you have buckets and towels for catching water that falls from your supply lines.
What happens if I install a faucet incorrectly?
Leaks or high-volume water gushes could cause water damage and mold.
Get Your Faucet Installed the Right Way in Birmingham, AL
Don’t let tight spaces, old fittings, or loose connections catch you by surprise. One tiny DIY mistake can lead to big leaks, water damage, and repeat repairs.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing handles faucet installation for homeowners across Birmingham, AL and surrounding areas seeking peace of mind. Skip the hassle and get it right the first time! Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to schedule your faucet installation today. We’re the punctual plumbers that obsess over every seal and connection!