Top 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Installing a Kitchen Faucet

Installing a kitchen faucet might seem straightforward—but even small oversights during the process can lead to long-term issues like leaks, poor water flow, and damage to your countertop or cabinetry. Whether you’re updating your existing fixture or setting up a stunning unlacquered brass kitchen faucet, avoiding these common mistakes ensures your faucet looks and functions perfectly from day one.

In this guide, we’ll highlight the top 7 kitchen faucet installation mistakes to avoid, especially for homeowners installing premium designs like bridge faucets or solid brass models. Knowing these in advance can save you time, money, and frustration.

What to Know Before Installing a Kitchen Faucet

Installing a faucet isn’t just about tightening a few bolts — it’s about understanding how your specific space, plumbing, and fixture type work together. Taking time to prepare before installation reduces the risk of costly errors, especially when dealing with high-end pieces like unlacquered brass kitchen faucets or bridge models that require precision.

Here’s what to check before you begin:

• Water Shutoff Valves: Ensure you can fully close both hot and cold water supply lines under the sink. If they’re stuck or leaking, replace them before starting.

• Sink Hole Spacing: Measure center-to-center distances between existing holes to match your faucet (this is critical for bridge faucets).

• Countertop Clearance: Make sure the faucet’s spout height and handle arc don’t interfere with windows, backsplashes, or upper cabinets.

• Tools & Supplies Checklist:
  • Adjustable wrench

  • Plumber’s tape

  • Silicone sealant (if specified by manufacturer)

  • Level

  • Flashlight or headlamp

  • Bucket and towel for spills

If you’re unsure whether your faucet choice suits your setup, our article on How to Install a Bridge Kitchen Faucet offers installation visuals and compatibility tips.

1. Choosing the Wrong Faucet for Your Sink Configuration

Before installation, always confirm that your new faucet matches your sink’s hole configuration. Many sinks come pre-drilled with 1, 2, 3, or even 4 holes—and not all faucets are designed to accommodate them.

• Deck-mounted faucets often require a specific number of holes

• Bridge faucets, for example, usually require 2 or 3-hole configurations

If you’re upgrading to a vintage or traditional style, explore our Best Bridge Faucets to find models that match your setup.

2. Skipping Measurements Before Purchase

A common mistake is buying a faucet that doesn’t fit your space. Measure:

• Clearance behind the sink (especially if there’s a backsplash)

• Spout height and reach to ensure proper function and no splashing

• Cabinet depth under the sink if you’re adding filtration or accessories

This is especially important with brass kitchen faucets, which often feature higher arcs or wider bases that make a statement—but require proper spacing.

3. Over-Tightening Connections

It’s tempting to crank every connection as tight as possible to “prevent leaks,” but this can:

• Crack fittings or washers

• Strip threads

• Warp or damage brass components

Always follow torque specifications and use thread seal tape (plumber’s tape) where needed—especially on compression fittings. If you’re installing a bridge faucet, refer to our detailed installation guide for proper tightening techniques.

4. Forgetting to Flush the Supply Lines

New installations often carry debris—like metal shavings or sediment—from old plumbing or recent renovations. Skipping this step may clog aerators or damage your new faucet.

What to do:

• Remove the aerator before turning the water back on

• Flush both hot and cold supply lines for 30–60 seconds

• Reattach the aerator after checking for clean, consistent flow

This is a simple but critical step in protecting high-quality finishes like those found in unlacquered brass faucets.

5. Not Leveling the Faucet During Installation

If the faucet body or handles are even slightly off level, it can lead to:

• Poor aesthetics

• Uneven water flow

• Misaligned handles that wear out faster

Use a level tool to align the faucet precisely—especially with bridge models, where both handles and spout are mounted independently and must match in height and distance.

6. Ignoring Sealant Guidelines

Many faucets come with built-in rubber gaskets, and in most cases, these are enough to create a watertight seal. However, some homeowners still add excess silicone or plumber’s putty, which can:

• Interfere with alignment

• Harden and crack over time

• Cause visible mess around the base

Pro Tip: Only use sealant where the manufacturer recommends—and never under the escutcheon or handle bases unless instructed. Clean lines matter, especially with exposed brass or vintage-style fixtures.

7. Forgetting to Clean and Protect the Finish After Installation

After a hands-on install, your faucet may have fingerprints, debris, or adhesive residue that can dull or discolor the finish over time—especially for raw or unlacquered brass fixtures.

To preserve your faucet’s beauty:

• Wipe the faucet with a soft microfiber cloth

• Use a gentle brass cleaner or a mix of lemon juice and baking soda

• Avoid abrasive pads or commercial polish with ammonia

For detailed care techniques, check our tested guide on how to clean brass with household products and keep your new fixture glowing from day one.

What to Do If You’ve Already Made an Installation Error

Mistakes happen — even experienced DIYers run into issues. The key is to catch them early and correct them before damage spreads. Here’s how to respond if you suspect you’ve made one of the kitchen faucet installation mistakes outlined above.

1. Faucet Isn’t Level or Looks Off-Center

• Loosen the mounting hardware

• Adjust with a level

• Re-tighten in small increments while checking alignment

2. Water Flow Is Weak or Uneven

• Remove the aerator and check for debris

• Flush supply lines again

• Inspect for kinks in the supply hoses under the sink

3. Minor Leaks Around the Base

• Turn off water

• Remove and re-seat the faucet using the correct sealant or gasket

• Wipe any old putty or residue clean before reinstalling

4. Finish Was Scratched During Install

If you’ve scuffed or dulled a brass faucet, don’t panic. Brass is highly forgiving and can often be restored:

• Use a brass-safe polish or create a baking soda + lemon juice paste

• Apply gently with a soft cloth

• Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse and buff dry

You can find more restorative methods in our guide: How to Clean Brass with Household Products.

Conclusion

Avoiding these kitchen faucet installation mistakes will save you from common headaches and protect your investment in both time and money. From measuring correctly to preserving the finish, a little preparation goes a long way—especially when installing handcrafted or high-end designs like unlacquered brass kitchen faucets.

Looking for the perfect statement faucet? Explore our full Insideast collection for premium kitchen fixtures designed for beauty, longevity, and expert-level performance.