Replacing a Faucet: What to Do Before I Arrive

A faucet swap usually takes under an hour — unless the shutoff valves are seized or the supply lines are the wrong length. Here's how to set things up.

Most kitchen and bathroom faucets are a 45-minute install. The job stretches to half a day when the angle stops under the sink don't shut off, or when the new faucet's supply lines are too short.

Before any plumbing visit, test the shutoff valves. Turn them clockwise — they should stop the water completely. If they drip or won't budge, mention it when you book so I can bring replacement valves and plan for a main shutoff.

Clear out everything under the sink. Even an extra five minutes of digging through cleaning supplies adds up, and pinched fingers in a tight cabinet aren't fun.

If you've already bought the faucet, check the box for supply lines. Cheaper faucets often ship with 16" lines, but most sinks need 20" or 24". A trip to the store mid-job is the most common reason a quick swap turns into a long one.