Dripping faucets are an annoying and potentially costly nuisance. While rust or hard water deposits may be corrected with simple cleaning solutions, oftentimes these signs indicate it may be time for replacement of your fixture.
Start by turning off both hot and cold water supply valves underneath your sink, before using a basin wrench to loosen any nuts that hold your old faucet in place.
Preparation
An effective faucet installation begins by carefully preparing your workspace. This includes making sure it’s free from clutter and obstacles for mounting the new faucet, turning off water supply with its valves under sink turning counterclockwise and opening both hot and cold handles to flush out mineral deposits or air in lines which could restrict flow.
Measure the distance between mount holes under the sink to ensure that your faucet has adequate clearance from any backsplash tiles when fully extended, as well as selecting an ideal faucet for your space (i.e. whether or not its spout height and reach are clear of obstructions such as cabinets or mirrors). Use either a ruler or tape measurer for this step.
Tools
Needed tools include: screwdriver, adjustable wrench, basin wrench, plumber’s tape and an appropriate faucet kit that suits the style of your sink. Step-by-step instructions will be provided with each kit as well as possible needing gaskets or plumber’s putty for additional fixtures.
Before beginning, remove everything from beneath the sink and place a bucket or towel beneath to catch any leakage or spills. Next, turn both hot and cold water supply valves clockwise to shut them off.
Your next task should be to uninstall the pop-up drain, located behind the P-trap in your sink, with its metal rod running straight down into a C or U-shaped piece with a screw running through it. Loosen or remove its clevis screw in order to free the lift rod; once this has been accomplished, unbolt and carefully lift out your old faucet before unscrewing and unbolting its new counterpart!
Removal
No matter if it is leaking, outdated, or simply not to your taste, replacing a bathroom faucet offers a cost-effective and revitalizing update that could prevent future issues caused by worn fixtures. While replacing is not difficult task, it does require precise attention to detail as well as specific skills if attempting it yourself; otherwise contacting professional installers to make the installation a smooth one would be recommended.
Start by switching off the water supply valves beneath your sink. Put a bucket under it to catch any running water, and disconnect your old drain line before reconnecting it using SharkBite PRO PEX cutters if applicable.
Once the supply lines have been disconnected, it’s time to remove your old faucet. If its nut is stuck tight, try loosening it using a basin wrench; penetrating oil may also help free it up; otherwise a screwdriver can help loosen it further if it remains tight.
Installation
While a new bathroom faucet comes fully assembled, you must connect it to your water supply lines using the wrench you retrieved from under the sink. Begin disconnecting both hot and cold water supplies (usually two) using this wrench; their connections may be tight; try applying penetrating oil first if they remain stubborn.
Remove the old faucet by loosening it, and clean any soap gunk from its pipes underneath. If your supply lines are too long to connect directly to the valves, use a tubing bender to zigzag them into place gracefully.
Connect the supply lines to the valves by hand, and then tighten them securely using an adjustable wrench, taking care not to overtighten and damage them. Reopen the shut-off valves under the sink, test out your new faucet, and check for leaks – tighten any connections necessary if any appear; otherwise celebrate your DIY skills and your success in saving money by replacing an old bathroom faucet!