Installing a new, leaky bathroom faucet can be an inexpensive DIY project with relatively minimal effort required to complete. Just ensure you have everything ready before starting; such as basin wrench, the appropriate tools, and a clean working space.
Locate and turn off both hot and cold water shut-off valves under your sink, before draining any remaining water from its supply lines.
Getting Started
Replacing an outdated sink faucet is an effective way to revitalize and modernize your bathroom, instantly giving it an updated aesthetic. Whether your old fixture is worn-out, leaking, or you simply wish to upgrade, replacing it is a relatively straightforward DIY project that will have significant repercussions.
Before beginning, make sure the water supply valves underneath your sink have been turned off. In addition, have a bucket or towel handy in order to catch any drips or spills that occur during this process.
As an extra precaution against leakage, use sealant around the base of your new faucet for added waterproof protection. Also, ensure all sink and faucet holes have been cleared of any putty or silicone that might remain.
Assemble your faucet according to its manufacturer’s instructions. If switching from three-hole to single-hole installation, install an Escutcheon plate as instructed to cover any extra holes in your sink. Secure short braided supply lines securely to hot and cold valve tailpieces by tightening nuts finger-tight before tightening with wrench for additional tightening.
Mounting the Faucet
No matter whether you’re replacing or adding to an existing bathroom sink faucet, it is crucial that you follow manufacturer’s instructions. Doing so will ensure your new fixture is installed correctly with watertight connections that prevent costly leakage problems from developing and potentially expose your home to water damage.
Start by turning both hot and cold water valves under your sink clockwise to shut them off, then locate and unbolt any hardware securing your existing faucet. With basin wrench or locking pliers loosen any nuts securing both drain and faucet before lifting off old fixture from sink.
Once the faucet is turned off, take this opportunity to clean under your sink to prevent damaging either your counter or sink when installing your new bathroom sink faucet. Next, assemble it according to its manufacturer’s instructions; if necessary apply a seal of plumber’s putty around its spout base to ensure watertight seal.
Connecting the Water Supply Lines
Before purchasing new water supply lines, ensure they meet all manufacturer requirements for connector size. They should fit seamlessly with existing faucet and shut-off valves and should prevent leaks. There are various length options available – simply measure how far away from them your old supply lines were to ascertain which ones you require.
Start by opening the new faucet’s aerator to reduce pressure and limit any mess while disconnecting its water supply line. Next, clear away your sink cabinet and lay a towel down as a stop-gap while unscrewing its connection from under your sink using a basin wrench – making reaching and turning its two locking nuts much simpler!
Screw the water supply tubes securely onto the faucet’s tailpieces, starting with hot and then cold tubes. Tighten each by hand or, if necessary, with pliers, while adding a bead of plumber’s tape around threads can ensure leak-free connections.
Installing the Faucet
No matter if it’s worn down over time or you just want something newer and sleeker; installing your new sink faucet should be an easy DIY job with the appropriate tools and proper preparation. Soon enough you’ll be enjoying it as part of your everyday life!
Make sure that the gasket of the faucet is secured by adding silicone caulk beneath it, before feeding your new water supply lines through an escutcheon plate (the piece connecting two valves on top of the sink) and screwing them onto its threads – starting by hand then using pliers or basin wrench to secure them securely – using no more than necessary or overtightening connections can crack your sink or squeeze its lines, stopping water flow.
Once all connections are secure, it’s time to reinstall the drain and faucet. Make sure the water has been turned off before beginning; take photos of your plumbing setup for reference when reconnecting later.