Corroded, dripping at the base, a crust of hard water buildup around the handle. Every time people come over you explain it. A faucet swap looks scary because of the cramped cabinet underneath. It's uncomfortable work, not complicated work.
Last updated: October 2026 · By Gen X Still Standing
A leaky, corroded, or just plain ugly sink faucet is a homeowner job in most cases, not a plumber-required job. The new faucet costs $60-$250. A lot of service calls cost $100 to $150 just for the guy to show up.
The hard part is the cramped cabinet and the awkward angles. It's not complicated work. It's uncomfortable work. Those are different problems, and only one of them requires a professional.
The most common miss is buying a faucet whose hole spacing doesn't match your sink. Match the new faucet to your sink's hole configuration before you take anything apart.
The full step-by-step is in the Fire the Guy playbook. Grab the free list below to get started.
Turn off the hot and cold valves under the sink before you start. The main hazard is a slip-joint leak if a connection isn't seated correctly. That's why you check every joint before you walk away. No permit is typically required for a like-for-like faucet swap.
If the shutoff valves under the sink are corroded and won't turn, or won't fully stop the water, that's a valve replacement. Call a plumber rather than working on a supply line you can't isolate.
I learned the trades hands-on and ran my own construction company in Colorado. I've watched other contractors do to homeowners exactly what this page teaches you to stop. Not knowing is where the upsell lives. Now you know.
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Can I replace a kitchen faucet myself?
In most cases, yes. A leaky, corroded, or ugly sink faucet is a homeowner job, not a plumber-required job. It's uncomfortable work under a cramped cabinet, not complicated work.
How much does a new faucet cost?
The faucet typically costs $60-$250.
Do I need a permit to replace a faucet?
No permit is typically required for a like-for-like faucet swap.
What's the most common mistake?
Buying a faucet whose hole spacing doesn't match the sink. The second is overtightening plastic supply-line nuts, which cracks them instead of sealing them.
When should I call a plumber?
If the shutoff valves under the sink are corroded and won't turn, or won't fully stop the water. That's a valve replacement.
Educational only. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and your local codes. When in doubt, call a licensed plumber. Built by a Gen Xer with AI, for Gen Xers.
