Dripping faucets can be more than an eyesore; they’re also responsible for sky-high water bills. Replace yours to end the continuous dripping and add some new life into your bathroom!
Begin by turning off both hot and cold water supply valves under your sink, and creating an accessible work space by clearing away items or clutter from underneath it.
Remove the Old Faucet
First, collect all the supplies you will require. These may include a screwdriver, adjustable wrench, basin wrench, plumber’s tape and silicone caulk – plus any new faucet kits which match up perfectly with your sink’s mounting holes and style – make sure to read any applicable instructions thoroughly prior to starting work.
Verify that all water supply valves have been completely closed off before placing a bucket beneath. There should be two set screws hidden under handles or spouts and under an escutcheon ring for drains – remove these by hand or wrench as soon as you find them.
Start by using a basin wrench to loosen a mounting nut underneath the sink that attaches one of the faucet tailpieces. It should come loose easily; if not, add a bit of WD-40 onto the threads for assistance in loosening them further. Remove this nut by turning it counterclockwise before moving on to remove another nut.
Measure the Holes Under the Sink
Careful measurements for replacing a faucet are crucial to its success. By carefully considering current setup, measuring faucet holes, determining style and spout reach preferences, installing compatibility issues, considering additional features, as well as manufacturer specifications, you will be better prepared to purchase and install one that perfectly complements its surroundings.
Before beginning, turn off all water supply valves under your sink using a basin wrench or the tools included with your new faucet. Next, remove your old faucet by hand or using wrench. Disconnecting the nut from drain stopper’s lift rod requires either handing off or wrenching off; depending on whether or not you’re replacing a single-hole or double-hole drain may be required as well as disassembling its components as part of this step; once these steps have been completed clean all holes under sink with rubbing alcohol before proceeding further with installation process.
Install the New Faucet
Installing a new faucet can transform the appearance of your bathroom, and installing one yourself may make an immediate impactful statement about you. DIY installation may be possible if you possess both time and skill to complete this project successfully; otherwise professional plumber services should be hired for this task. To prepare yourself, clear out the sink area to eliminate anything that might obstruct your work before shutting off water supply lines by finding and closing shut-off valves under your sink.
At this stage, it may also be advantageous to detach any drain stopper or P-trap attached. Doing so will allow more room under your sink for work to take place if space is limited.
Once you’ve removed and cleaned away the old faucet, it is time to install your new one. Begin by centering its spout in the middle hole of your sink; secure its base using a basin wrench; tighten all joints before turning on water and testing for leaks (Image 2). Hand tighten any joints before switching it on for leaks testing.
Test for Leaks
Leaks may seem harmless enough, but left unattended they can quickly cause extensive water damage. Depending on where it originates from there are various methods available to address it and address the source.
As a first step, examine the cartridge to see if it is loose or the packing nut tightened securely. You could also turn off your sink’s water source and perform checks directly.
One common faucet issue involves misaligning of the spout tee (the tube that connects to the spout) with hot and cold valves, requiring you to tighten an adjustable screw clockwise until tight. To resolve this, tightening it clockwise can solve this issue.
As soon as you reassemble your faucet, be sure to apply plumber’s tape over any threaded areas and tighten all connections securely – using a basin wrench for any difficult-to-reach bolts if necessary – then restore water supply and turn on your faucet for testing purposes to make sure everything works as it should be.