An improperly functioning bathroom faucet can waste precious water resources and leave behind an unsightly mess that is difficult to clean up – not to mention potentially damage the sink or countertop underneath it.
Install a new bathroom faucet to instantly upgrade your space and give it an instantly more luxurious feel. Replacing bathroom faucets is an easy DIY project requiring minimal tools and materials for installation.
How to Remove the Faucet
Bathroom sink faucets usually last between 10-20 years depending on brand, use and maintenance practices. Replacing an old sink faucet doesn’t need to be complicated if you follow these simple steps – and can usually be completed within an hour!
Before beginning any plumbing-related task, turn off the water source under your sink to prevent any accidental entry of water into your plumbing system while you work.
Remove each supply tube from each end of your sink faucet using either your hands or a basin wrench. If you are having difficulty turning them, apply penetrating oil before trying again.
Locate and unscrew the two large locking nuts holding your faucet body together, using either your fingers or pliers or basin wrench as necessary to unscrew them. Once all nuts have been unloosened, pry carefully away from your sink before cleaning its area beneath your new fixture to ensure its secure placement.
Faucet Installation
Once the supply lines have been disconnected, shut off all water valves (you may require a wrench for this step). It is crucial that this step be performed to avoid accidentally installing your new faucet with water still inside of its pipes and further complicating matters.
Next, loosen the nuts that hold the old faucet with a wrench or basin wrench and use penetrating oil on any that are particularly stubborn. Once they’re loose, pull the lines away from it and pull off its drain plug rod to completely uninstall it.
Now it is time to install your new faucet! Before beginning, apply plumber’s putty or sealant around the edges of the sink hole and the base of the new faucet, slide its tails into place, tighten any necessary mounting nuts (you may have to hand-tighten these) and tighten their mounting nuts (you may have to do this manually).
Faucet Handles
Handles of faucets are an integral component of both its aesthetics and functionality, from their styles to materials (from simple stainless steel to classic brass) as well as finishes to complement both your sink and room’s decor.
Handle selection should reflect both your personal tastes and aesthetic requirements of your kitchen or bathroom. For instance, modern countertops may necessitate sleek metal handles with chrome or brushed nickel finishes; on the other hand, traditional wooden handles featuring an oil-rubbed bronze or black hue may suit more classic fixtures.
As part of your new faucet kit, it will also include water supply lines. Screw them directly onto the threads of your existing water supply lines by hand; use pliers or basin wrench to tighten further, being careful not to over-tighten. Afterward, connect the hot and cold water shutoff valves under your sink with their respective new lines for easy use.
Faucet Spout
Install the new faucet base using plumber’s tape to ensure a watertight seal and prevent leaks. Tighten connections as necessary using a basin wrench; be careful not to overtighten these as this could crack the sink or create leaks elsewhere.
If the spout on your new faucet is too high for your sink, using silicone caulk to lower it will provide another waterproof seal and give your fixture an aesthetic finish.
Once your new faucet has been assembled, it’s time to reconnect your water supply lines. Before doing so, however, make sure all shut-off valves are open; remove the drain if your old faucet had one (it should come loose with a wrench); disconnect supply lines from old stop valves (or cut them) prior to screwing in new stop valves (or cut the supply lines entirely); reconnect new stop valves as described earlier and cut old stop lines before screwing in the new ones).