Replacing a bathroom faucet without professional assistance is possible, though the process can be challenging due to waterlines being involved and any damage could cause massive leakage with potentially disastrous consequences.
As your first step, switch off all water supply valves under your sink. Also place a bucket below each faucet to collect any leakage or spillage while working.
Removing the Faucet
Most faucets are secured to their locations below the sink with large nuts that must be loosen and removed to pull the fixture out of its place. Before starting this task, ensure all water sources have been turned off at their respective shut-off valves under the sink; also place a bucket or rags underneath supply tube connections to catch any potential spillage of liquid.
Once the old faucet has been removed, clean both sink deck and countertop of any buildup or mineral deposits by using a scouring pad or degreaser. You may require penetrating oil to break down any stubborn rust or corrosion on existing connections that has rusted over. Once that is completed, prepare to install your new fixture according to its specific instructions – but there are a few general tips. Make sure that its neck fits into holes already present within your sink’s infrastructure for optimal installation results.
Disconnecting the Water Supply Lines
At your sink you should find two water supply lines running to shut-off valves in the wall from copper pipe with hex nuts attached, often used for faucet and drain use. Turn off both hot and cold water shut-off valves by twisting them to their off positions; place a bucket or container underneath the old supply lines in order to catch any leakage, use an adjustable wrench to loosen their hex nuts, and remove the supply line altogether.
Underneath your sink, locate and loosen any nuts that hold your old faucet in place using either a basin wrench or, in an emergency situation, any adjustable wrench you have on hand. After taking this step, use a putty knife to clean around mounting holes to prevent leakage when installing new fixtures; additionally scrub away any mineral deposits or buildup from sink surfaces too.
Installing the New Faucet
Once your old faucet is out of the way, the next step in installing your new one should be easier than expected. Installation instructions vary according to each brand or style of bathroom faucet but most come equipped with step-by-step guides specific to that model and style of bathroom fixture.
Assure the sink area where you’re installing the new faucet is clean and free from dirt, debris or sealant that might obstruct a secure, tight fit for the faucet. Install its gasket if necessary before inserting and tightening its mounting holes using a basin wrench to tighten lock nuts securely.
After attaching both hot and cold water supply lines to the faucet shanks, reconnect power. Turn back on water supply and test for leaks before celebrating! If no leaks appear, congratulations – your success has been celebrated! If leaks do arise however, usually simple solutions exist; tighten any loose connections or refer back to your instruction manual for assistance if necessary.
Testing for Leaks
Your new faucet may come equipped with its trap and drain already attached; otherwise, follow the manufacturer’s installation notes to attach it properly. First ensure all water valves are closed fully; place a bucket beneath the P-trap to collect any potential drips when taking it apart; unscrew and remove its slip nut then lift carefully the entire assembly from underneath your sink without kinking its line!
If you are installing a pop-up drain, insert the pivot rod through the hole at the back of the drain body and secure it using its spring clip. For screw-down drains, first remove any clevis screws under your sink before connecting short braided lines to hot and cold valves as well as each side of a spout tee; tighten nuts finger-tight before tightening further with an adjustable wrench.