If you’re installing a bathroom faucet replacement, start by turning off all of the water at its source at its valves under the sink. Place a bucket beneath any supply lines so any excess dripped-in moisture can be collected easily.
As well as disconnecting the lift rod for the pop-up drain from its clevis screw (typically connected to the lift rod strap/bracket under your sink), you must disconnect its lift rod.
How to Disconnect the Water Supply Lines
Before replacing an old faucet with a new one, it is necessary to disconnect its water supply lines. While this process should be straightforward and effortless, taking extra precaution is key to avoid damaging water lines during removal or installation.
Under your sink is where you will find the shut-off valves for your water supply lines. They should have either a round or hexagonal handle with which you can turn them off; if unsure where they can be found, consult your owner’s manual or contact a plumber for assistance.
Once the water valves have been turned off, use a wrench to loosen and unfasten connectors at either end of your water pipes. After doing that, remove water supply tubes from faucet. Have a bucket ready in case any remaining water remains. For easier connections use tubing benders if necessary.
How to Remove the Faucet
Step 3
To prepare a clean working area before starting on your faucet itself, clear away everything from underneath your sink. Next, turn off both hot- and cold-water shutoff valves by turning their knobs clockwise; if replacing drain stopper you may also have to loosen/unbolt/remove p-trap.
Once the water lines have been disconnected, locate and loosen the faucet fastener underneath your sink with a basin wrench. Now lift and set aside for later.
Search the area under your sink for a metal rod running to the back of the faucet; this is the lift rod for the drain stopper. It should be secured by a C- or U-shaped piece with screws running through it – known as a clevis – connected to an horizontal pivot rod coming out of your drain pipe, with pinch clips to connect and disconnect both rods.
How to Install the New Faucet
Your new faucet should come equipped with two water supply lines to attach to the fastener under the sink; otherwise, they can be purchased separately at your local hardware store or home improvement center. Connect these new lines to shut-off valves and drain any excess water out before installing the new spout; slide up and secure to pipe using mounting screw or wrench provided for maximum water tightness if necessary if an escutcheon exists on base of spout is present – apply plumber’s putty around escutcheon for watertightness seal.
Now is the time to reattach the drain tailpiece to the P-trap using a basin wrench and tightening nut using basin wrench. Drop lift rod for pop-up drain into hole in back of flange and screw into clevis assembly before tightening nut up above with basin wrench or below with pair of pliers.
How to Test the Water Supply Lines
To avoid leaky lines when installing your new faucet, first turn off all water supply valves under your sink. Look for small football-shaped levers on each valve, and turn them clockwise until they click closed.
Before installing the new faucet, enlist help from a friend to test water pressure to make sure it satisfies specifications. Turn on the faucet; if pressure seems low, that could indicate your municipal water provider providing subpar service and less than ideal pressure levels.
If your water pressure is low, it is wise to purchase a pressure gauge designed for potable water applications (ideally via hose threads). A basic rubber washer should suffice; but for those wanting something fancier they could even attach one directly onto their new faucet’s cartridge using compression fitting (Image 2). Just ensure it meets all potable water regulations before doing this!