How To Replace A Bathroom Sink Faucet
Replacing a bathroom sink faucet is a great way to give your bathroom a quick and affordable update. Whether you want to change the look of your sink or replace a leaky faucet, this DIY project is something you can easily tackle with just a few tools. Even if you don’t have a lot of plumbing experience, we’re here to guide you through the process. Keep reading for everything you need to know to change your faucet easily.
Before You Replace a Bathroom Faucet
Before you begin, it’s important to determine the type of faucet designed for your bathroom sink. Bathroom sink faucets are single hole, center set, or split set, also known as widespread. A single hole faucet is designed to operate through a single hole in the sink, while a center-set or widespread bathroom faucet is designed for sinks that have three holes or more between them. Before detaching any parts, shut off the faucet water supply and clear any items stored under the sink to make the faucet parts easier to reach. Turn on the faucet to release pressure from the water lines and then close the faucet. Place a bucket or basin under the pipes to catch any water that spills when replacing the drain.
How to Replace a Bathroom Sink Drain
Many bathroom faucet replacement kits include new drains, so take this opportunity to replace the drain pipe. Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the slip nut on the bending P-trap pipe under the sink and unscrew the sink drain flange from the tailpiece below the sink. Prepare the new drain tailpiece by attaching the nut and gasket as directed. Put silicon sealant on the underside of the sink flange and place the flange over the drain hole in the sink. Tighten the tailpiece nut and gasket and attach the tailpiece to the P-trap. If your drain has plastic parts, do not use plumber’s putty on them.
How to Install a Bathroom Faucet
Remove the new faucet from the packaging and place the rubber or plastic gasket between the faucet and the top of the sink holes. Put the new faucet in position, placing the appropriate valves into their matching holes and seal the edge with a thin layer of bathroom caulk. Put a washer over mounting nuts, attach them by hand, and then tighten securely with a wrench or pair of pliers. Attach the lift rod to the drain tailpiece and connect the hot and cold water supply lines.
Test the New Faucet
Turn the water supply back on and open both the cold and hot water taps. Inspect all the new connections and check for leaks above and below the sink. Once you know how to change an old fixture or fix a leak, you can quickly take care of one of the most common household repairs. Replacing a bathroom faucet is a step-by-step process. Preparation is key, so make sure you turn off your water before you start. Determine whether you have a single or widespread faucet. Ready to tackle this simple DIY project? Get the fixtures and tools you need.
FAQs
Q: How do I know if I have a single hole or widespread faucet?
A: A single hole faucet is designed to operate through a single hole in the sink, while a widespread bathroom faucet is designed for sinks that have holes of six or more inches between them.
Q: What should I do if the water supply nut is corroded and hard to turn?
A: Spray with WD40 or drop some oil around the nut, use a flat head screwdriver and/or a spanner or adjustable wrench.
Q: How do I remove the old faucet?
A: Unscrew the mounting nuts under the sink that secure the faucet. You may need an adjustable wrench or basin wrench, especially if the nuts are difficult to reach. Disconnect the faucet’s lift rod from the drain and pull up the old faucet assembly from the top until it clears the sink.
Q: What should I do if I have trouble locating the shutoff valve for my bathroom faucet?
A: If you have trouble locating the shutoff valve for your bathroom faucet or if the faucet still runs, turn off the main water supply to your home.
Q: How do I install the new drain pipe?
A: Put a layer of plumber’s putty around the top of the drain hole and set the new stopper inside. Underneath your sink, slide the rubber gasket and nut onto the drain pipe and tighten it by hand until it’s snug. Then, just screw your P-trap back onto the end of the drain pipe to finish your drain assembly.
Q: What should I do if the water supply lines drip water once I disconnect them?
A: Hold them over the towel and bucket. Wipe up any water that drips onto the bottom of the vanity immediately to prevent damage or warping.