You can realize substantial savings by changing the faucet yourself rather than hiring a professional to do it.
Kitchen faucet assemblies typically contain a metal or plastic faucet valve. As you move the faucet handle, the handle lifts and rotates the valve to control the water. If the faucet leaks, the rubber seal on the bottom of the faucet is likely damaged. The seal acts as a gateway between the water supply and the valve. Fortunately, new faucet valves are readily available for most kitchen faucet designs and the process of changing the valve is fairly straightforward.
Instructions
Removing the Faucet
1. Turn off both the hot and cold water valves under the sink by twisting them in a clockwise direction.
2. Turn the faucet handle to the On position to release any water that remains in the lines.
3. Remove the cap from the top of the faucet's handle to access the handle screw, if the screw is not already exposed, by lifting the cap away from the handle with a screwdriver.
4. Remove the handle screw with a screwdriver or with a hex wrench, depending on the design of the screw.
5. Lift the handle away from the faucet.
6. Pry the faucet clip away from the faucet with a screwdriver to remove it. Locate the faucet clip on the side of the faucet.
7. Lift the faucet out of the faucet housing.
Installing the Faucet
8. Smear heatproof grease to the rubber seal on the bottom of the faucet and lower the new faucet into the assembly.
9. Insert the retaining clip into the side of the faucet to secure it in place.
10. Position the handle onto the faucet.
11. Tighten the handle screw into the handle with either the screwdriver or with the hex wrench.
12. Position the handle cap over the handle screw and press the cap into the handle until the cap is secure.
13. Turn the two water valves on by twisting them in a counterclockwise direction.
