Q&A for How to Install a Faucet

You will have to shut off the main water supply to the building or the line out of the pressure tank if you have one. Then while you're installing the faucet, put in a shutoff valve.

Attach the faucet hoses to the piping's stop/shut-off/isolation valves and turn the valves back on while holding the hoses in an empty bucket. Then, turn the valves back off once the water is running clear.

You can use a very small amount of silicone if you feel you need it. But faucets come with sealing gaskets or are made with flat bottoms to seal against the counter upon proper tightening. Only silicone if a leak is discovered after installation -- a leak is exceedingly rare.

You'll need to get something that's labeled as a water supply line in the store. You'll have a choice of stainless steel braided or some colored plastic; choose the stainless.