A faucet built to outlast the sink it's mounted in, if it goes in right the first time.
Installing a kitchen faucet yourself is realistic for most people, as long as the new faucet uses the same hole configuration as the old one. It's a 1 to 2 hour job with basic hand tools: a basin wrench, an adjustable wrench, Teflon tape, and a hex key. Changing the hole count, moving to a wall-mount setup, or finding corroded shut-off valves under the sink are the situations where calling a plumber makes more sense than pushing through.
Before you start: every Insideast faucet ships with its own downloadable data sheet and installation guide, available right on the product page, with exact hole spacing, part numbers, and step-by-step diagrams for that specific model. If anything about your setup doesn't match, our customer service team responds quickly and walks through it with you, and they're used to fielding custom requests too. Odd hole spacing, a nonstandard deck thickness, a specific finish, if it's a reasonable ask, we'll work with you to make it fit.
- A like-for-like deck-mount swap takes about 1 to 2 hours with basic hand tools.
- Hole configuration matters most: single-hole, two-hole (bridge), and three-hole faucets each mount differently.
- Teflon tape on every threaded connection and a full 1-minute flush before first use prevent most early leaks.
- Every Insideast faucet has its own downloadable data sheet and install guide on its product page.
- Wall-mount installation is a different job entirely, involving the wall rather than the countertop.
Tools you'll need
That's the full list for a standard deck-mount install. No specialty tools required, which is part of why this is one of the more approachable plumbing jobs for a confident DIYer. If your model calls for anything beyond this list, it'll be noted on that product's specific installation guide.
Removing the old faucet
Start by turning off the hot and cold shut-off valves under the sink, then open the faucet to release any pressure still in the lines. Disconnect the supply lines from the shut-off valves, keeping a bucket or towel underneath since some water will still be sitting in the hoses.
From below the sink, remove the mounting nuts holding the old faucet to the deck. These are often corroded or coated in old plumber's putty, so a basin wrench earns its keep here, it's built to reach and turn nuts in tight, awkward spaces a standard wrench can't get into. Once the nuts are off, lift the old faucet out from above and scrape away any old putty or caulk residue from the deck surface before moving on.
A Manageable Job
Same steps, whoever's doing it
Whether it's a plumber or you under the sink, the sequence doesn't change: mount the body, secure it from below, connect the handles, then the supply lines. Knowing the order and having the right tools on hand is most of what separates a smooth install from a frustrating one.
Step-by-step installation
The core sequence is the same across configurations: set the faucet body through the deck hole or holes, secure it from underneath with the mounting gasket and nut, connect the handles if they're separate from the spout, then attach the supply lines. What changes between single-hole, two-hole, and three-hole faucets is how many components you're placing and how they connect to each other before the supply lines go on. This guide covers deck-mount installation, the standard for kitchen sinks; wall-mount faucets follow a different process, covered below.
Single-hole faucets
A single-hole faucet is the simplest configuration: one body containing the spout and handle passes through one hole in the deck. Set the faucet through the hole, slide the deck gasket and mounting gasket on from below, thread the flange nut onto the all-thread stud, and tighten with a basin wrench. If the handle is a separate piece, install its cap and Teflon-tape the threads before attaching the supply hoses.
Insideast single-hole faucet installation guide, from the product page data sheet.
Every Insideast single-hole faucet ships complete with mounting hardware, gaskets, and braided supply hoses.
"Love this, purchased separately from the sink (in picture) and installed in our new rooftop bar at home in Canary Islands."
Two-hole (bridge) faucets
Bridge faucets separate the two handles from the spout, connected by an exposed horizontal bridge, and mount through two deck holes rather than one. Set the faucet body through both holes, then from below install the mounting gasket and flange nut on each side, tightened evenly so the bridge sits level. Cartridges and the spout attach to the body next, followed by the handle caps.
Insideast bridge (two-hole) faucet installation guide, from the product page data sheet.
