Replacing a Kitchen Faucet: Moen Milton Install, Start to Finish

A kitchen faucet swap can be done in about 30 minutes with basic tools, according to the LRN2DIY video that installs a Moen Milton faucet in a quartz countertop with a single hole. The faucet comes with plates at the bottom, so it also works with two or three holes.

Shutting off the water

The first step is closing both the hot and cold supply valves under the sink. A closed valve sits perpendicular to the line. The valve feeding the dishwasher is shown still open because it runs parallel to the line. After closing the valves, run the faucet; if nothing comes out for hot and cold, the water is off.

Removing the old faucet

The assembly holding the faucet to the countertop has a small nut that should only be hand tightened, and a threaded shank with a brass fastening nut that holds everything tight to the countertop. That fastening nut is the one to loosen. Newer pull-out hoses, from roughly the last decade, have a push-button release that lets the old hose be pulled out and slid off, which gives easier access to the bolt on top.

The installation tool that came with the new faucet fits around the bolt and loosens it by turning left. Pliers or a wrench work if you lack the tool. Last come the hot and cold supply connections: hold the valve in place and gently unthread them, with a towel placed around to catch water left in the lines. The whole faucet then comes out from the top, which is a little tricky to fit through.

Installing the new faucet

For two or three holes, a plate with a rubber gasket underneath covers the extra openings. With one hole, the plate is discarded and the round gasket is used. The gasket has cutouts for the pipes and hoses, which should aim toward the front of the sink. The hose assemblies drop down through, with the handle placed on the right. The faucet may tip when released because little weight holds it down.

Under the sink, a plate slides onto the shaft so that all three hoses sit inside its cutout. The installation tool tightens it hand tight, and a screwdriver through a hole in the handle finishes it; it doesn't need to be very tight.

Hose, weight and supply lines

The pull-down hose feeds through the faucet. Its white rounded end snaps into the fixture below and stops itself, so it shouldn't be pushed too far. After the protective cap comes off, the hose must be clear of pipes, and the button is pushed to lock it in.

The weight is opened and its dummy barrel removed. It goes just below the yellow marking on the hose and snaps on by hand, adding weight so the hose pulls back into position. The hot and cold lines are reattached by threading them on, the reverse of removal.

Testing

The valves are opened slowly while checking for leaks at the bottom and the top. Finally the protective piece comes off the hose, and the hose head is threaded on hand tight and snugged into place.