Knowledge and the right tools are key when replacing a bathroom faucet, as they will save both time and money in the process. But do remember, though: replacing one takes hard work and an extensive knowledge base to do successfully.
First, shut off the water supply valves beneath your sink. Next, unscrew and remove your old faucet by unscrewing its lock nuts.
Tools
Leaky bathroom faucets can be an inconvenient nuisance and may seem minor enough for DIY repair, but replacing one is actually quite easy and straightforward if done properly. Although it will involve some wriggling under your sink and cleaning up afterward, this project should take no more than one hour of your time to complete successfully.
First, switch off all water valves under your sink by turning clockwise. Next, it is time to remove your old faucet.
An effective solution for this dilemma is a basin wrench, which features toothed jaws on its long handle to loosen nuts securing your faucet to both your sink and water supply lines. A regular adjustable wrench could work, too – although ideally it should be the latter!
Preparation
First step to installing your faucet: gather tools and supplies. A basin wrench can help reach behind sinks to turn off locking nuts that hold the faucet securely in place.
Before beginning, make sure the water to your sink is shut off by finding and closing all shut-off valves underneath your sink. Furthermore, it would be prudent to turn off your main water line just in case!
Before choosing a new faucet for your bathroom sink and vanity, it is wise to conduct measurements to ensure a perfect fit. Doing this will ensure your new fixture won’t be too long or short and is compatible with existing mirrors, cabinets or lights above it.
If your old faucet contains a plastic gasket, be sure to remove it before installing the new one. Most faucet kits contain replacement gaskets specifically for this task so don’t forget to add one as soon as you’re ready!
Removal
Dependent upon the complexity of your plumbing, replacing a bathroom faucet typically takes between one to two hours. Additional time may be needed if other repairs or upgrades must be performed in order to make sure that it works as intended.
Start by shutting off all water valves under your sink, then locate and removing any existing hardware, such as basin wrenches in one of the handle positions or nuts at the base of the spout. Remove these as well as any caulk that might be holding handles or escutcheon in place; once this has been accomplished, clean away any leftover putty with a sponge and your faucet should come free easily from its mountings – otherwise place a towel or blanket underneath to avoid damaging floors!
Install a new faucet by centering it on the sink deck and screwing from below using a basin wrench, tightening its nut evenly with it. Finally, connect both hot and cold water sources to its tailpieces.
Installation
Install your new bathroom sink faucet using the instructions and any tools necessary. Make sure the gasket is securely seated under the base to create a watertight seal before screwing on its tailpieces to the water supply pipes – first by hand tightening, then switching over to using pliers or basin wrench for tightening to avoid overtightening which could crack your sink or cause leaks; TOH Plumbing and Heating expert Richard Trethewey suggests purchasing flexible supply lines of equal length as existing ones – saving unnecessary trips back and forth between hardware stores!
Once the faucet is installed, reconnect incoming water sources by turning back on all valves, then test the sink for leaks by turning on and testing its function. Finally, place a thin bead of silicone caulk along the seam between sink and faucet as an extra measure of protection.