How to Replace a Bathroom Faucet
You can update your bathroom faucets fixtures in a few hours, whether your bathroom is outdated or tacky or you’re in the mood for something new and different. You can have a shiny, new, and clean faucet in no time. As long as you know what you’re doing, installing a sink fixture is pretty painless as long as you know what you’re doing. You can even install cool tech, like lights or a commercial automatic faucets (which can help you avoid those nasty flu germs).
Find out how to replace a bathroom faucet before getting out the plumber’s belt. We’ll walk you through the process from beginning to end.
Things you’ll need:
- Basin wrench
- Adjustable wrench
- Plumber’s putty
- Bucket
- Bathroom faucet and package contents
- Rags/towels
- Silicone caulk
- Knife or putty knife
- WD-40
Step 1: take a look at your old faucet and sink. Note what type of faucet you currently have, the connections, and how much space you have above and below.
Step 2: Choose a new faucet that meets the sink’s size and specifications. Most sinks will fit either a center set, single hole, or commercial automatic faucets. Some faucets can even be wall-mounted. Make sure you know what type of faucet you need to purchase so you can install it properly. Also, you might have space limitations under a pedestal sink.
Step 3: remove everything from under your sink, so you have a clean, decluttered working area. Prepare a bucket and some rags because you will need them soon.
The final step is to turn off both of your water lines. Turn each knob clockwise to shut it off. You can then run your faucet to drain out any leftover water.
Step 4: Disconnect the old faucet.
Step 4a: Disconnect the P-trap. The P-trap is the j-shaped pipe under your sink that connects to the drain. Put a bucket underneath to catch any water that escapes. You should expect water to fall out when you disconnect the p-trap. Make sure you have your bucket and rags prepared, and then you can remove the p-trap by turning the two nuts on each end counterclockwise. If the nuts are too tight, use a wrench to loosen them.
Step 4b: On the underside of your faucet, you will see the nuts and water supply line connections. The water supply line connections should be located below the nuts.
You can use a basin wrench for this, or another adjustable wrench if you don’t have one handy. Use your wrench to loosen the water supply connections beneath your faucet. Once you have loosen the water supply line connections (you’ll probably have to turn them clockwise), you can remove the line the rest of the way with your hand. When you remove the water line, be sure to capture any water that escapes.
Step 4c: Make sure the faucet nuts are unscrewed from under the faucet. They are located above the water supply line connections, and these nuts are what hold the faucet in place. If you cannot remove them by hand, use a wrench and some WD-40.
Step 5: Remove the drain. You’ll see a bar with holes running behind the sink and pipes. This is the clevis strap. Pull the strap through the rod to allow you to turn the drain pipe freely.
If you cannot remove the drain pipe by hand, use a wrench to loosen it. Then, remove the top of the drain (the flange) from your sink by unscrewing it and removing it.
Step 6: Remove the remaining parts and clean the area. Simply pull out the faucet. Remove any old silicone caulk or plumbers putty with a knife, scouring pad, or sponge. Your sink should look like it is brand new now.
Step 7: It is possible to follow slightly different installation instructions depending on the faucet manufacturer, but most faucets can be installed in the same way.
Step 7a: In order to secure the faucet in place, place the gasket on the faucet’s bottom, install the faucet in your sink, and tighten the nuts. You may also need to install your faucet’s handles, depending on the type you purchase. To install faucet handles, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 7b: If your drain comes partially assembled, you may see gaskets attached to the flange, or you may see a drain nut screwed on the flange. Remove the drain nut from the flange. Under your sink, put a small amount of silicone or plumber’s putty under the flange, and then position it. Install the gaskets and screw the nut on the flange under the sink. You do not want your sink to leak, so use a wrench to tighten it.
Once your flange and nut are in place, screw on the drain pipe. You will see a hole on the side of the drain pipe where the drain rod connects. Make sure this hole faces the back.
Slide on the clevis strap (the bar with holes in it) and spring clip by unscrewing the pivot nut, inserting the drain rod into the hole, and then tightening the pivot nut.
The down rod for your drain stopper (the thing that opens and closes your drain so you can fill it up with water) should be inserted through the hole in your faucet at the top of your sink. Insert the rod into the clevis strap, and screw the rod to the clevis strap.
Step 7c: Depending on your new faucet, you may have to connect new water supply lines. If you are replacing the old supply lines, you will need to disconnect them at the shutoff points, then connect the new supply lines. Connect one end to the hot water shutoff valve, then connect the other end to the hot water supply line connection. Make sure you tighten your water supply lines, but do not over-tighten them.
Step 7d: Connect the p-trap. Connect both nuts on your p-trap. You want to have the p-trap pipe slightly overlap the vertical pipe (by an inch or so). You can also purchase p-trap extenders for added protection.
Step 8: Ensure your new faucet is working properly by turning on the hot and cold water. Make sure there are no leaks, and tighten any connections if necessary.
Considerations:
- Some people choose not to replace certain parts, such as water supply lines. However, if your new faucet comes with these parts, and they are compatible with your house, it might be a good idea to replace your old parts.
- It is a good idea to make use of the tools provided by some faucet manufacturers. These tools can save you time and make the installation process more efficient.
- When changing from a three-hole faucet to a single-hole faucet, measure the distance across the holes and get an appropriate plate.