No matter if it is leaking, outdated, or worn out – replacing a faucet should always be on your agenda. The first step should always be switching off all water supply lines before beginning this project.
Step two in this process involves unfastening either what are commonly known as “faucet nuts”, large screws under the sink, or unfastening a lift rod screw used as part of a drain stopper system.
Faucet Installation
Steps for installing a new faucet start by carefully inspecting the old one to make sure you have all of the parts needed for replacement. Most faucets include step-by-step instructions on how to set them up specifically for their brand and style of sink.
Close both hot and cold water shut-off valves under your sink by turning them clockwise, as well as loosening its connection from its clevis rod beneath it. Also consider loosening any drain stopper popups by loosening its attachment clevis rod underneath your sink.
Once your old faucet is out, loosen its screws and take steps to clean out its remains from under your sink, scrub off any mineral deposits from under there, then get ready to install your new one.
Apply a generous layer of plumber’s putty or silicone sealant under the new faucet, before installing it into your sink and tightening its mounting nuts by hand before tightening them with wrench. Reconnect water supply lines before turning on both hot and cold water sources to test out your new sink.
Faucet Parts
Changing a faucet requires turning off both hot and cold-water shutoff valves under your sink, before using a basin wrench to take care of removing your old one from its mount and unscrewing any metal rings surrounding the drain hole.
Install the new faucet shanks by screwing them into their mounting holes in the sink, followed by placing its washer and nut onto its tailpiece. Use a wrench to tighten this nut until secure before having someone help hold up your new spout so that its lift rod hole faces away from you and toward the back.
Connect the short braided water supply lines to each side of the spout tailpiece, and attach the longer pipes to each nut on the p-trap. To prevent kinking of your lines, it may be beneficial to gently bend each supply line using a tube bender.
Faucet Repair
At times, the rubber or plastic gasket under your faucet may crack or break, allowing water to leak out. To resolve this issue, either remove and install a new gasket, or use plumber’s putty as a seal between its base and pipes beneath.
Close all shutoff valves under your sink before proceeding to take any actions with hot and cold water supply lines. Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove handle screws (small caps) from each faucet handle with force before pulling upward on them to unhook.
Loosen the cartridge retaining nut with a pipe wrench or tongue-and-groove pliers and pull out your old cartridge before carefully unscrewing and removing all components (adjusting ring, cam washer, ceramic disk cylinder). Unscrewing these will help you identify where leakage may have begun; purchase a replacement cartridge from a hardware store or home center that includes new neoprene seals for ceramic disk.
Faucet Replacement
To install a new faucet, first clear away all items from under your sink and clear a working area. After disconnecting both hot and cold water lines by turning each knob clockwise, switch on your faucet so it will drain any remaining water in its pipes.
Unscrew the faucet nuts from beneath your sink using a wrench and WD-40, as this is where they connect to the water supply lines; tightening this connection could prevent leaks in the future.
Start by unscrewing the spout handle and the black circle piece that holds it (Image 2), before unscrewing the drain body from its pipe connection (Image 3). Take note of any tubes bent into S shapes during this step! Finally, connect short braided lines to hot and cold valves using an adjustable wrench and tighten using this method.