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Whether upgrading your bathroom or replacing an old, worn-out faucet, you must know the right guidelines and DIY instructions about the installation process. Installing a new bathroom faucet is easy to complete in less time.
Before starting the installation, find the right faucet suitable for your needs, turn off the water supply, unscrew the water lines, and lock the nuts with a wrench. Install and assemble new faucets and secure nuts. Run a quick water test to check for leaks.
To learn more about the installation process of bathroom faucets, keep reading this detailed guide.
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How To Install a New Bathroom Faucet? Step-By-Step
Your bathroom faucet may vary depending on the number of holes in the vanity top or sink. The basic installation procedure is the same for all faucets, including single handles or center set faucets.
Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to install a new bathroom faucet:
Required Tools & Equipment
The following tools and materials you will need to complete this DIY project:
- Adjustable wrench
- Philips head screwdriver
- Bucket
- Towel
- A new faucet
- Plumber’s Putty
Step 1: Choose A New Faucet
If your sink where you want to install a new faucet has three holes within 4 inches distance, you will need a center-set faucet. You can also pick a single-hole faucet having a deck plate to hide the vacant holes. This faucet will include a spout, handle, valves, and other important components.
For a sink with holes distant 8 inches, you will need a widespread faucet consisting of a handle and a hot and cold water valve.
Choosing a faucet labeled WaterSense is highly recommended to ensure water and energy conservation.
Step 2: Shut Off the Water Supply
- Find the main water shut-off valve and turn it off.
- Turn on your old faucet to drain excess water.
- Keep a bucket and towel beneath the drain pipe to collect water.
- Remove the P-trap from the underside of the sink connected to the drain.
- First, unscrew pipe connections, then unscrew metal nuts.
- Use a basin wrench to disconnect the water supply lines attached to the faucet valve.
Step 3: Remove the Old Faucet
- You will find plastic lock nuts under your sink.
- Turn those nuts in the counterclockwise direction by hand.
- If they are hard to unscrew, use a wrench to make them loose. Remove nuts and rubber washer.
- Remove the old faucet from the mounting holes and also detach the rubber gasket.
- If the sealant is hard to remove, use a putty knife to pry the old faucet.
Step 4: Clean The Area Before Installing New Faucet
You will see a lot of dirt and buildup under the sealant of your old faucet.
- Pour water and add soap to clean the area.
- Use a soft sponge or at least an abrasive pad to scrub the hard stains and limescale.
- If there is tough residue on the sink, scrape it off with a putty knife.
Step 5: Install New Faucet & Align It
- Install a new bathroom faucet after assembling its components by following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Add the plumber’s putty at the bottom of the faucet.
- Place your faucet gasket at the tailpiece by keeping it between the sink and the base of the faucet.
- Put the assembly inside mounting holes and press the faucet over the sealant for better grip.
Note: You can also use Silicone caulk to seal the edges extra waterproof.
Step 6: Thread Washer & Basin Nut
- Thread washer and basin or lock nuts on the valve tailpiece.
- Tighten the nuts using a wrench or by hand. Avoid over-tightening.
- Adjust the bathroom faucet on holes and keep it centered on top of the sink.
- Tighten all nuts with a basin wrench but be careful of over-tightening.
- Clean the extra putty from the base and add a new plumber’s tape to connect lines.
Step 7: Install New Drain Pipe
- If your new faucet has a drain pipe, install it to replace the old drain.
- Use a plumber’s putty around the drain hole and fix the new stopper.
- Beneath the sink, insert a rubber gasket and tighten the nut on the drain pipe.
- Screw the P-trap at the end of the drain pipe to complete the drain assembly.
Step 8: Restore Water Lines & Run A Test
- Reconnect the water lines and move the shut-off valve in a counterclockwise direction.
- Turn the handles on the faucet to allow water to flow through the spout.
- Keep the water running for a minute to check for leaks. If there are no leaks, the installation process is complete.
Learn more about How To Replace a Bathroom Faucet and Drain?
FAQs
Do You Need A Plumber To Install A Bathroom Faucet?
You can install a bathroom faucet without hiring a plumber. Replacing a faucet is an easy DIY project that doesn’t require hiring a professional; you can do it yourself.
Do You Need Special Tools To Change A Faucet?
You will need a basin wrench or an adjustable wrench to remove an old bathroom faucet and install a new faucet. With the adjustable wrench, you can tighten all the nuts.
What Are The Different Types Of Bathroom Faucet Installation?
A bathroom faucet has different types of installation. Multiple mounting options include a single hole, widespread, vessel, center-set, and wall mounted.
Do You Need To Replace Drain When Replacing Faucet?
Yes, you will need to replace the drain most of the time. If you are changing the finish of your faucet from chrome to brass, you will need to replace the drain to match the finish.
Should I Use Plumber’s Putty Or Silicone In the Faucet?
Both are good to use to attach faucets. Plumber’s putty or silicone caulk is useful for water tightening the drain, fitting, sink strainer and showers. Plumber’s putty is a traditionally used adhesive material, while Silicone caulk is modern.
Wrapping Up
Installation of a new bathroom faucet is an easy and simple task. You only need the right tool and guidelines to complete this DIY project.
Check all the areas to see if everything is functioning properly. Inspect the supply lines, water pressure, and flow rate. If you find any step difficult, hire a plumber to fix things perfectly.
