How to Replace a Leaky Sink Faucet A DIY Guide
Looking for the bigger picture? Start with our Home Repair Advice. It lays out how to decide what matters most before you dive in.
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Looking for the bigger picture? Start with our Home Repair Advice. It lays out how to decide what matters most before you dive in.
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That relentless drip… drip… drip. It’s a sound that can drive any homeowner crazy. A leaking sink faucet isn't just an assault on your sanity; it's also a major source of wasted water and a drain on your wallet. According to the EPA WaterSense program, a single faucet dripping at one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year. That's enough for more than 180 showers!
Whether your faucet is leaking, covered in rust, or simply outdated, replacing it is one of the most impactful and manageable DIY projects you can tackle. A new faucet can instantly upgrade the look of your kitchen or bathroom, and doing it yourself can save you a significant amount of money.
While calling a plumber is always an option, this is a job you can definitely handle on your own with the right tools and guidance. We’re here to walk you through it, step-by-step, just like a friendly expert on the phone. This guide covers standard deck-mounted faucets (the kind that sit on the sink or countertop). If your faucet is mounted directly to the wall, we recommend calling a professional, as it’s a more complex job.
Ready to silence that drip for good and give your sink a fresh new look? Let's get started.
Before you dive under the sink, a little preparation goes a long way. Having everything you need on hand will make the process smoother and prevent you from having to make a last-minute trip to the hardware store.

Here’s what you’ll need:
Pro Tip: Before you disconnect anything, use your phone to snap a few pictures of the plumbing configuration under your sink. This can be a lifesaver if you forget how the supply lines were connected.
First things first, we need to get that old faucet out of the way. This is often the most challenging part of the job, especially if the faucet has been there for a long time and corrosion has set in.
Congratulations, the hardest part is over!
Now for the rewarding part—installing your shiny new faucet. Always check the manufacturer's instructions included with your new faucet, but these general steps apply to most models.
Clean the Surface: Use a microfiber cloth and a mild cleaner to thoroughly clean the sink deck where the old faucet was sitting. Scrape away any old putty or grime to ensure a clean, flat surface for a perfect seal.
Installing an Escutcheon Plate (If Necessary): Are you switching from a faucet with separate handles to a single-handle model? If so, you’ll have extra holes to cover. This is where an escutcheon plate (deck plate) comes in.
Mount the New Faucet:

You're in the home stretch! It's time to connect the water and check for leaks.
You did it! You’ve successfully replaced your sink faucet.
One of the biggest benefits of tackling this project yourself is the savings. Let's break it down:
DIY Cost:
Professional Installation Cost:
By spending an hour or two on this project, you can easily save yourself a couple of hundred dollars.

Fixing a leaky faucet is a fantastic confidence-booster and a great introduction to the world of DIY home repair. By following these steps, you can solve a common household problem, save money, and give your space an instant facelift.
Feeling empowered? There's more you can do! For more easy-to-follow guides, personalized maintenance reminders, and a direct line to trusted professionals for those jobs you'd rather not handle, download the Casa app today. Casa is your partner in homeownership, making it simple to manage, maintain, and love your home.