Replacing a bathroom faucet can be an enjoyable and simple DIY project that will enhance the aesthetics of your home. Before beginning, be sure to close both hot and cold water shut-off valves beneath your sink before proceeding.
If your faucet valves are located high up on the wall, use a tubing bender to shorten long braided supply lines so they fit securely onto your new faucet.
Removing the Old Faucet
First step to installing a new bathroom faucet: uninstalling the old one. For this step, it is important to clear out your sink and the area beneath it before beginning this task, while additionally placing some form of catchment container (bucket or other) underneath in case any water should leak or spill out during removal.
Once the area is cleared out, turn off the water supply valves under your sink. Remove handles using either wrenches or screwdrivers if they require unscrewing them first before being pulled free from their sockets.
Now it is time to disconnect the water lines, usually made up of flexible or chromed copper tubing that connects your shutoff valves to your faucets. You may use either hand disconnection if they’re not soldered in place or use pliers to loosen compression mounting nuts with care as overtightening can crack your sink or countertop.
Installing the New Faucet
Your new faucet should come complete with step-by-step installation instructions from its manufacturer to assist in its assembly and setup process. While these may differ based on brand and style, all should provide similar steps for assembly.
Start by closing off all water supply valves underneath the sink in order to prevent any accidental leakage of water while you work, with a bucket or container nearby for any that might spill. Next, detach both hot and cold supply lines from underneath your old faucet – they should come off easily, but if they do not loosen with an adjustable wrench.
Clean the area underneath and around the sink drain to eliminate any rust or mineral deposits that might interfere with installation, and place an absorbent newspaper sheet or old towel down on top of any wet surfaces such as countertops to protect from drips or spills during assembly.
Installing the Water Lines
Dependent upon your home design, hot and cold water lines may enter your bathroom from either the wall or floor. Locate and switch off both of these valves before disconnecting all water supply lines to your faucet using either a basin wrench or adjustable wrench.
Once your water supply line connections have been released, you can remove your old faucet from the sink. If it features a drain stopper, detach it by loosening its spring clip on the clevis strap below your sink.
Review your sink and faucet to decide the type you wish to replace it with. To avoid confusion, ensure you have all of the necessary parts and tools before beginning work. Keep the work area well-lit to prevent errors that could damage the sink or slow your progress. Also keep in mind if switching from three-hole to single-hole sink, that a new faucet plate must be purchased to cover each of its holes on your countertop.
Installing the Drain Stopper
Before beginning work, ensure the water is turned off and clear out your sink to create a clutter-free working space. Place a bucket under your sink to catch any dripping liquids.
Remove the nut holding the horizontal pivot rod in place. This should be doable by hand; otherwise use wrench or WD-40 as needed if necessary. Once done, take care to pull out and away from the stopper lever once more.
Screw the new drain part onto the shorter bottom pipe, and affix a washer and one side of a spring clip to one of the ends of a ball rod. Stick this rod into one of the stopper holes while also catching its hook in one of the strap holes; feed this rod down into your drain while making sure its lever opens sufficiently to let water out when desired.