If your bathroom faucet is looking worn-out, replacing it isn’t as difficult of a project as you might think – with just an hour and some patience it should be finished successfully.
Start by turning off all water supply valves under your sink, placing a bucket or pan beneath your P-trap in order to catch any drips of water that might form while taking down its removal, and using gloves if necessary.
Handle
When your bathroom faucet handles begin to look worn or you detect signs of corrosion in the plumbing, it could be time for replacement. Swapping out an older handle for one more can quickly and affordably transform the appearance of your bathroom.
Prior to removing the handle, be sure to switch off all water supply valves under your sink and open up all faucets fully to drain any remaining lines in your sink or countertop.
Dependent upon the design of your faucet, remove its handle by either prying it off or unscrewing its setscrew with a screwdriver. Most lever handles contain an invisible screws hidden beneath decorative caps that read “hot,” “cold,” or other words to indicate which side it belongs on. Once complete, loosen the cartridge retaining nut using pipe wrench or tongue-and-groove pliers.
Spout
Before installing a new bathroom faucet spout, it’s essential that the sink and surrounding area be prepared. Spread some absorbent material under the sink and clear away items or storage from beneath it, as water may spill from under it when taking down the old spout. Have a bucket ready in case any leaking occurs from existing hardware connections under your sink.
Before beginning to remove an old spout, it is necessary to switch off both hot and cold water shut-off valves underneath your sink. Next, using a basin wrench disconnect the supply lines from the old faucet; locate and disengage its lift rod for drain stopper purposes; finally unplug all appliances connected to that spout using an extension cord or extension ladder.
Use a flathead screwdriver to loosen and then remove the handle index and handle screw. While new spouts usually include both, if they don’t one can easily be detached with a flathead screwdriver from its stem. Before attaching to pipe threads it is wise to cover these threads with plumber’s tape to help create an airtight seal and prevent leaks.
Cartridge
Glacier Bay bathroom faucets are an economical choice for budget-minded homeowners, but even they require repairs from time to time, such as replacing their cartridge. Luckily, this process can be accomplished relatively easily using only common tools and techniques. Begin by turning off the water valves under your sink. Next, remove your handle(s) by prying off their plastic caps (if applicable) and unscrewing any Allen screws from beneath them (as applicable).
Most cartridges feature tabs that fit into notches in the faucet body; remove these tabs to pull up on your cartridge straight up. A wrench designed specifically to pull cartridges can help with this task (available from hardware stores and home centers).
Install the cartridge back into its proper place, making sure that its orientation (including any notches) is correct. Replace as necessary the retaining nut and decorative cap, as well as oiling O-rings as desired with plumber’s grease if desired.
Baseplate
A faucet’s base plate, also referred to as deck plate or escutcheon, serves no practical function – they don’t stop leaks for instance – but can make your sink appear cleaner and finished.
Most kitchen and bathroom faucets include a universal deck plate that will fit most faucet-sink configurations, but you can customize yours for a more unique appearance by upgrading it with one of many decorative plates available in different shapes, sizes and finishes that complement your faucet.
Before installing your new deck plate, first make sure both hot and cold water supply lines have been shut-off at their respective shut-off valves. Next, loosen any mounting nuts holding your old faucet onto the sink, remove it completely, scrape away any hardened plumber’s putty from underneath it, and thoroughly scrub this area under it. If unsure how to reinstall it yourself, contact an experienced professional who has tools geared specifically toward remodeling projects for guidance.