If you’re looking to install a kitchen faucet, you might be tempted to call a plumber. But, here at Homedit, we know that installing a new touchless kitchen faucet is a fully DIY-able project. So we decided to put together this guide, complete with step-by-step kitchen faucet installation instructions and our best touchless kitchen faucet recommendations.

How to Install a Kitchen Faucet

Installing a kitchen faucet isn’t going to be as hard as you might think, but you are going to need to do a little bit of preparation. If you haven’t already picked up a faucet, jump down a section, and review some of the best options on the market.

After that, you’ll need to acquire a few tools you can find at any hardware store. These include:

Basin wrench or Faucet Installation toolPhilips head screwdriverAdjustable wrenchTeflon tapeTowel

If you ask for help at any hardware store or search online, you’ll be directed to these tools with ease. Having acquired your tools and faucet, you’re ready to go.

Step 1: Turn Off Your Hot and Cold Water Valves

You hot and cold water valves will be under your sink coming from the wall below your faucet. Turn them clockwise until tight.

Step 2: Disconnect Water Lines From Water Valves

Before you disconnect your lines, place a towel under the valves to catch any water that was left in your lines. Grab the valve with one hand to stabilize it and prevent damage to the valve, wall, and water lines. Use your adjustable wrench to unscrew the hex nut connecting the water lines to the water valves by turning the wrench counter-clockwise.

Step 3: Remove Mounting Hardware

Next, you’ll remove the mounting hardware for each component (faucet and handle/s). Under your sink, directly beneath each component, you’ll find a large nut that screws onto the component holding it to your sink and counter. Sometimes, these nuts will also have Philips head screws that hold the nut at an adjustable height. Use your basin wrench or faucet installation tool to loosen if you can’t reach the mounting assembly.

You’ll have 1-4 mounting nuts to remove–one for the faucet and handle or three for the faucet, hot handle, and cold handle. The remaining hole would be for the sprayer if your sink has one.

Step 3: Lift the Components

With the mounting nuts removed, you should be able to lift the components out of your sink. You may have to rock them a bit to break any caulk seal.

Step 4: Fit New Faucet Parts Together

Assemble your faucet according to the included manufacturer instructions. A common configuration is a spout base that slides over the water lines, all of which connect to the spout itself.

Step 5: Drop in New Faucet (and Handles)

Drop your component(s) into the hole or holes with cold on left and hot on right. Put the lines through first and then set the spout base on the hole.

Step 6: Screw on Mounting Nuts

Slide the mounting nut(s) over the lines and up to the mounting assembly’s threads. Screw the assembly on. If you have screws holding the mounting screw at a specific height, adjust the screws to the desired height.

Step 7: Connect the Water Lines to Faucet

If your faucet does not include water lines, detach your previous water lines from your old faucet. If your faucet comes with water lines attached, skip to step 8.

If attaching lines, wrap the new faucet’s intake tubes’ threads in Teflon tape to form a watertight seal. Now, screw the faucet-side hex nut of your old water lines into the new faucet’s intake lines. Use your adjustable wrench to tighten the connection.

Step 8: Connect the Water Lines to Your Hot and Cold Valves

Connect your water lines to the hot and cold water valves. Before you do so, wrap the valve’s threads with Teflon tape to ensure a watertight fit. Then, screw the hex nut at the end of your water line to the valve clockwise with your hand. Tighten with your adjustable wrench, holding the valve to prevent damage.

Step 9: Turn the Valves Back On

Turn both the hot and cold water lines counterclockwise to open them.

Congratulations, you’ve installed your kitchen faucet!

Best Touchless Kitchen Faucets

Touchless kitchen faucets have become an unexpected necessity in the era of coronavirus. There are tons of options out there, and not all of them are of the quality you’ll want for a main kitchen sink faucet.

So, Homedit has put together a list of the five best touchless kitchen sink faucets to help you decide. Each of these touchless kitchen faucets will perform well and stand the test of time as your main kitchen faucet.

