How to Remove Kitchen Faucet: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Is your kitchen faucet leaking, outdated, or just not working right? Don’t worry — learning how to remove kitchen faucet is easier than you might think! Whether you’re fixing a problem or upgrading to a new style, you only need a few basic tools and a little time. Even if you’ve never done any plumbing work before, you can handle this project like a pro. Let’s walk through it step-by-step and make the process simple and stress-free!

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you start learning how to remove kitchen faucet, it’s important to gather all the right tools. Having everything ready will save you time and make the job much easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

Adjustable wrench – to loosen nuts and bolts.
Basin wrench – perfect for reaching tight spaces behind the sink.
Bucket – to catch any water that might drip out.
Towels – to soak up spills and keep the area dry.
Plumber’s tape – handy for sealing connections if needed later.
Screwdriver – to remove mounting screws.
Flashlight – to see clearly under the sink.
Safety gloves – to protect your hands while working.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

Before you can start working on how to remove kitchen faucet, you need to make sure no water will spray everywhere. Turning off the water supply is the first and most important step.

Locate the Water Valves

Look under your kitchen sink. You should see two small valves — one for hot water and one for cold water. These are usually connected to the water supply lines.
To shut them off, simply turn each valve clockwise (to the right) until it stops. This cuts off the water flowing to your faucet.

Tip: If you can’t find the valves or if they’re stuck, you may need to shut off the main water supply for your house.

Drain Any Remaining Water

Once the valves are closed, turn on the kitchen faucet.
This will let any leftover water drain out of the lines.
Place a bucket under the sink to catch any drips from the pipes.
This will keep your workspace clean and prevent water from spilling onto your floor.

Step 2: Disconnect the Water Lines

Now that the water is off, it’s time to disconnect the water supply lines.

Use an Adjustable Wrench

Grab your adjustable wrench and gently loosen the nuts that connect the hot and cold water lines to the faucet.
Important: Always place a bucket or a towel underneath where you’re working to catch any leftover water that might drip out.

Take your time when loosening the nuts.
Be very careful not to strip the nuts, as damaged nuts can make reinstallation harder later.

Step 3: Remove the Mounting Nuts

Once the water lines are free, the next step in how to remove kitchen faucet is loosening the mounting nuts that hold the faucet to the sink.

Use a Basin Wrench for Tight Spaces

Most faucets are secured with large mounting nuts located underneath the sink.
Because space can be very tight, using a basin wrench makes the job much easier.
The long handle and pivoting head of the basin wrench help you reach and twist the nuts without hurting your hands.

Handling Rusty or Stuck Nuts

Sometimes, mounting nuts can be rusty or stuck from years of use.
If they won’t budge, spray a little penetrating oil like WD-40 around the nut and wait a few minutes.
Still stuck?
Gently tap the nut with a small hammer to help break it loose.
Be patient — rushing can cause damage.

Step 4: Lift Out the Old Faucet

After removing the mounting nuts, you’re ready to lift out the old faucet.

Carefully pull the faucet straight up from the top of the sink.
If it feels stuck, gently wiggle it back and forth while pulling.
Remove any extra brackets or washers that might still be attached underneath.

Helpful Hint: Take a quick photo of how everything is connected before you remove the faucet. It will make installing the new one much easier!

Step 5: Clean the Area

Before installing a new faucet (or leaving it open), it’s a good idea to clean up the sink area.

Use a towel or scrubbing pad to wipe away any old grime, sealant, or gunk.
Also, check carefully for any water damage, mold, or mildew around the area.
Fix any problems now to avoid bigger headaches later!

When to Replace the Deck Plate

While you’re learning how to remove kitchen faucet, it’s a good idea to check the deck plate too.
The deck plate is the flat, often decorative piece that sits between the faucet and the sink surface. It covers extra holes and helps the faucet stay stable.

You should consider replacing the deck plate if:

It looks rusty, cracked, or worn out.
It doesn’t fit the new faucet style or design.
It has mold or water damage underneath.

Common Problems You Might Face

Even when you follow all the steps for how to remove kitchen faucet, sometimes small problems pop up.
Here are some common issues and how you can handle them:

Rusty nuts: Spray penetrating oil on the nuts and give it some time to loosen them up.
Tight spaces: Use a basin wrench or other slim tools to reach tricky spots under the sink.
Leaking valves: If the shut-off valves are leaking, replace or repair them before you install a new faucet.
Broken parts: Sometimes washers or nuts can break. Keep backup parts ready just in case!

Bonus Tips for Easier Faucet Removal

Want to make the job even smoother? Here are some bonus tips to help when you’re working on how to remove kitchen faucet:

Always double-check that the water is fully turned off before starting.
Have a friend help by holding the faucet steady from above while you work underneath.
Use a flashlight to see clearly in dark, tight spaces under the sink.
Label parts (like screws, washers, and nuts) if you plan to reuse anything during your faucet installation.

FAQS

How long does it take to remove a kitchen faucet?

Short answer: It usually takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour to remove a kitchen faucet, depending on the condition of the faucet and your experience level.

Do I need to turn off the main water supply?

If you can’t find the individual water shut-off valves under the sink, you may need to turn off the main water supply to prevent any leaks while working on the faucet.

What if I can’t loosen the nuts?

If the nuts are stuck, try using penetrating oil like WD-40. Let it sit for a few minutes, then try again. If it’s still stuck, consider calling a plumber for assistance.

Can I reuse the old water lines?

Before reusing the old water lines, check them for signs of wear or leaks. If they’re in good condition, you can reuse them, but it’s always safer to replace worn parts.

How to take a kitchen faucet off?

To remove a kitchen faucet, you need to turn off the water supply, disconnect the water lines, remove the mounting nuts under the sink, and lift the faucet out once it’s loose.

Is there a special tool to remove kitchen faucet?

Yes, the basin wrench is the best tool for removing hard-to-reach mounting nuts. Its long handle helps you access tight spots under the sink where normal wrenches won’t fit.

How do you remove a faucet that won’t budge?

If the faucet won’t budge, use penetrating oil around the stuck parts and wait for a few minutes. Gently tap with a hammer, or use a basin wrench to loosen tight nuts.

How to remove a faucet handle with no visible screws?

If the faucet handle has no visible screws, it likely has a hidden set screw under a decorative cover. Use a small flathead screwdriver to pry off the cover, then unscrew the set screw to remove the handle.

How do you unscrew a stuck faucet?

To unscrew a stuck faucet, try using penetrating oil and give it some time to work. If it’s still stuck, use a basin wrench to carefully loosen any rusted or stuck nuts.

How do you remove a faucet screen that doesn’t unscrew?

If the faucet screen (aerator) won’t unscrew, try using pliers or a rubber grip pad to get a better hold. You can also soak it in vinegar to loosen any mineral buildup that’s making it hard to unscrew.