Installing a new faucet can add instant charm and refresh the appearance of any bathroom. Before beginning installation, ensure all water supply lines have been turned off so as to prevent accidental flooding of your work area.
Make sure there is enough space under your sink by clearing away items and storage from below the sink, along with setting out a bucket to catch any drips or spills that occur.
Removing the Faucet
Bathroom faucets are one of the most important aspects of a sink and can make a statement about your sense of style. Available in various styles, colors and materials they provide you with endless options that can transform the look and feel of any room in which they’re placed.
Start by turning off the water supply by turning the valves under your sink counterclockwise, which will stop water flow to your faucet and make removing it simpler.
Locate the mounting nuts holding your faucet in place under your sink and loosen them using either a basin wrench (or regular adjustable wrench). If caulk is holding it to the sink deck, cut away with a utility knife before loosening any remaining mounting nuts with your basin wrench (or regular adjustable wrench). After doing this, the faucet should fall freely down until you pull it out or apply penetrating oil overnight to help ease removal.
Preparing the Sink
Before installing the sink back in place, be sure to connect water lines to its faucet. You may require cutting new flexible supply lines or replacing worn down ones that leak – referring to your new faucet’s instructions will help with this step.
If using copper lines, bend their upper portions carefully using a tube-bender so they reach straight down towards the valves and can be screwed securely onto them before connecting them with a wrench to your spout tee.
Reinstall the sink clips as necessary, and use caulk to seal the gap between the sink rim and countertop. Plumber’s putty may work, but over time it dries out and allows water to leak through its seams – use instead a caulk that inhibits mold and bacteria growth before you finish by switching on both hot and cold water valves simultaneously for one minute of running your faucet before closing up the line with hot and cold water valves for at least 30 seconds before turning it back off again and running for one minute to flush through all lines and shutting off both valves to flushing them before beginning again if necessary.
Installing the New Faucet
Your new faucet should fit neatly into its holes on the sink, but first you will need to connect it to the water supply lines. Before doing this, ensure they are all turned off (you’ll find switches either inside the house, on each hot and cold line just prior to their valves or at your meter).
Most faucets are held securely in place by something known as a “deck plate” or “base gasket,” along with metal brackets. A basin wrench may be necessary to unscrew these parts if necessary.
Fix the new faucet to the sink holes, followed by installing its washer and nut. Cover any threaded portions on which your hot and cold water lines connect with Teflon tape for easier connection to each inlet shank, using helpers if necessary to hold spout in place while you hand tighten its mounting nut by hand – once tight, your newly installed faucet can be turned on! Installation steps may differ slightly between different models so read carefully through your manual when installing yours to make sure success.
Checking for Leaks
Leaks in bathrooms often go undetected for extended periods, so watch for signs like puddles under sinks, mold and mildew around showers/tubs, ceiling/joist stains indicating water seepage as possible indications.
Leaks from bathroom faucets typically begin in the seals and silicon areas around their base, leading to drippy faucets and ruining any caulking seal between sink and countertop. You can prevent these sneaky leaks by regularly opening your cupboards under your sink, dribbling water over seals, and inspecting for moisture accumulation.
If you want to switch from three-hole sink to one-hole faucet installation, first prepare the sink by cleaning its holes with mineral spirits and installing the drain flange and gasket. Next, thread the lift rod for the pop-up drain through the hole in the faucet until you reach its attachment point on the clevis strap/bracket (which connects directly with the vertical pivot rod coming from drain pipe). Tighten up tailpiece nut securely before wrapping with plumber’s putty for final touches.