1. Nio Smart Touchless Single Handle Kitchen Faucet

This Moen comes with a whole host of bells and whistles including one that takes convenience to a whole new level: voice control. You can, of course, motion sensor control this Nio Smart, but it also has options for controlling it via a smartphone app that really extends this faucet’s functionality. Link it to your voice assistant and it can do the work for you: Just ask it to tell Moen to dispense one cup of hot water and it’s done! Or, just go basic and use the manual lever on the faucet.

Added technology also gives you precise control with this model: Dispense a custom amount of water — from one tablespoon to 15 gallons — at a specific temperature of up to 120 degrees whenever you need. This smart faucet also has customizable presets for exact measurements and exact temperatures that you frequently use. Happy reviewers say this is a great faucet and looks beautiful. Moen covers the Nio Smart touchless single-handle kitchen faucet with a limited lifetime warranty.

2. Ladylux Pull-Out Touch Bar Faucet

This sleek, simple, elegant look of the Ladylux Smartcontrol Pull-Out Touch Bar Faucet from Grohe will fit in with virtually any kitchen style. Using it is easy thanks to an exclusive SmartControl button at the end of the spout that pulls out — turn it on or off with just a touch! The pull-out sprayer features a magnetic dock and the swivel spout adds a lot of convenience.

The faucet has been newly redesigned to highlight the tapered base that has no levers or handles to disturb the clean lines. Besides the SmartControl button that starts and stops the flow of water with a touch, it can control the flow when turned. A dial at the base of the faucet lets you regulate the temperature as needed. Grohe covers this faucet with a limited lifetime warranty and reviewers rave about how gorgeous and easy to install this faucet is.

3. Delta Touchless Kitchen Faucet

The Delta Leland single-handle kitchen faucet is an outstanding option in the world of sanitary kitchen sink options. Just a touch of a hand, wrist or arm anywhere on the spout will turn the water on or off. Or, di it the old-fashioned way using the lever handle. This faucet also has a TempSense LED indicator light, which visually lets you know how hot the temperature of the water is.

The pull-down sprayer on this delta faucet features MagnaTite Docking, which uses a strong magnet to hold it in place. And speaking of the sprayer, its ShieldSpray Technology puts out a powerful stream of water in a way that contains the splatter yet is able to handle any kitchen mess. Last but not least, the faucet’s patented DIAMOND Seal Technology reduces leak points, meaning you’ll be leak-free for the life of the faucet. Buyers say it is easy to install and Delta covers the faucet as well as the finish with a lifetime limited warranty.

4. KOHLER Touchless Kitchen Faucet Vibrant Stainless

Clean lines and an understated silhouette create a versatile look and this Kohler touchless kitchen faucet has both. Even though this elegant faucet is minimalist in its design, it’s packed with features to make working in the kitchen easier and more sanitary. The touchless operation is very responsive with the state-of-the-art sensor that responds in 20 milliseconds. A pull-down spray head not only has magnetic docking for security, but it also has ProMotion Technology, which means that the spray head connects to the homes with a swivel joint making operation effortless.

More than just looking good, the finish on this Kohler faucet resists corrosion and wear and the valves inside are made from a durable ceramic. Best of all, there’s an automatic shut-off in case you forget to turn it off. Happy buyers love that the motion function on this faucet runs on AC power and does not require batteries and they say it works great. A smart version of this faucet is also available from Kohler.

5. KOHLER Touchless Kitchen Faucet Black

Black is timeless and so is this matte black Kohler Simplice touchless kitchen faucet. It’s a streamlined look that packs a lot of functionality. First, it has the touchless technology that is more convenient and sanitary. Next, it has a spray head that features three different functions: a stream spray for general usage, a stream spray that creates a wide, forceful blade of water and a boost spray that increases the flow rate by 30 percent.

The pull-down head stays secure with DockNetik magnet technology and it attaches to the hose with a ball joint that makes using it effortless. If this black finish isn’t for you, it also comes in polished chrome and vibrant stainless options. Buyers love the Kohler reputation and the easy operation of this faucet. They say it looks great and that the ceramic valve is “smooth as butter.”

Wrapping Up

You can’t go wrong with any of our five best touchless kitchen faucets. Now that you’ve got the know-how and the recommendations to DIY your touchless kitchen faucet installation, it’s time to get to work. Good luck and always wear proper protection such as safety goggles and gloves when performing home repairs.