"Thank you very much for the absolutely stunning brass tap, it exceeded our expectations. The quality is superb. Your service and updates were reassuring. Could not be happier with the whole process purchasing from this company."
Three-hole faucets
Three-hole (widespread) faucets separate the spout and both handles into individual pieces, plus a fourth hole if a side sprayer is included, connected underneath the deck by flexible connector hoses rather than a rigid bridge. Hole spacing on these is typically customizable rather than fixed, so confirm the spacing on your model's data sheet before drilling anything. Insert each component through its hole, secure with mounting hardware from below, then connect the flexible connectors between handles and spout before running the main supply lines.
Insideast 3-hole widespread faucet installation guide, from the product page data sheet.
"The faucet and drain are beautiful! Seller's customer service to help was great."
Common installation mistakes
Connecting supply lines
Braided flexible supply lines connect the shut-off valves to the faucet's hot and cold inlets. Teflon-tape both ends of each connection, then hand-tighten before finishing with a wrench, being careful not to overtighten the compression fittings. Copper and brass supply lines pair naturally with a brass or copper fixture, since both materials handle soldering and temperature changes consistently over time, which is part of why Insideast fixtures are often installed alongside copper plumbing rather than standard chrome-plated lines.
Once everything is connected, turn the shut-off valves back on slowly and check every joint for drips before considering the job done. Let the water run for at least a minute to clear the lines, per the flush step on every Insideast installation guide.
Wall-mount vs deck-mount
Everything in this guide covers deck-mount installation, where the faucet passes through the countertop or sink deck, which is the standard setup for kitchen sinks. Wall-mount faucets are a different job: the faucet body attaches to the wall above the sink, and the supply lines run inside the wall rather than up through the counter, which usually means opening drywall or tile rather than working from underneath a cabinet. If you're considering a wall-mount faucet, see the full wall-mount faucet guide for styles, mounting height, and what that installation actually involves.
When to call a plumber
Call a plumber if the shut-off valves under your sink are old, corroded, or won't turn, since forcing a frozen valve can crack the supply pipe behind it. The same goes for any installation that changes your hole configuration, moves to a wall-mount setup, or turns up unexpected damage once the old faucet is off, like soft or water-damaged cabinet flooring underneath. None of that is a sign you did anything wrong; it's just outside the scope of a straightforward swap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a kitchen faucet by myself?
Yes, for a straightforward deck-mount swap where the new faucet uses the same hole configuration as the old one. It takes basic hand tools and roughly 1 to 2 hours. If you're changing hole configuration, moving to a wall-mount setup, or your shut-off valves are old and corroded, call a plumber instead.
Do I need a plumber to install a kitchen faucet?
Not for a standard like-for-like deck-mount replacement. You do need a plumber if the install involves opening a wall for a wall-mount faucet, changing the number or spacing of deck holes, or if you find corroded, frozen, or leaking shut-off valves once you're under the sink.
What are common kitchen faucet installation mistakes?
The most common ones: skipping Teflon tape on threaded connections, over-tightening the mounting nut or supply lines, forgetting the deck gasket, mismatching hole spacing to the countertop, and not flushing the lines for at least a minute before first use. Each is avoidable by following the installation guide for your specific model.
What holds a faucet in place?
A mounting nut and gasket (sometimes called a C-plate or flange nut) tightened from underneath the countertop, threaded onto the faucet's shank or all-thread stud. On multi-hole setups, each handle and the spout are secured the same way, one nut per hole.
How long does it take to install a kitchen faucet?
A like-for-like deck-mount swap typically takes 1 to 2 hours, most of it spent removing the old faucet and clearing decades of hardened putty or mineral buildup. The new install itself, once the deck is clean, usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Every Insideast kitchen faucet ships with its own downloadable data sheet and installation guide, and our team is on hand for anything specific to your setup. Browse the full kitchen faucet collection to find your configuration, or explore bridge kitchen faucets specifically.
