How to Replace an Old Bathroom Faucet
Your bathroom faucet is probably one of the most used items in your house, so it's no surprise that it might need replacement after several years of use. Or perhaps you just want to update the look in your bathroom. It's a rather basic plumbing procedure, so even if you haven't done much plumbing work, you should be able to replace it without any problems. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Pliers, wrench, basin wrench
- Lubricating oil
- Bucket
- Rags
- Teflon tape
- Plumber's putty
- Flashlight
Instructions
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1
Unpack your new faucet. Ensure all pieces are accounted for and are not broken. Some faucets and drains require some preassembly. Do this before beginning the removal of the old faucet.
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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.
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3
Remove supply lines from the faucet. This is 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 the supply lines from the shutoff valves. If you are reusing the supply lines, attach them to the new faucet now.
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4
Remove fasteners holding the faucet to the countertop. This step may require a penetrating oil if the bolt or nut is stuck. Unlatch and remove the pop-up lever. Remove the old faucet from the countertop. Scrape off any remaining gaskets or plumber's putty from the top and bottom of the countertop.
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5
Loosen and remove the drain assembly. If you are also replacing the trap assembly, it may be easier for you to cut away the drain assembly using a reciprocating saw 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.
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6
Clean the sink area and existing plumbing connections before continuing.
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7
Attach the supply hoses to the new faucet if you have not already done so. Attach plumber's putty to the faucet. Some manufacturers include gaskets to use instead. Insert the new faucet into the countertop and fasten underneath using a 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.
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8
Attach drain assembly. Use plumber's putty underneath the lip that 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 plumber's putty. Once it is watertight, remove any excess plumber's putty in the sink.
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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.
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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.
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11
Turn on the hot and cold lines one at a time, checking for leaks. Have a towel nearby in case of a leak.
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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.
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Tips & Warnings
You may wish to replace the old supply hoses with flexible new ones.
You may with to replace the trap assembly at this time as well.
Use Teflon tape on all threads.
Wash hands thoroughly when finished.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages, Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
