How to Replace an Old Bathroom Faucet
- 1). Unpack your new faucet. Ensure all pieces are accounted for and are not broken. Some faucets and drains require some pre-assembly. Do this before beginning the removal of the old faucet.
- 2). Shut off both the hot and cold water lines running to the faucet. They are typically oval and located underneath the sink. Open the hot and cold valves on the faucet to ensure you have successfully closed both lines.
- 3). Remove supply lines from faucet. This best done with a basin wrench, but can also be done with pliers or wrenches, with space permitting. This step may require a penetrating oil if the bolt or nut is stuck. Have a bucket nearby to drain any water into. Use rags to catch any spills. Remove supply lines from shut off valves. If you are reusing the supply lines, attach them to the new faucet now.
- 4). Remove fasteners holding the faucet to the counter top. This step may require a penetrating oil if the bolt or nut is stuck. Unlatch and remove pop-up lever. Remove old faucet from counter top. Scrape off any remaining gaskets or plumbers putty from the top and bottom of the counter top.
- 5). Loosen and remove drain assembly. If you are also replacing the trap assembly, it may be easier for you to cut away the drain assembly using a sawzall or hacksaw. There are several items that will need to be unscrewed. Start with the nut against the bottom of the drain. Once free, you can remove the drain assembly from the top of the sink. Underneath, loosen the drain assembly from the trap and remove. You have now completely removed all the old faucet pieces.
- 6). Clean the sink area and existing plumbing connections before continuing.
- 7). Attach supply hoses to new faucet if you have not already done so. Attach plumbers putty to the faucet. Some manufacturers include gaskets to use instead. Insert new faucet into counter top and fasten underneath using basin wrench, pliers or standard wrenches. If this is a split design assembly, you will need to attach the valves to the spout as well.
- 8). Attach drain assembly. Use plumbers putty underneath the lip which shows in the sink. Slip into the trap assembly and tighten. Test by pouring water into the sink to ensure a tight seal and no leaks. If leaking, you may need to remove and address the plumbers putty. Once it is watertight, remove any excess plumbers putty in the sink.
- 9). Install the pop-up assembly. Drop the pop-up into the sink first. Attach the lever to the pop up through the gasketed opening in the drain. Once secure, attach the lever from the faucet to the lever in the drain.
- 10
Attach the supply lines to the hot and cold valves. Use Teflon tape. Hand tighten, then tighten further with pliers or the proper sized wrench. - 11
Turn on the hot and cold lines one at a time, checking for leaks. Have a towel nearby in case of a leak. - 12
Test full functionality of the faucet. Turn both hot and cold lines on, ensure hot and cold is coming out of the correct valves. Ensure there are no leaks. Test the functionality of the stopper. Make any necessary adjustments. Clean up, and enjoy your new bathroom faucet.
