Adjustable wrench
Use it for: To loosen and tighten the hose connections at the shutoff valve and faucet.
Shop adjustable wrenchesPlumbing repair
How to Replace a Faucet Supply Hose
To replace a faucet supply hose, first confirm the hose is the source of the leak or restriction, shut off the water, remove the old hose, install the matching replacement without overtightening, and then test for leaks with the water back on.
A worn, kinked, or leaking faucet supply hose can cause drips under the sink, weak flow, or water damage inside the cabinet. This is usually a manageable homeowner repair if the shutoff valves still work and the hose connections come apart cleanly.
Before you start: Match the replacement part to your exact faucet before ordering.
Safety first
- Work with the water shut off before loosening the hose.
- Open the faucet after shutting off the valves to relieve pressure in the line.
- Support the shutoff valve or nearby fitting if it tries to twist while you loosen the hose.
- Do not force mismatched threads or overtighten the new hose connection.
Tools you may need
Bucket or shallow pan
Use it for: To catch the water left in the line when the old hose comes off.
Find a drip pan or bucket
Old towel or rags
Use it for: To protect the cabinet floor and wipe fittings dry during leak checks.
Shop absorbent shop towels
Flashlight or headlamp
Use it for: To see the hose routing and connection points under the sink.
Find a headlamp for repairs
Tongue and groove pliers
Use it for: To hold a fitting steady if it wants to twist while you loosen the hose.
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Step-by-step fix
Step 1: Confirm the faucet supply hose is the problem
- Open the cabinet and dry the shutoff valve, hose, and faucet connections with a towel.
- Run the faucet for a minute, then watch for fresh water forming on the hose, at either end of the hose, or from a visible bulge or split.
- Check whether the hose is kinked, crushed, corroded at the fittings, or obviously too loose to seal.
- Make sure the water is not actually coming from the drain, sprayer hose, faucet body, or shutoff valve stem.
If it works: You have a clear reason to replace the faucet supply hose, such as a leak, damage, or a restricted hose.
If it doesn’t: If everything stays dry and the hose looks sound, keep diagnosing the faucet, shutoff valve, or drain instead of replacing the hose first.
Stop if:
- The cabinet, wall, or floor is soft, swollen, moldy, or badly water-damaged.
- The shutoff valve itself is leaking from the body or stem.
- The faucet connection is cracked or the mounting hardware is loose enough that the faucet moves when touched.
Step 2: Shut off the water and set up the work area
- Turn the hot and cold shutoff valves clockwise until they stop.
- Open the faucet to relieve pressure and let the remaining water drain out.
- Place a bucket or shallow pan under the hose connection you will remove first.
- Lay down a towel in the cabinet so small drips do not soak the base.
If it works: The faucet flow slows to a stop and the area under the sink is ready for a controlled removal.
If it doesn’t: If water keeps running strongly, the shutoff valve may not be closing fully. Try the other valve if you are replacing only one hose, or use the home's main water shutoff before continuing.
Stop if:
- A shutoff valve will not turn, feels like it may break, or starts leaking heavily when you touch it.
- You cannot stop the water flow enough to remove the hose safely.
Step 3: Remove the old faucet supply hose
- Use the wrench to loosen the hose nut at the shutoff valve while holding the valve steady if needed so it does not twist in the wall or pipe.
- Let the remaining water drain into the bucket.
- Loosen the hose from the faucet connection and pull the old hose out carefully.
- Compare the old hose to the new one for overall length, end style, and thread size before installing anything.
If it works: The old hose is out and you have confirmed the replacement matches the original connection style.
If it doesn’t: If the new hose does not match, stop and get the correct replacement rather than forcing the connection.
Stop if:
- A fitting is seized so badly that the valve, supply tube, or faucet shank starts twisting with it.
- The threads on the faucet or shutoff valve are damaged, split, or badly corroded.
Step 4: Install the new hose without stressing the fittings
- Start each connection by hand first so the threads engage smoothly and do not cross-thread.
- Route the hose in a gentle curve with no sharp bend, twist, or kink.
- Tighten the connections snugly with the wrench after hand-threading, but do not crank down hard.
- If you removed both hot and cold hoses, reconnect each one to the correct side before testing.
If it works: The new hose is installed cleanly, the fittings are snug, and the hose is not twisted or kinked.
If it doesn’t: If a nut will not thread on by hand, back it off and realign it before tightening again.
Stop if:
- The fitting will not start straight by hand.
- The hose must be bent sharply to reach, which usually means the length or style is wrong.
Step 5: Turn the water back on and check for leaks
- Close the faucet, then slowly open the shutoff valve for the new hose.
- Watch the lower connection first, then the upper connection, as pressure returns to the line.
- Open the faucet and run both hot and cold as needed to flush air out of the line.
- Wipe both connections dry and check again for fresh moisture after the faucet has run for a minute.
If it works: The faucet runs normally and both hose connections stay dry under pressure.
If it doesn’t: If you see a small drip, gently snug the leaking connection a little more and test again. If it still leaks, shut the water back off and inspect the fit and threads.
Stop if:
- Water sprays, the leak gets worse quickly, or a fitting will not seal after a careful recheck.
- The shutoff valve begins leaking once it is reopened.
Step 6: Make sure the repair holds in normal use
- Run the faucet several times over the next few hours, including a longer run than usual.
- Check under the sink after each use and again after the cabinet has been closed for a while.
- Feel around the hose and both fittings with a dry hand or paper towel to catch slow drips.
- Remove the bucket and towels only after the area stays fully dry.
If it works: The cabinet stays dry during real use, which confirms the faucet supply hose replacement solved the problem.
If it doesn’t: If moisture returns, trace the exact source again. A nearby shutoff valve, faucet body, or drain leak may have been mistaken for the hose.
Stop if:
- You find hidden leaking from the wall, cabinet base, or another plumbing connection that needs a broader repair.
Replacement Parts
Find a faucet supply hose on Amazon
Match the replacement part to your exact faucet before ordering.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Repair Riot may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Verify the repair
- The faucet supply hose matches the old one in length and connection style.
- The hose is routed without kinks, sharp bends, or twisting.
- Both connections stay dry with the faucet off and while the faucet is running.
- The cabinet remains dry after several normal uses.
FAQ
Do I need to replace both faucet supply hoses at the same time?
Not always. If only one hose is leaking or damaged, you can replace that one. If both hoses are the same age and condition, many homeowners replace both while the water is off.
Should I use thread tape on a faucet supply hose?
Usually no on the hose's own compression-style connections. These typically seal at the fitting, not on the threads. Follow the replacement part's instructions if they say otherwise.
Why does the new hose still drip after installation?
The most common causes are a loose connection, cross-threading, damaged mating threads, or the wrong hose end for the faucet or shutoff valve. Shut the water off and inspect the connection carefully.
How do I know what replacement hose to buy?
Match the old hose by length, end size, and connection style at both ends. Bring the old hose with you or compare it closely before ordering.
Can a faucet supply hose cause low water pressure?
Yes. A hose that is kinked, collapsed inside, or clogged with debris can restrict flow. If the hose looks damaged or the flow improves after replacement, the hose was likely part of the problem.