Installing a new faucet is sure to add an impressive finishing touch to any bathroom, yet due to plumbing connections it may seem daunting for some homeowners.
Start by clearing away everything from under your sink cabinet, placing a bucket below, and turning the knobs counterclockwise to shut off water supply.
Preparation
Before attempting to replace your bathroom faucet, ensure all water sources have been switched off at their respective turn-off points under the sink to avoid an unexpected burst of water that could cause serious damage. Place a bucket or something similar underneath the sink to catch any excess liquid that might leak from P-trap once removed; loosen and unscrew its slip nut while pulling out its ring from beneath it all before unthreading the drain assembly from under it all.
Use your new faucet as a guide, inserting its handles and stems through the matching holes under your sink, tightening them with either a wrench (or by hand with strong grip) for maximum performance. Connect its tailpieces to in-wall water lines before installing an escutcheon cover plate over it; apply plumber’s putty around its base for watertight sealing purposes before connecting its pop-up drain lift rod through its base, connecting it to its vertical pivot rod coming out of drain with an optional clevis strap/bracket connection system; apply plumber’s putty around base of its base and connect water lines; finally connecting its tailpieces to in-wall water lines connected by connectors on its tailpieces using threaded connectors secured onto pivot rod coming out of drain to complete its assembly.
Disconnect the Water Lines
Shut off your sink’s water supply by turning the valves under it to their off position, placing a bucket under supply lines to collect any dripping, using a wrench to undo old drain nut, pull out drain pipe, loosen P-trap bolt that holds it to bottom of sink and loosen slip nut that holds P-trap onto it.
If your sink features a pop-up drain, unscrew and remove its screws on a clevis strap before disconnecting water supply tubes by unscrewing nuts that hold them on faucet nipples with adjustable pliers.
If they won’t budge, try an application of penetrating oil. When the water has been disconnected, pull out your old faucet easily before taking steps to install a new one by wrapping its threaded portion with Teflon tape before attaching any lines to your new inlet shanks (the parts hanging down from which hot and cold water lines connect).
Remove the Old Faucet
Replace a faucet is an easy and fast project to update the look of your bathroom or make minor repairs. Simply turn off both water supply valves by turning their knobs counterclockwise.
Start by unbolting and pulling out on the old faucet by loosening and pulling out on its spout and handles, cutting through any caulk holding the handles in place with a utility knife if necessary. Next, look beneath your sink for the mounting nut that holds one of two valve tailpieces to your sink – remove this as soon as you find it and do the same for both faucets.
Before installing the new faucet, all mounting nuts, washers and drain hole should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol to prepare for installation. Begin by placing a gasket atop of your sink, inserting its neck and spout into its mounting holes with ease, tightening the nuts evenly yet snugly around these mountain holes with a basin wrench (Image 2). Finally, screw on its handles and insert its drain stopper lift rod through its opening behind the drain body body.
Install the New Faucet
Install your new faucet following the manufacturer’s instructions. Some models feature easy connections, while others may require more complex assemblies. In general, though, connecting water supply lines to hot and cold valves beneath your sink should suffice for most installations.
If your new faucet contains a pop-up drain stopper, connecting its lift rod is also required. Locate the rod coming directly down from the faucet spout, and look for a C or U-shaped piece with holes running through it – this is called a clevis strap which needs to be loosen or removed in order to free the lift rod (Image 2).
Once your new faucet is in place, caulk its base to ensure a tight seal. If your spout features a decorative escutcheon, set it into place and tighten its brass nut beneath the counter before inserting its pivot rod through an opening at the back of its drain body and tightening it securely in its spot.