Install Kitchen Plumbing Fixtures
Your kitchen faucet is touched dozens of times daily - it's worth investing in quality. Along with the garbage disposal and accessories, these fixtures complete your sink area. Here's how to choose well and install properly for years of reliable performance.
Quick Summary
2-4 hours
$200-$1,500
Easy-Medium
Basin wrench
Quality Fixture Recommendations
Top Faucet Brands
Invest $200-400 in your faucet - it's used constantly and cheap faucets fail quickly. Delta, Moen, and Kohler all offer lifetime warranties. Look for ceramic disc valves (drip-free) and pull-down sprayers for versatility.
Delta
Diamond Seal, Touch2O
Moen
Spot Resist, MotionSense
Kohler
Reliable, great design
Garbage Disposal
Get at least 1/2 HP for basic use, 3/4 HP for families. Higher HP means quieter operation and better grinding. InSinkErator and Moen dominate the market for good reason - reliable motors and excellent warranties.
Sink Accessories
Consider these useful additions: soap dispenser (cleaner look than bottle on counter), instant hot water dispenser (convenient for tea/cooking), and filtered water dispenser (if you drink tap water). Match finish to your faucet.
Before You Start
Pre-Installation Checklist
Tools and Materials
Essential Tools
- • Basin wrench (essential for faucet nuts)
- • Adjustable wrench
- • Channel-lock pliers
- • Screwdriver set
- • Flashlight or headlamp
- • Bucket and towels
Materials
- • Faucet and accessories
- • Braided stainless supply lines (new)
- • Plumber's putty or silicone
- • Teflon tape
- • Garbage disposal and mounting kit
- • P-trap kit if replacing
Faucet Installation
Turn Off Water Supply
Locate shut-off valves under the sink (usually on the wall or floor). Turn clockwise to close. Open the faucet to release pressure and drain remaining water. Place bucket under connections.
No shut-off valves? Turn off water at the main. This is a good time to add shut-off valves - they're essential for future maintenance.
Remove Old Faucet (if applicable)
Disconnect supply lines from faucet. Use basin wrench to remove mounting nuts from underneath. Lift faucet out from above. Clean the countertop surface thoroughly to remove old putty or debris.
Prepare and Install New Faucet
If your faucet doesn't include a gasket, apply plumber's putty around base. Feed supply lines through countertop hole(s). From below, install mounting hardware and tighten securely. Center faucet and check alignment before final tightening.
Pro Tip: Connect supply lines to faucet before installing (when possible) - it's much easier than reaching into tight spaces afterward.
Connect Supply Lines
Attach braided stainless steel supply lines to faucet connections (if not pre-attached) and to shut-off valves. Hand-tighten plus 1/4 turn with wrench. Don't overtighten - compression fittings seal easily and overtightening damages them.
Important: Always use NEW supply lines. Old lines can fail without warning, causing major water damage. Braided stainless is standard.
Garbage Disposal Installation
Install Sink Flange
Apply plumber's putty around sink drain opening. Insert flange from above and press firmly. From below, install mounting ring, snap ring, and fiber gasket. Tighten mounting screws evenly until snug. Clean excess putty from above.
Wire the Disposal (if not plug-in)
If hardwiring: turn off circuit, remove cover plate on disposal bottom, connect wires (black to black, white to white, green to ground), secure strain relief. If plug-in: simply plug into switched outlet under sink.
Note: Disposal should be on a dedicated circuit or shared only with dishwasher. Most are 15-amp circuits. Check local codes.
Mount Disposal Unit
Support disposal with one hand (they're heavy!). Align mounting tabs with mounting ring. Rotate until it locks in place with audible click. Use disposal wrench to tighten if needed.
Connect Drain and Dishwasher
Attach discharge tube to disposal outlet. Connect to P-trap. If dishwasher drains to disposal, knock out the plug inside dishwasher inlet (use screwdriver and retrieve plug from inside disposal). Attach dishwasher drain hose.
Critical: If you have a dishwasher, you MUST remove the knockout plug. Forgetting this is a common mistake that causes water backup.
Testing for Leaks
Final Testing Checklist
- 1.Turn on water supply slowly - watch valves for leaks
- 2.Run faucet and check under sink for leaks at all connections
- 3.Test hot and cold separately, then together
- 4.Test sprayer function and check hose connections
- 5.Run disposal with water flowing - check drain connections
- 6.Run dishwasher through cycle, check for leaks during and after
- 7.Check again after 24 hours - slow leaks may take time to appear
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overtightening connections
Compression fittings and supply lines seal with minimal torque. Overtightening damages threads and can crack fittings, causing leaks.
Reusing old supply lines
Old supply lines can fail without warning, causing catastrophic water damage. Always use new braided stainless lines - they're cheap insurance.
Forgetting the dishwasher knockout
If dishwasher drains to disposal, you must remove the knockout plug inside the disposal's dishwasher inlet. Retrieve the plug from inside the disposal.
Not testing thoroughly
Run water for several minutes and check every connection. A slow drip can cause major damage over time. Check again after 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best kitchen faucet brand?
Delta, Moen, and Kohler consistently top rankings and offer lifetime warranties. Delta's Diamond Seal technology and Moen's Spot Resist finish are popular features. Brizo and Grohe are excellent high-end options. Budget Pfister performs well for the price.
How long does it take to install a kitchen faucet?
A straightforward replacement takes 30-60 minutes. First-timers should allow 1-2 hours. Complications like corroded connections or tight spaces add time. Installing faucet, disposal, and accessories together takes 2-4 hours.
Do I need a plumber to install a kitchen faucet?
Most faucet installations are DIY-friendly. You may want a plumber if shut-off valves need replacement, there's no access, or you're modifying countertop holes. Disposal installation may require an electrician if not already wired.
What size garbage disposal do I need?
1/2 HP for basic use, 3/4 HP for families of 3-6 or frequent cooking, 1 HP for large families or heavy use. Higher HP means quieter operation. Avoid 1/3 HP - they jam easily. InSinkErator and Moen are top brands.