A new faucet is a great way to update your bathroom.This is a relatively simple project that you can do in a few hours if you want to make a bathroom renovation.It's important to get a faucet that fits your sink so you don't have to buy a new one.
Step 1: Pick out your tools and supplies.
If you want to replace a bathroom faucet, you'll need a few tools to remove the old one and install the new one.You'll need a Basin wrench, bucket towel, measuring tape, Sponge or scrubber, bathroom cleaner, Rag or cloth, and a new faucet.
Step 2: Take care of your work area.
Everything is under the sink.You can protect the bathroom from water damage by placing a towel under the pipes.Put a bucket over the towel and under the faucet to catch drips.You can put a garbage bag under the towel or put the bucket in its place.
Step 3: The water needs to be turned off.
The bathroom sink has a water shutoff valve.It should be under the sink.The valve should be turned to the right to shut it down.Depending on your plumbing, you can either have a single water valve for the entire faucet or two separate valves for hot and cold water.You can turn off the water supply to the entire line if you can't find the shutoff valve.
Step 4: The water needs to be drained.
After you shut off the water, drain the pipes to remove excess water from the faucet.When the water has drained out, turn on the faucets at the sink.This will protect your sink, bathroom, and floors from water damage and will prevent water from spraying when you remove the faucet.
Step 5: The supply tubes should be disconnected.
The tubes connect the faucet to the water supply.The nuts are attached to the water supply.Use the basin wrench to loosen the nut.The nuts should be loosened by turning them to the left.You can remove the nuts by hand if you loosen them with the wrench.Water that drips onto the bottom of the Vanity should be wiped up immediately.
Step 6: The lock nuts need to be loosened to remove the old faucet.
Locknuts are attached to the sink to hold the faucets in place.You can loosen the nuts by using your hands or a wrench.To loosen them, turn them left.The nuts and washers need to be removed from the tailpieces.The faucet will be loose once you remove the supply lines, nuts and washers.Pull the faucet out of the mounting holes by holding it in both hands.Set the gasket aside with the faucet if there is one.If you're having trouble locating nuts under the sink, use the flashlight.
Step 7: The faucet holes need to be cleaned.
To clean the mounting holes around the sink, use a sponge or abrasive pad.You can use soap and water.Once the area is clean, rinse it and pat it dry.Rub a sponge or rag with mineral spirits and wipe the area clean to remove old sealant or silicone.After rinsing the area with clean water, pat it dry.
Step 8: Determine what kind of faucet you have.
If you remove the old faucet from the mounting holes, you can figure out what hole configuration you need and the type of faucet you want.Single hole, where the sink only has one hole for the faucet, is one of the three major types of faucets.There will be three holes in the sink and a one-piece faucet with separate handles for hot and cold water.Three-hole basins work with widespread or split-set, but the spout and two handles come in three separate pieces.
Step 9: Purchase a new faucet.
Measure the distance between the holes in the basin to make sure you get the right replacement faucet.Write down the number of holes in your basin, the type of faucet that was on there, and the distance between them.The basin will have to be replaced if you want to replace your old faucet with a new one.
Step 10: The gasket needs to be installed.
The gasket is a rubber or plastic piece that sits between the faucet and the sink to prevent leaks.The holes in the gasket should match the ones on the tailpipes and valves of the faucet.To make sure the faucet is tightly sealed, be sure to seat the plastic gasket properly.If your faucet didn't come with a gasket, you'll need to apply sealant or plumber's putty before installing it.Before you put in the faucet, follow the manufacturer's directions and lay down a thin layer of sealant or putty.
Step 11: Wrap the threads with tape.
The tape is designed to create a better seal between components.If you want to make sure the tape doesn't extend beyond the end of the pipe, wrap the tailpipes with a layer of tape.The tape will prevent leaks when the water supply hose is attached to the faucet.
Step 12: The new faucet should be inserted.
Attach the faucet to the mounting holes by holding it in both hands.Put the faucet into position by matching the tailpipes and valves with the correct holes.Once the faucet is in the mounting holes, you can twist the nuts by hand.To tighten the nuts, turn them to the right.If you need to tighten the nuts by hand, turn them another quarter turn with the wrench.If you tighten the nuts any more, you could damage the sink.
Step 13: Attach the water supply hoses.
Attach the hoses to the faucet first.Attach the hose to the tailpipe and tighten the nut by hand.The basin wrench can be used to turn each nut a quarter turn to the right.Attach the hoses to the new faucet and you're good to go.Turn the nuts by hand to the right, then tighten them with a wrench.If you are attaching the supply lines to copper pipes with threaded connections, make sure to hold the copper pipe securely to prevent it from twisting or breaking.
Step 14: The water should be turned on when you test the faucet.
The water should be turned back on when everything is connected and tightened.To flush the new faucet, turn on the taps.Check for leaks and drips when the water is running.To flush the faucet, simply let the hot and cold water run.